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What’s off the Zzyzx Road on the I-15 in California? Well, I’ve always wondered, seeing the sign on road trips to Las Vegas.
Travel down the exit to Soda Springs, a deserted oasis with an interesting history. Passing dried salt lakes and other interesting things, I saw a tarantula!
I’ll share what to know when going, what to see and expect, and tips.
Getting to Zzyzx Road Exit
Taking the I-15 North from Los Angeles, it took a while to reach the area. Get off at exit 244.
After exiting, I saw a sign that said, “Entering Mojave National Preserve. Not a through route. No off-road access. No camping along road.”
The road starts out paved, and then turns into gravel and dirt.
Mojave Desert Tarantulas
There was a tarantula crossing the road. So this called for a stop to take pictures!
I definitely wasn’t going to get too close. Then I saw another one down the road that had been run over.
Passing by Salt Lakes
Further down the road, mountains stood in the distance. The landscape was as pretty as a painted picture.
The sun rose high over the blended hues of blue, brown, and green. During the winter holidays, it was a pleasant day and perfect for exploring the desert.
I passed the dried-up salt lakes with barriers blocking the way. You are not allowed to walk or drive on the evaporated lakes.
Exploring Soda Springs
After traveling about 5 miles, there was a row of trees and a sign that read Welcome Soda Springs: Home of the CSU Desert Studies Center. Walk-in access during daylight hours only.
A gate blocked off the area that belongs to the university. That’s as far as you can go down Zzyzx Road in a vehicle.
They have a free parking lot with a restroom for visitors. I saw couple of cars there, but barely anyone was walking around the area.
Lake Tuendae Loop Trail
Gentle breezes whispered through the palms as I started on the unpaved trail. It was very quiet, except for the wildlife rustling through the brush.
California State University owns some of the areas that are closed off to visitors. Follow the sign to Lake Tuendae Loop Trail.
And I saw warning signs to watch out for rattlesnakes. Thankfully, there weren’t any.
The short walk is not even half a mile, and it’ll take you to the oasis. Beyond the roped-off area, I saw people in the distance on the university grounds.
Palm trees lined the springs as birds gathered and sang around the water. It’s surreal to find a sanctuary like this in the middle of the desert.
Soda Springs Deserted Town
I came across the deserted town that a self-anointed doctor called Curtis Springer started in 1944. He moved to the area and became rich from mining.
Then he built up a castle, library, dining hall, and health spa, which he named “Zzyzx” because it would be the last listing in any directory. He got worldwide popularity from a radio show he started.
Over the next 30 years, people came to his health resort for healing. He shipped health products all over the country.
But his big scam fell apart after many years, and he faced legal problems. His products weren’t what he claimed, and he was accused of false advertising. He was evicted from the site in 1974.
I would have liked to explore the buildings, but they were closed off. But you can see a lot when standing outside the ropes.
Historic Travel Stop
Besides the old health resort area, I saw a wrecked boat and other old relics. It was interesting to see such signs of life from years past.
So many people have lived by and passed through Soda Springs. The Mohave Indians were the very first settlers, visiting the area for hunting and gathering trips.
The footpath created by the Native Americans became a wagon road. Travelers came by wagon from California to Arizona. By the 1860s, the railroad came, bringing more visitors.
Fast forward to after the fall of the health spa, and it’s travelers like us who visit the area. The Mojave Desert is full of rich history and interesting tales.
On the way back to the parking lot, I admired the view of old buildings across the water. As the trees reflected off the water, it reminded me of so many places laid to rest after years of activity.
Travel Notes
While walking the trail, it was quite dusty. So, you’ll want to keep that in mind and wear comfortable walking shoes.
I visited in the winter, and it was nice and cool. However, the sun was still strong, so I didn’t need a jacket.
You’ll want to keep out of places that are roped off. There were plenty of signs warning to keep out, and they do have surveillance cameras.
Plus, I saw people working in the area, so they see visitors walking around. I wouldn’t risk jumping over the ropes to get a closer look.
Overall
I headed back to the highway, finally solving the mystery plaguing my mind. Now I knew where Zzyzx Road went.
Through the Mojave Desert Preserve to Soda Springs, you’ll find it. Exploring the area was such an interesting treat, and it’s worth checking out if you have the time.
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