Historic U.S. Highway 80 - California Travel Information
Historic U.S. Highway 80
Until 1972, U.S. 80 was signed along the current Interstate 8 corridor, connecting San Diego on the coast with the mountain communities of Alpine, Pine Valley, and Jacumba before heading into the Imperial Valley, passing by Seeley, El Centro, and Holtville before crossing the Colorado River and entering Arizona at the town of Winterhaven. Legislatively decommissioned in 1964, the shields for U.S. 80 were not completely removed until 1972, which is largely due to the several unconstructed segments of Interstate highway in 1964. A much greater portion of U.S. 80 was removed from the books nationally; by 1989, the entire route from Dallas west to San Diego was eliminated. That entire stretch, save Arizona 77 between Tucson and Florence Junction and Arizona/New Mexico 80 between Benson and near Lordsburg via Douglas, were replaced by Interstate highways, thus relegating the old highway to frontage road status in some areas or completely gone in others. However, several extant sections of Old U.S. 80 (the Boulevard of America) still remain, including several sections out of sight from the freeway, and this page chronicles those portions.
Mileage sign to Guatay and Pine Valley along eastbound Historic U.S. 80 after its junction with California 79. The zero milepost is in place here because the historic route shifts from state to county maintenance at this point. San Diego County uses green mileposts at half-mile intervals on all of its county-maintained routes. Photo taken 03/22/02.
Eastbound Historic U.S. 80 litter control signage at the eastern entrance into Pine Valley. Even San Diego County uses a litter control modeled after the state's program on its county routes. Note that even though the county operates this road, there is no assigned county route number or pentagon shield. It is well-known locally as "Old Highway 80." Photo taken 03/22/02.
This San Diego County Route S-1 trailblazer sign is found along eastbound Historic U.S. 80 as it leaves the community of Pine Valley, pointing the way to the Sunrise Highway and some of the most beautiful mountain vistas in Southern California. This shield itself has a sticker affixed to it that says "S-1," so it is likely that this shield was used previously with a different number. Photos taken 03/22/02.
Eastbound Historic U.S. 80 at Junction San Diego County Route S-1. County Route S-1 leads north from here to the highest points of the Laguna Mountains via the Sunrise Highway, while U.S. 80 turns right onto southbound County Route S-1 to cross Interstate 8. Originally, the Sunrise Highway ended at U.S. 80, and there was no stop for eastbound at this intersection, but that changed with the construction of Interstate 8 and its interchange with the Sunrise Highway. Photo taken 06/10/01.
Descanso to Jacumba via Pine Valley - Westbound
Mileage sign to Guatay and Alpine along westbound Historic U.S. 80 as it leaves Pine Valley. Photo taken 03/22/02.
Westbound Historic U.S. 80 at the connector road from U.S. 80 south to Interstate 8 in Pine Valley, an unincorporated community that is known for its rural lifestyle but acts as a bedroom community and as a gateway to the mountains. This neutered Interstate 8 trailblazer shield was placed by San Diego County. Photo taken 03/22/02.
This Interstate 8 postmile is located old U.S. 80 near milepost 12 east of San Diego County Route S-1 near Kitchen Creek. The postmile marker is a remnant from when the Interstate was temporarily routed onto the old road during construction of the new freeway. A few of these old postmiles remain. Photo taken 05/25/03.
Descanso to Jacumba via Pine Valley - Other Scenes Pertaining to U.S. 80
View of a bridge near Jacumba along old U.S. 80 in San Diego County as the highway passes over the San Diego and Imperial Valley Railroad. This railroad was in use as a freight line until around 1986; since then, the section between Campo and Plaster City has fallen into disuse. Plans call for this rail line to be refurbished and restored, but it is unclear when it might return to active service again. With steep grades, only a single track, and the section that enters into Mexico, this rail line is not likely to achieve the same level of traffic as many east-west railroads in California. Photo taken 01/22/99.
