The intersection of trails, rails and Route 66 in the Mojave Desert is found at the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association in diminutive Goffs, California. If you’re hunting for a one of a kind destination with stunning desert landscapes set your sights on a Route 66 adventure to Goffs.
Set in the picturesque eastern Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, Goffs is one step away from becoming a ghost town. But this dusty desert crossroads is a tangible link to centuries of transportation evolution in the desert. The heart of this story is an Indigenous trade route that evolved into a pivotal 19th century wagon road. And that paved the way for a pioneering railroad, two early highways, and legendary Route 66. The Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association (MDHCA) preserves this history, and finds innovative ways to bring it to life.
Telling people where to go, it’s what we do. So, let’s see if I can inspire a road trip or two.
intersection of Trails, Rails & route 66
Long before anyone drove a horseless carriage across the high desert, the Mojave Indians (also spelled Mohave) and neighbouring tribes traversed a network of trails across the desert. These paths linked desert oasis and villages on the Colorado River and the Pacific coast. In the mid 19th century the Mojave Road (also called Old Government Road) followed these native trade routes across the harsh desert. Attesting to the roads importance, military outposts were established at key locations.
Between 1857–1860, Lt. Edward F. Beale surveyed and established a wagon road along the 35th parallel across northern Arizona. He also followed a native American trade route. Connecting with the Mojave Road at the Colorado River to Los Angeles these were the first federally funded roads in the southwest.
The Beale expedition was also a camel-caravan experiment to test the viablity of these pack annimals for military transport in the desert. As an interesting hisotric footnote, the experiment was authorized by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. Davis would later serve as the president of the Confederate States of America.
The Mojave Road remains a rugged, unmaintained desert trek through the Mojave National Preserve. Beloved by off-road enthusiasts it stretches westward about 133–147 miles from Beale’s Crossing on the Colorado River. Under optimal conditions it takes 2-3 days to traverse by high-clearance 4×4. That adventure includes a stop at Goffs.
Goffs: Rail Town Turned Highway Hub
Founded as a railroad siding in 1883 Goffs was originally named Blake. The name change was made in 1902. Located at the top of the long grade from the Colorado River Valley, Goffss was a crucial water stop for steam powered locomotives. Over time, as steam was replaced by diesel to power locomotives, Goffs importance declined.
The renovated 1914 Mission-style one-room schoolhouse, a museum and headquarters for the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association, is the shining gem in Goffs.The historic building served not only as a school but as the social center for the community. During WWI when the Mojave Desert was used to train troops for the invasion of North Africa the school served as a mess hall.
From a tourism-development standpoint Goffs is a marvelous example of how a remote transportation-node town turned heritage hub can be re-imagined. With its museum, operational stamp-mills, diverse array of relics and location on historic trails and highways, it stands as a template for heritage tourism development.
Auto-Trails Era: The Arrowhead Highway & the National Old Trails Road
Before establishment of the US highway system, communities, auto clubs and promoters developed a network of named auto trails. Two key corridors put Goffs on the map. These weree the Arrowhead Highway (also called Arrowhead Trail) and the National Old Trails Road.
Arrowhead Highway
Organized in July 1916, the Arrowhead Trails Association was headquartered in Redlands, California, and connected Los Angeles with Salt Lake City. Ouposts of civilization in the desert included Daggett, Newberry Springs, Ludlow, Amboy, Goffs and Las Vegas.
The Arrowhead Highway was a milestone in the establishment of “good roads” in the desert. It also played an important role in the development of automobile tourism.
National Old Trails Road (NOTR) & U.S. Route 66
The National Old Trails Road, established in the 1912, and rerouted in 1913, was one of the earliest coast-to-coast automobile highways. This road crossed the Colorado River near Needles, continued across the desert, and down Cajon Pass into Los Angeles.
When the U.S. highway system was introduced in 1926, many sections of the NOTR in the southwest and west became part of U.S. Route 66. But Goffs association was short lived. Realignment to the south in late 1930 resulted in Goffs becoming the first Route 66 community bypassed.
The Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association (MDHCA) at Goffs
The MDHCA was formed in 1993 to preserve and interpret the story of the East Mojave Desert. The organization restored the historic Goffs Schoolhouse (completed restoration in 1998). Its mission was to, “to research, conserve and educate the public about the natural & cultural history of the Mojave Desert regions…”
The MDHCA complex includes the schoolhouse museum, mining-equipment displays, outdoor “dining”cafe” used for events, and a Harvest Host affiliated campground with water, showers, electric hookup, and dump station. The MDHCA also hosts numerous events such as Camp With the Camels, a celebration of the camel-caravan experiment.
For developers, tourism directors or community organizers this is a example of heritage tourism. It is a shining example of how transportation history, off-road adventure, education and preservation can transform a place into a destination.
The Beale Road and the Camel Caravan Experiment
Lt. Edward F. Beale’s 1857–60 expedition cleared a graded wagon route across the 35th parallel from New Mexico to the Colorado River. An additional expedition across the Mojave Desert resulted in the creation of the Mojave Road. In Arizona, Beale’s Wagon Road would be followed by the railroad, early highways, Route 66, and even I40.
Legends of the camel caravan, wild camels roaming freem and even ghost camels are now a part of desert lore
The Mojave Road, the railroad, Route 66, and the off-road revival place Goffs at the intersection of trails, rails, and Route 66.
