| What is it? |
Kelso Depot is still standing as a Spanish Mission Revival style visitor center for Mojave Desert National Preserve! |
| What makes it historical? |
This was a critical depot along the line between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City! Why? Well, when you’re crossing a long, hot desert, you need two things: water and helper engines to assist with a 2% grade! Kelso, named after railroad worker John Kelso whose name was drawn from a hat, was the perfect place to supply this support! The first depot opened in 1905, but in order to compete with the more glamorous Southern Pacific railroad, Union Pacific installed this flashy new “clubhouse and restaurant” in 1923 to entertain weary desert travelers! Though the Kelso population has gone from a peak of 2,000 down to less than 10, this beautiful, remote station endures under the protection of the National Park Service! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? |
The depot is at the northeast corner of Kelso Cima Road and Kelbaker Road
Kelso, CA 92332
From Los Angeles: ~215mi (347km) — 3.6hrs
From Sacramento: ~508mi (818km) — 8.5hrs
From San Diego: ~277mi (446km) — 4.7hrs
From San Francisco: ~514mi (828km) — 8.6hrs |
| When should I go? |
The depot visitor center is open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Friday through Tuesday! |