The U.S.-Mexico International Border in metropolitan San Diego is marked with a tall fence, one that is heavily guarded and difficult to surmount. However, throughout the Eastern San Diego County backcountry, the border is marked by a comparably short fence, paralleled by the dirt road shown in these pictures. The vantage point is just south of U.S. 80 near the railroad bridge west of Jacumba; the border is within walking distance from the south side of U.S. 80. The dirt road shown in this picture is primarily used by the U.S. Border Patrol to further their mission. On the day these pictures were taken, we encountered several Border Patrol agents, some of whom must have wondered why we were taking pictures of bridges and highway signs. The first picture is looking west; the second picture is looking east. Photos taken 01/22/99.
This sign is not located on Historic U.S. 80 itself, but it is located along a dirt road parallel to the U.S.-Mexico Border just south of the above railroad bridge near old U.S. 80. In Spanish, it says, "Caution! Don't expose your life to the elements. It's not worth the penalty." The sign is meant for migrants who are occasionally found wandering the desert malnourished after they have been dropped off by smugglers on the U.S. side of the international border. Sadly, many migrants perish before finding adequate water, shelter, or food in the harsh desert environment. Photos taken 01/22/99.
Westbound U.S. 80 at the interchange with Interstate 8 near In-ko-pah Gorge. Photo taken 12/14/02.
Desert View Tower
The Desert View Tower looks over the vast desert horizon from its perch above Interstate 8 and the In-Ko-pah Gorge. Built between 1922 and 1928 by Bert Vaughn (who at that time owned the nearby town of Jacumba), the Desert View Tower is a well-known landmark for travelers along Historic U.S. 80, the Boulevard of America. The tower is open for visitors for a nominal fee. Photos taken 01/15/07.
Built between 1922 and 1928 by Bert Vaughn (who at that time owned the nearby town of Jacumba), the Desert View Tower is a well-known landmark for travelers along Historic U.S. 80, the Boulevard of America. The tower was built to honor the railroad and highway builders who opened this area for travelers. Nearby rock sculptures were carved by W.T. Ratcliffe, an engineer, during the 1930s. Photo taken 01/15/07.
The wind was howling on this day, after a winter storm passed through the area. This resulted in clean air and stellar views of the Imperial Valley. Photo taken 01/15/07.
Looking east from the Desert View Tower, the alignments of Interstate 8 east and west split after the Mountain Springs Road interchange (Exit 80). In the distance is the Salton Sea. Photo taken 01/15/07.
El Centro to Jct. California 115 near Holtville - Eastbound
East of Business Loop I-8 and California 86, Old U.S. 80 again travels on its own again through eastern El Centro. Photo taken 04/01/06.
The area east of El Centro is generally industrial, and much of the old route is falling apart somewhat due to truck traffic. Photo taken 04/01/06.
Storage facilities, rentals, and industrial services line Imperial County Route S-80 (Old U.S. 80) east of El Centro. Note the use of Botts Dots as pavement marking. Photo taken 04/01/06.
The next major intersection along eastbound U.S. 80 is the junction with Imperial County Route S-31 (Dogwood Road). A gas station is located on the southwestern and northwestern corners. Photo taken 04/01/06.
On this day, the temperature was a balmy 72 degrees. On many days in the summer, daytime temperatures get well into the 100 degree range. Photo taken 04/01/06.
Old U.S. 80 continues east after Dogwood Road. There are no reassurance shields for Imperial County Route S-80. Photo taken 04/01/06.
Imperial County Route S-80 (Old U.S. 80/Evan Hewes Highway) turns slightly northeast, while Gillett Road continues due east. Photo taken 04/01/06.
At the Cooley Road intersection, Imperial County Route S-80 (Old U.S. 80) leaves the city of El Centro and enters unincorporated county. Photo taken 04/01/06.
The powerlines in the distance mark the pending junction with California 111. Photo taken 04/01/06.
Eastbound U.S. 80 (Imperial County Route S-80) approaches its junction with Old Highway 111 (frontage road) and California 111 expressway. Photo taken 04/01/06.
