Welcome to Old Woman Springs Road, a route steeped in history and intrigue. As you travel along this high desert highway, imagine the echoes of the past that linger in the arid air, whispering stories of the Native American tribes, pioneering settlers, and even a surveyor linked to one of America’s founding families.
The tale of Old Woman Springs begins in the 1850s with Colonel Henry Washington, a government surveyor and the nephew of President George Washington. As the story goes, during his survey of the West, Colonel Washington encountered a group of elderly Native American women living by a spring. The young members of their tribe had ventured into the mountains to collect pinion nuts, leaving the older women behind. This poignant scene inspired the name ‘Old Woman Springs.’
Fast forward to the early 1900s, and the springs had become a vital grazing area for cattle during the harsh desert winters. The springs’ importance was cemented when the Cottonwood and Southern Railroad established a train depot there, transforming the area into a bustling hub of activity. At its peak, Old Woman Springs was more than just a watering hole; it was a lifeline for pioneers and a waypoint for traders and travelers.
The ranch that bears the springs’ name, the Historic Old Woman Springs Ranch, remains private property today. This expansive 400-acre ranch, with rights to an additional 1600 acres, continues to hold the stories of the past within its fences.
As you drive along Old Woman Springs Road, also known as State Route 247, you’re traveling a path carved through the Mojave Desert’s rugged beauty. This road connects Yucca Valley to Lucerne Valley, with a rich history that has shaped the region’s development. From its designation as a state highway in 1969 to surviving the Landers earthquake of 1992, the road is as resilient as the landscape it traverses.
Throughout its history, Old Woman Springs Road has witnessed significant events, including two of California’s most famous Native American incidents. These stories add layers of mystery and depth to the road’s history, making each journey along it a step back in time.
Today, Old Woman Springs Road is a reminder of the enduring spirit of those who traveled before us. Whether you’re driving, walking, or simply exploring from afar, the road invites you to uncover its secrets and reflect on the resilience and adaptability of those who called this harsh yet beautiful land home.
As you continue your journey, remember that Old Woman Springs Road is more than a route; it’s a testament to the history and heritage of California’s high desert. Every mile tells a story, and every story is a thread in the rich tapestry of the past, woven into the very fabric of this unique landscape.
