El Rancho Motel in Barstow | Route 66

Cruising along Route 66 in Southern California, I stopped to explore some of the historic motels in Barstow. The standout, with its massive towering neon sign, was the El Rancho Motor Motel. Built in the 1940s with bungalow style rooms that wrap around the lot, this motel is exactly the kind of character property that I hoped to find along the Mother Road. 

To be honest, I'm not sure if the location was open, closed, or in renovation. It seemed like a few people were living on the property, however the second half of the motel was completely vacant and the rooms didn't have anything in them. While I was there it didn't appear to be functioning as a motel, but I couldn't find any updates. In any case, it's a really fascinating location and I hope someone is looking out for its future. 

Traveling in style in this big ol' Jaguar.