Needles Route 66 Named National Scenic Byway

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Route 66

California's Historic Route 66 from Needles to Barstow has been named a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration.

“The National Scenic Byways Program brings new jobs, tourism, and other benefits to communities along these scenic roads, which are often located in parts of the country where such resources are desperately needed and harder to come by," said Scenic America President Mark Falzone.

Established in 1991, the National Scenic Byways Program recognizes roadways with "notable scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and archaeological qualities." There are now 184 America’s Byways in 48 states.

Want to drive the new scenic highway yourself? Here's an article describing what you'll see along the way! You can also download the Bureau of Land Management's Route 66 Map.