Needles

On Route 66 and the Colorado River, Needles is a decent base for exploring many desert attractions, including Mojave National Preserve. Founded in 1883, the town of Needles, named for the jagged mountain peaks that overlook the city, served as a stop along the Santa Fe Railroad. One of its crown jewels was the elegant El Garces Harvey House Train Depot, a lovely façade that is sadly in need of massive renovations. Today, Needles is a remote and dusty getaway for California residents who want to enjoy the Colorado River a little closer to home.