A Trip Down California’s Most Mystical Road – Dora's Corner (2024)

If you're looking for a trip to California's most mystical road, look no further than Zzyzx Road. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about Zzyzx Road, from the history and significance of the road to its attractions and natural features.

ZZYZX Road is a mystery to many. It’s a road that seems to appear out of nowhere in the Mojave Desert and just as quickly disappears. For years, people have been asking questions about ZZYZX Road. What is the history of this mystical road? Where does it come from and where does it go?

In this blog post, we’ll take a trip down ZZYZX Road and explore its history, from its humble beginnings as a mining camp to its more recent incarnation as a desert oasis.

What is ZZYZX Road?

ZZYZX Road is a unique and historical roadway located in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California. It was originally constructed as a private road to serve the ZZYZX Mineral Springs and Health Spa.

ZZYZX Road is a road located just off Highway 15 in California that has become a popular road trip destination due to its long history and unique characteristics.

Zzyzx Road was named by Curtis Springer, a radio evangelist from Los Angeles, in 1944 as part of his plan to turn a mineral springs area into a resort. He filed a mining claim with the government and was given permission to use the area (under false pretenses) and called the area ZZYZX because he wanted it to be the last word in the dictionary. After being kicked out in the 1970s, the area was taken over by the CSU system and is now used as a desert research center.

For those interested in exploring what is at the end of ZZYZX Road, it is a 5 mile drive from Highway 15 with a quarter-mile dirt portion. It is a very remote area with a free parking lot and plenty of unique sights to explore. For example, there is a famous lake with a rock island in the middle, as well as old swing sets and abandoned buildings. It is an ideal destination for those looking for a unique adventure and an insight into the history of California.

Why Is ZZYZX Road Considered to Be a Mystical Place?

ZZYZX Road is considered to be a mystical place because of its strange and mysterious history. Located 5 miles off of Highway 15 on the way to Las Vegas, ZZYZX Road is a historically significant spot that has inspired road trip debates for decades.

In 1944, Curtis Springer, a radio evangelist from Los Angeles, filed a mining claim with the government and used the mineral springs found there to create a resort, which he named ZZYZX.

The resort drew people from all over to try the false medicines and enjoy the relaxation and healing that he provided. However, the government eventually discovered what he was doing and kicked him and his followers out, eventually giving the area to the CSU system to be used as a desert research center.

Today, visitors can explore the lake and its rock island, the old abandoned buildings, and the old bathhouse that remain on the property.

Despite the fact that the resort is gone, ZZYZX Road remains a mystical place due to its unique and bizarre history, its remote and isolated location, and the fact that it still contains some of the mysterious artifacts from its past. For those who are interested in strange and mysterious places, ZZYZX Road is an excellent destination for a road trip.

What Are the Weird and Mysterious Things that Have Happened on Or Around ZZYZX Road?

1. The Soda Lake Monster

The Soda Lake Monster has become somewhat of a legend among the locals of ZZYZX Road. According to the myth, it was an enormous creature that lived beneath the dry lakebed of Soda Lake, near the abandoned building at the end of the road. The monster was said to have been spotted by an unfortunate traveler who stumbled across it during his journey.

The traveler’s story goes that one night he stopped at the edge of the lakebed and was startled when he heard a loud, deep growling sound coming from beneath the surface. The traveler quickly ran away in panic, believing he had encountered the Soda Lake Monster.

Since then, there have been other reports of mysterious creatures lurking in the lakebed, although none have been confirmed. It is still unknown what these creatures are or what happened around them on or around ZZYZX road.

However, the presence of these mysterious creatures has become part of the culture surrounding ZZYZX Road, adding to its mysterious and mythical atmosphere. Whether or not the Soda Lake Monster exists, it has become a part of the road’s story and will remain a part of its folklore for years to come.

2. The Lost City of Shaver

The Lost City of Shaver has been a mysterious desert landmark for years. It was thought to be a lost civilization, but it’s actually an abandoned healing center off Interstate 15 in Southern California called ZZYZX Road.

The story of ZZYZX Road begins in 1944 when Curtis Howe Springer, a former evangelist and scam artist, leased the land from the Bureau of Land Management. He believed he had the power to heal the sick and used the healing center for his own personal gain. He named it the Last Supper and installed a hotel, restaurant, and health spa.