The first traffic signal at the junction with California 111 is with Old Highway 111, followed by the intersection with the state route. A transmission power line tower sits between the old alignment and the new expressway. Photo taken 04/01/06.
At the second traffic signal, turn left to follow California 111 north to Brawley and Indio or turn right to follow California 111 south to Calexico. Through its entire route south of Brawley, California 111 is a four-lane divided highway. Photo taken 04/01/06.
Westbound U.S. 80 at Junction California 115. This intersection is just north of the southern terminus of California 115. From here, U.S. 80 turns north (right) onto California 115, and they stay merged through the town of Holtville. After Holtville, California 115 turns north toward Calipatria, while U.S. 80 continues west toward El Centro via Imperial County Route S-80 (Evan Hewes Highway). Photo taken 09/00.
Vicinity of Holtville Hot Springs - Eastbound
U.S. 80 is mostly a frontage road between California 115 and California 98. This picture shows eastbound U.S. 80 approaching the geothermal power plants clustered around the vicinity of area where the Highline Canal crosses Interstate 8, just a quarter mile east of California 115. Although most of the geothermal hot springs have been tapped for power production, one hot spring is not tapped, and it is available for public use as a bathing area. This is the Holtville Desert Hot Springs, which are just ahead along U.S. 80. Photo taken 10/05/02.
Vicinity of Holtville Hot Springs - Other Scenes Pertaining to U.S. 80
View of the Highline Canal looking north near the hot springs. To the left (west) of the canal, a Southern California Edison transmission line begins its northerly journey toward the Los Angeles basin via the Highline Canal, staying east of the Salton Sea. It picks up additional power from a variety of geothermal plants located along its route. The Highline Canal marks the eastern edge of the expansive agricultural area of the Imperial Valley. Agriculture is prevalent from here west to the New River, west of El Centro. The contrast between green, lush fields and brown, barren desert is startling. Photo taken 10/05/02.
View of a geothermal plant located to the north of U.S. 80 and east of the Highline Canal. The plant produces electricity that is routed onto the transmission grid, destined for homes both in Imperial County and in the Los Angeles Basin. This plant (and others like it) takes superheated water from the ground and uses it to turn turbines and generate electricity. The entire eastern portion of the Imperial Valley is geothermally active due to its narrow crust (and relative proximity to magma) as well as the number of fault lines that cross the region. The famous San Andreas Fault, for instance, culminates its north-south journey under the Salton Sea, a 45-minute drive northwest of here. Photo taken 10/05/02.
At the site of the hot springs itself, there is a camping area (referred to as "long-term visitor area" in this photo) on the north side of U.S. 80. The actual hot spring is located to the south of U.S. 80, and it is squeezed between a fairly narrow space between U.S. 80 and Interstate 8. The long-term visitor area features weekly use camping areas, and many of the visitors are "snowbirds" seeking to escape the cold of the northern states in their recreational vehicles. During the mild winter months, there is a fee to stay in the long-term visitor area; during the hot summer months, it is free. The entire facility is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Photo taken 10/05/02.
View of one of the two outhouses at the hot spring parking area just south of Historic U.S. 80. The hot spring is located behind the outhouse. Photo taken 10/05/02.
The hot spring is pumped from a well through a pipe. A portion of the water is directed into a concrete tub, while the rest is propelled through a sprinkler, which is visible in this picture. The water is usually in the mid-100s (degrees Farenheit). Much of the area is surrounded by palm trees. Photo taken 10/05/02.
This picture, looking north, shows the hot spring tub in the foreground and the sprinkler in the background. The power lines in the distance mark the location of U.S. 80 in relation to this picture. Interstate 8 is behind the spot where this picture was taken. Photo taken 10/05/02.
Another view of the hot springs, this time looking south. U.S. 80 is behind the vantage point of this picture, and "hill" in the background is Interstate 8. Photo taken 10/05/02.
This tiny river carries the excess hot water from the concrete hot tub into a small pond adjacent to the hot spring itself. The pond contains warm water, but it is not nearly as hot as the water in the concrete tub or the sprinkler. Photo taken 10/05/02.