Route 66 in the Mojave Desert & Goffs’ Role
When U.S. Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, it initially used sections of previous auto-trails and wagon roads. In the Mojave Desert, Route 66 brought traffic and commerce to remote desert towns like Goffs. But that era of prosperity ended abruptly in 1931 with highway realignment through Essex.
Today the section of Route 66 from highway 95 to the I40 junction at Fenner is a bit of a time capsule. From the sun baked asphalt to the railroad crossing and harsh desert landscape, there is a blurring of past and present. A stop at Goffs adds to the sense of time travel.
For fans of the great American road trip and Route 66 enthusiasts, Goffs offers both authenticity, a rich history, and a memory making experience.
Coming Up on Coffee With Jim — Nov 2, 2025
On the November 2, 2025, episode of Coffee With Jim, our weekly podcast, we enjoyed a fascinating conversation with Laura Misajet, Director of the Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association. We dug into the history of Goffs, the MDHCA’s mission, camel caravans, and how in Goffs heritage and experiential tourism converge in the desert.
The Sponsors & Community Behind Jim Hinckley’s America
At Jim Hinckley’s America, we believe storytelling, heritage, tourism, road trips, and America’s story go hand in hand. Our weekly podcast – Coffee With Jim – is the virtual diner. It is where fans of the great American road trip, authors, artists, event organizers, and CVB directors gather over coffee, pie and conversation. This is but one example of how we share America’s story, and tell people where to go.
Our network thrives thanks to the support of a strong community of sponsors and partners:
- Listeners and friends via Patreon, who provide subscription-level support and help us keep producing every week.
- Our sponsors are also partners. They share our vision. And they also have a similar mission, provide a valuable service with attention to detail that adds a bit of magic to the road trip experience. Among our valued partners:
- Wagon Wheel Motel (Cuba, Missouri)
- Cactus Inn Motel (McLean, Texas)
- Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
- Roadrunner Lodge Motel (Tucumcari, New Mexico)
- Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours (Route 66 guided tours)
- Two Lane America (tour operator)
- RouteTrip USA (travel-planning partner)
- Deana Nelson, State Farm Insurance, Kingman, Arizona
By supporting our network—whether through Patreon, sharing a post, subscribing to our YouTube channel or following us on Facebook/Instagram—you become part of the Jim Hinckley’s America community. This passionate community keeps the American story alive. And it ensures the destinations thrive, and there is inspiration for road trips.
Why Goffs Matters for Road-Trip and Tourism Development
- Layered storytelling: Goffs encapsulates the history of indigenous trails, wagon roads, camel caravans, railroads, auto-trails, highways, ghost-town revival and off-road adventure. That depth creates a rich blending of history, experience, and relevance.
- Unique destination: Located along an often overlooked segment of Route 66, Goffs stands out. And the authenticity ensures it is a stop for all ages.
- Heritage + Adventure synergy: With the Mojave Road accessibility, the schoolhouse museum and unique event, Goffs is at the crossroads of heritage, experiential, environmental and cultural tourism converge.
- Community-development model: The MDHCA’s work shows what small-town heritage destinations can do with limited resources but leadership with vision.
- Fit for the Jim Hinckley’s America mission: Our brand strives to “share America’s story and inspire road-trips by telling people where to go.” Goffs fits perfectly.
Practical Road-Trip Notes for Goffs
- Plan to stop at the Goffs Schoolhouse Museum (check for hours or to scheduule an appointment).
- Drive the pre-1931 alignment of Route 66 in the area (Goffs Road) for an authentic “Mother Road” feel.
- If you have a high-clearance 4×4 and desert-readiness, consider a segment of the Mojave Road for off-road adventure experience. But we highly recommend this trip as a caravan, not as a single experience.
- Use Goffs as a base for exploring the Mojave National Preserve and associated open-space trails. The MDHCA’s site is also listed on platforms such as Hipcamp for RV/tent stays.
- Mining-equipment relics, stamp-mills, the schoolhouse, interpretation signage and the desert environment make this an ideal family stop.
- Remember: services are limited. Bring water, supplies, etc.
In Closing
Goffs, California may not be bustling with traffic anymore. Still, from the dusty native trails to the roar of early autos on the Arrowhead Highway, from the camel caravans of Lt. Beale to modern off-road adventures, Goffs blurs the line between past and present.
At Jim Hinckley’s America, we’re thrilled to bring places like Goffs to your attention. Whether you’re a back road wanderer, a tourism director, working on community revitalization, a history buff, or simply someone who believes there’s magic in America’s backroads — Goffs is a destination.
Join Our Road-Trip Community & Support Our Mission
If you’ve enjoyed this desert-story, here’s how to keep riding with us:
- Follow Jim Hinckley’s America on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube. Share our posts, tag friends, help build the community of road-trip and history lovers.
- Support our sponsors who believe in the same mission. Folks like Two Lane America, the Wagon Wheel Motel (Cuba, MO), Cactus Inn Motel (McLean, TX), Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park (Albuquerque, NM), Roadrunner Lodge Motel (Tucumcari, NM), and Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours add magic to any road trip.
- If you’re with a tourism office or community-development team, talk to us. We are always looking for interesting guests to join us on Coffee With Jim. And our network is hee to magnify your promotional initiatives.
- Use the Goffs story. Use the blog post, use the podcast. Invite collaborators.
Thank you. Shared adventures are the best adventures.