Springer’s health spa attracted a steady stream of visitors until 1974, when the Bureau of Land Management decided to revoke his lease, citing misuse of public land. Springer was evicted from the premises and the health spa was abandoned.

Today, only a few of the buildings remain. Drive down the winding 3.5 mile road that leads to the oasis and you will find the old pool house, the decaying resort, dried out Soda Lake and broken toilets in the abandoned guest rooms.

The desert backdrop and the overgrown plants make for a beautiful landscape, but it’s clear that the Lost City of Shaver has seen better days. While you can still explore some of the remaining areas, it’s best to stay on the outskirts out of respect for the researchers that use the area.

So the next time you are exploring the desert, be sure to keep an eye out for the remains of the Lost City of Shaver and the strange history of ZZYZX Road.

3. The Haunted Castle

The haunted castle of ZZYZX is an abandoned healing center located in the desert near Soda Lake in California. It was once a popular destination for vacationers, but now stands as a decaying reminder of the past. Several strange and mysterious occurrences have been reported by visitors to the castle, including eerie noises, sudden temperature drops, and sightings of a ghostly figure. Legend has it that the castle is haunted by the spirit of an infamous gangster who was murdered in the castle in the 1920s, and some people have even reported that they have seen him roaming the halls. Other strange phenomena reported in and around the castle include mysterious lights and shadows, buzzing sounds, and the feeling of being watched. There have also been reports of objects being moved or disappearing without explanation, and people have experienced a sense of dread while inside the castle.

4. Mineral Springs Spa

The Mineral Springs Spa was a popular destination for visitors due to its supposed healing properties attributed to the mineral springs. Visitors flock to the area to try the spa’s “healing waters” or to see if they can experience any of the mysterious healings that have been reported by those who have come before them. The waters are rich in calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and other minerals, which may have helped to ease the ailments of those seeking restorative health. The spa also served as an army outpost, a railroad stop, and a popular stop for miners and Spanish explorers, making it an interesting and unique destination.

Today, the area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and California State Universities use it as a Desert Studies center. Visitors are welcome to take a stroll on the grounds and experience the views, however, they are asked to park in a separate lot from those who live there.

Ultimately, the Mineral Springs Spa is a popular destination for visitors to ZZYZX Road because of its interesting history, healing waters, and the possibility of experiencing a mysterious healing.

5. The Origin of ZZYZX Road

The origin of ZZYZX Road lies in the dream of notorious huckster Curtis Springer. In the 1940s, Springer claimed a 12,000-acre parcel in the distant California wasteland and set up a settlement he called Zzyzx. He claimed to be a doctor, a minister, a professor and a miner, but was none of those things. He tapped into a warm mineral water from an underground river and constructed a crucifix-shaped swimming pool and five concrete baths that he promised would cleanse sins. Today, the site at the end of the 4-mile road has become a field station affiliated with California State University Fullerton.

At the site, strange and mysterious things seem to happen. Aside from the odd story of Curtis Springer, two horror movies were shot there. There’s also a natural phenomenon – Lake Tuendae – a body of water the size of a football field, lined with palm trees. The lakebed, which was once part of Lake Mojave, is said to be filled with underground rivers. Animals like foxes, coyotes, rabbits and big-horned sheep wander around, giving the place an eerie feeling. Finally, the night sky at ZZYZX is said to be spectacular, providing many visitors with their first glimpse of the Milky Way.

6. The ZZYZX Mineral Springs Research Center

The ZZYZX Mineral Springs Research Center is an area located at the end of ZZYZX Road in the Mojave Desert, California. It was originally known as Soda Springs, a prehistoric quarry site that was used by the army, Spanish explorers, miners and the railroad. In 1944, LA radio evangelist Curtis H. Springer turned the site into a health resort and named it ZZYZX, which he said was the last word in health and the last word in the English language. It quickly became popular as a resort due to its mineral springs, which were believed by some to have healing properties.

In the 70s, the government realized that Springer had no legitimate claim to the land, and evicted him. The Bureau of Land Management and California State University then agreed to jointly manage the land and established the CSU Desert Studies Center in 1976. The research center is now used mostly for research purposes and visitors are welcome, although they must park in a separate parking lot at the end of the road.