This view of the sunset was taken from the Holtville Hot Springs. Photo taken 08/27/04.
These pictures show the lush environs surrounding the pond. This pond has several varieties of fish living in it, and swimmers use it to cool off after lounging in the hot springs. Photos taken 10/05/02.
Grays Well Road/Imperial Sand Dunes - Westbound
To get to the Grays Well Section of Old U.S. 80, use Exit 156 and turn west onto the frontage road that is on the south side of Interstate 8. Old U.S. 80 serves several points of interest: Buttercup Valley Off Road Vehicle Recreation Area, Midway Campground, and the Old Plank Road. The old highway dead ends after the parking area near the Old Plank Road. This view shows westbound U.S. 80/Grays Well Road looking toward the Midway campground. Continue straight ahead along Old U.S. 80 to the Old Plank Road. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Grays Well Road/Imperial Sand Dunes - Eastbound
Now on the eastbound side of Old U.S. 80, we begin following Grays Well Road away from a large open area suitable for camping, both RV and tent, near the Old Plank Road. From this area, Old U.S. 80 resumes for the first time since the Gordons Well interchange. The road has a posted 35 miles per hour speed limit. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Unlike the old twin slab concrete sections of U.S. 80 in the Laguna Mountains, this section of U.S. 80 is asphalt with no remnant lane markings. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Old U.S. 80 basically parallels Interstate 8 as the frontage road approaches the Midway Campground. Photo taken 01/27/06.
A major 500 kV power line joins the small "H" frame power line as the various infrastructure corridors converge to cross the Algodones Sand Dunes. Even these massive towers had to be installed with extensive bases to ensure they would not move along with the sand. Photo taken 01/27/06.
A relatively new-looking cell tower can be seen toward the bend in Old U.S. 80. Photo taken 01/27/06.
The speed limit remains 35 miles per hour. Watch for off road vehicles and blowing/drifting sand encroaching on the roadway. Photo taken 01/27/06.
The power lines cross over U.S. 80 as the highway ascends to the top of a sand bluff. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Historic U.S. 80 is merely a frontage road (Grays Well Road) along the southside of Interstate 8 in the immediate area of the Imperial Sand Dunes (Algodones). This section of frontage road does not directly connect to any other frontage road; one must take Interstate 8 and use Exit 156. These six pictures show the sandy landscape surrounding the old road near the recreational use area. Four-wheelers are more common than cars in this area; an off-road recreation area is located just east of here (Buttercup Valley Off Road Vehicle Area) close to the interchange with Interstate 8. Note the sand present on the old road in the 2002 pictures. Photos taken 10/05/02 and 01/27/06.
From the high point on U.S. 80/Grays Well Road, the ever-shifting sand dunes to the north and south of the Interstate 8 freeway come into view. Photos taken 01/27/06.
Continuing east, U.S. 80/Grays Well Road crests over a ridge and descends into Buttercup Valley. Interstate 8, the Rest Area, and the All-American Canal are visible from Old U.S. 80. Photo taken 01/27/06.
After entering Buttercup Valley, U.S. 80 closely parallels Interstate 8, then approaches the parking area for the Buttercup Valley Off Road Area. Photo taken 01/27/06.
The group of recreational vehicles visible in the distance are all there for their owners to enjoy using off-road vehicles on the sand dunes. Photo taken 01/27/06.
A stop sign is posted at the entrance to the Buttercup Valley Off Road Area (as seen from eastbound U.S. 80). Photo taken 01/27/06.
Eastbound U.S. 80/Grays Well Road reaches the junction with Interstate 8. Cross the overpass to connect to westbound Interstate 8 to El Centro and San Diego. Turn left ahead to follow eastbound Interstate 8 to Winterhaven and Yuma. Photo taken 01/27/06.
This is the freeway entrance from eastbound U.S. 80/Grays Well Road to eastbound Interstate 8. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Old Plank Road (1916-1926) - Eastbound
After passing the Midway Campground, westbound Old U.S. 80/Grays Well Road ends at a large parking area. The old road does not continue any further west; the next extant section of U.S. 80 is accessible at the Gordons Well interchange. At the eastern end of this parking lot, at the end of a short stub road, is this plaque for the Old Plank Road. Photo taken 01/27/06.
This close-up of the text on the historical plaque reveals that the original Plank Road was seven miles long, one-lane wide, and broken into eight-by-twelve foot sections. Horses moved the Plank Road whenever the shifting sands warranted, and turnouts were available to accommodate two-way traffic. The text of the plaque reads: "Plank Road, 1914 to 1927. This unique plank road seven miles long was the only means early motorists had for crossing the treacherous Imperial Sand Dunes. The eight by twelve foot sections were moved with a team of horses whenever the shifting sands covered portions of the road. Double sections were placed at intervals to permit vehicles to pass. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 845." Photo taken 01/27/06.
The Old Plank Road found here is a replica of a historic route across the Imperial Sand Dunes, but it is placed as if it were functional. Although the Old Plank Road served as the only route across the Imperial Sand Dunes in the early 1900s, it never functioned as U.S. 80, because a regular highway was constructed to replace the Plank Road in 1926, the year U.S. 80 was created. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Constructed in 1915 and used from 1916 to 1926, the Old Plank Road harkens back to a time when engineers used wood to construct the road to compensate for the constantly shifting sands of the dunes. Newer construction, such as Grays Well Road (the frontage road/Historic U.S. 80), shows how road building technology has advanced. Today's road, as well as the Interstate, feature a deep oil and asphalt base that prevents the road from shifting with the sands. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Between 1999 and 2006, the shifting sands partially covered much of the Old Plank Road replica, which is a sign of the constant maintenance required to keep a replica intact and visible above the sands. We checked the area and found that several planks along the road were buried under sand. Photo taken 01/27/06.
A cellular telephone tower, built to accommodate the crowds of people who camp and off-road in the Imperial Sand Dunes, provides a modern backdrop to this section of Old Plank Road. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Planks, held together by steel strips, allowed for the road to hold together. This connection allowed for safe passage over the sand dunes, even on uphill grades such as this one. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Old Plank Road (1916-1926) - Westbound
Looking downhill is this view of the Old Plank Road to the west. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Araz Road - Eastbound
After departing from the California 186/Algodones Road interchange (Exit 166), Old U.S. 80 follows Araz Road along the north side of the freeway, offering a back way into Winterhaven. The Union Pacific Railroad, which comes down from the Coachella Valley, turns east to parallel U.S. 80 and Interstate 8 between here and Yuma. Photo taken 01/15/07.
Passing by a long-term visitors area, U.S. 80 enters the Quechan (Fort Yuma) Indian Reservation, which extends east toward the Colorado River. Much of Winterhaven is surrounded by the Indian Reservation. Photo taken 01/15/07.
Several bridges carry U.S. 80 over the various desert washes between here and Winterhaven. Note the continuing use of older-style guardrail on this bridge approach after the long-term visitors area. Photo taken 01/15/07.
White wooden railing and railroad track bridge railing are found on this bridge over the Araz Wash. Photo taken 01/15/07.
Shortly thereafter, U.S. 80 crosses the All-American Canal. The water flows from northeast to southwest here, as the canal takes the lowest route from the Colorado River west to the Imperial Valley. This bridge likely dates to the late 1930s, which is when most All-American Canal crossings were built (along with the canal itself). Photos taken 01/15/07.
The old alignment of U.S. 80 is a rough road after the All-American Canal bridge crossing. Photo taken 01/15/07.
On both sides of the old road, recreational vehicles take up residence in the desert scrub. During the winter, people come from all over the West to this part of the country to enjoy warm weather and comfortable temperatures. Due to the heat of summer, this area is not nearly as popular in June or July. A small culvert is protected by more white wooden railing. Photo taken 01/15/07.
Continuing east, the old highway remains in desert scrub. However, the fertile agricultural land of the Colorado River valley lies ahead. Photo taken 01/15/07.
Araz Road bends a bit to briefly parallel the All-American Canal, then aims southeast toward Winterhaven. Photo taken 01/15/07.
Straightening out, U.S. 80 passes through a stand of palo verde trees and enters irrigated agricultural land. Photo taken 01/15/07.
Agriculture is one of the mainstays of the Winterhaven economy. Old U.S. 80 passes by agricultural fields similar to the ones seen in the Imperial Valley to the west. Photo taken 01/15/07.
U.S. 80 passes by Quick Road and Yuma Road as it continues east toward Winterhaven. Photo taken 01/15/07.
At this point, the old alignment of U.S. 80 merges into Business Loop I-8, which travels the rest of the way east to Winterhaven and Yuma along the old U.S. 80 corridor. Note the sharp right turn and stop sign at the intersection with Business Loop I-8. Photo taken 01/15/07.
Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge - Eastbound
The bridge deck is only one lane wide with limited shoulders on either side of the travel lane. Photo taken 01/27/06.
The Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge is only one way, so a traffic signal allows alternating directions of traffic to use the bridge. This sign advises motorists on how to proceed across the old bridge (alternating directions). Photo taken 01/27/06.
Bridge walkways were added to both sides of the bridge in 2002. Photos taken 01/27/06.
This plaque identifies the age of the superstructure for the bridge (1914). Photo taken 01/27/06.
The Ocean to Ocean Highway lands in Arizona, and the highway widens out back to two lanes. The roadway changes into Penitentiary Avenue, which passes Yuma Territorial Prison State Park, then turns west onto E. 1st Street. First Street travels west through downtown Yuma and connects with Business Loop I-8 (4th Avenue). Photo taken 01/27/06.
Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge - Westbound
The Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge is only one way, so a traffic signal allows alternating directions of traffic to use the bridge. Photo taken 01/27/06.
This sign advises motorists on how to proceed across the old bridge (alternating directions). Note the addition of a Historic U.S. 80 shield, which uses historically accurate blue coloring for the westbound direction of U.S. 80 over the bridge. Photos taken 01/27/06 and 01/15/07.
A plaque identifies the people responsible for the refurbishment of the Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge over the Colorado River. The bridge was built in 1915 (prior to the establishment of U.S. 80 in 1926) and refurbished in 2002. A close-up of the aforementioned U.S. 80 Arizona shield is shown here as well; the plaque is located behind the U.S. 80 shield. Photos taken 01/27/06 and 01/15/07.
These pictures show the side by side view of the Ocean to Ocean Bridge and the railroad bridge. Photos taken 01/27/06.
This plaque identifies the age of the superstructure for the bridge (1914). Photos taken 01/27/06.
The bridge deck is only one lane wide with limited shoulders on either side of the travel lane. Photo taken 01/27/06.
Bridge walkways were added to both sides of the bridge in 2002. Photos taken 01/27/06.
Now looking into California, the Ocean to Ocean Highway bridge splits, with the right fork (Quechan Drive) crossing over the railroad before descending to the Quechan Indian Reservations. The left fork (Quechan Road) connects to Imperial County Route S-24 (Picacho Road). Photo taken 01/27/06.
Scenes Pertaining to the Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge
To the north of the Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge lies the adjacent railroad truss bridge over the Colorado River as well as the meandering river, cutting a line between California and Arizona. Photos taken 01/27/06.
Looking south from the Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge, the sun sets on the Interstate 8 bridge over the Colorado River. Photos taken 01/27/06.
Here's an evening shot taken from the same spot, looking south at the Interstate 8 bridge. Photo taken 01/15/07.
This suite of pictures shows the Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge as seen during twilight hours from a hill next to the bridge on the California side. The name of the bridge and "Yuma" are written into the truss, adding to the allure of this bridge. Photos taken 01/27/06.
A year later, these photos show the Ocean to Ocean Highway Bridge during the evening just after sunset. Photos taken 01/15/07.