Throughout its history, the ZZYZX Mineral Springs Research Center has been the subject of some strange events. It was claimed that Springer stocked the pond there with Mohave Tui Chub, a fish that has since died off almost everywhere else. There have also been reports of unexplainable healings and claims that it was the true fountain of youth. Furthermore, when it was an Army base, some believe that people were miraculously healed.

7. The Devil’s Gate

The Devil’s Gate is an abandoned rock formation at the entrance of ZZYZX Road in the Mojave Desert in Southern California. Located near the now defunct health spa and resort of the same name, the gate has been the source of numerous paranormal events and sightings. It is said that a powerful energy lies within Devil’s Gate and causes it to attract strange and mysterious creatures, from UFOs to Bigfoot.

The area around Devil’s Gate has also experienced strange occurrences in the past, like an unexplained fire at a nearby motel, mysterious lights and sounds, and a reported sighting of a black panther. It has been suggested that the area may be a portal to a different realm, where the supernatural and the unknown exist.

It is unclear why the area around Devil’s Gate is so prone to strange and unexplainable events, but some believe it is due to the powerful energy of the area. Others believe that the area was once a sacred site to Native Americans and that this may be the source of the strange and mysterious events. Whatever the cause, Devil’s Gate is a place full of mystery and intrigue and is sure to be a fascinating and unique experience for those who dare to investigate.

8. ZZYZX Mojave Desert Research Center

Some of the weird and mysterious things that have happened at the Zzyzx Mojave Desert Research Center include: the original owner Curtis Springer claiming to be a doctor, minister, professor, and miner when he was none of those things; the 12,000-acre property being built up around a mineral spring; two horror movies being shot there; the crucifix-shaped swimming pool crumbling in the desert sun; five decrepit concrete baths that were said to be filled with holy underground water; the 4-mile unpaved gravel road that’s lined with palm trees; Lake Tuendae, a body of water the size of a football field; the vast and ancient white lakebed of Soda Dry Lake; and the diverse wildlife such as scorpions, foxes, coyotes, rabbits and big-horned sheep.

9. ZZYZX Desert Studies Center

The ZZYZX Desert Studies Center is a unique oasis in the Mojave Desert located near the terminus of ZZYZX Road. It is the former site of the ZZYZX Mineral Springs and Health Spa, now a research and educational facility for students and scientists. Visitors to the center are able to take part in a variety of activities, from environmental research to hikes in the desert.

One of the weird and mysterious things that has happened at the center is related to its founder, Curtis Springer. A notorious huckster and “super squatter”, Springer had claimed to be a doctor, a minister, a professor and a miner, but turned out to be none of those things. His wrongs caught up with him and he was forced to leave his tiny empire.

The center has also been used for two horror movies and its name has been used to create the USBGN’s lexicographically greatest (alphabetically last) place name. An eerie crucifix-shaped swimming pool and five decrepit concrete baths are still on the site, filled with the promise of cleansing sins.

Other activities at the center include exploring the ancient lakebed, observing wildlife like scorpions, foxes, coyotes, rabbits and big-horned sheep, and learning about the Mojave River, which is still active underground.

10. Artist and the Eggplant

The artist and the eggplant is a reference to a scene in the movie “ZZYZX Rd”, in which Grant (Leo Grillo) is chased by the violent ex-boyfriend Joey (Tom Sizemore) through a desert mine. In a desperate attempt to fend him off, Grant grabs a nearby eggplant and throws it at Joey, smashing him in the face. This act of desperation leads to a surprise reveal when Joey discloses a secret about Marissa. In the end, the eggplant is a symbol of Grant’s guilt and insecurity, and the moment is a turning point in his story.

Is There Anything Interesting About the Current Occupants of ZZYZX Road?

1. ZZYZX Road is now occupied by the University of California, San Diego

The University of California, San Diego, runs the Desert Studies Center at the former site of the ZZYZX Mineral Springs and Health Spa, located at ZZYZX Road in San Bernardino County, California. The center offers a variety of educational programs and activities focused on the Mojave Desert region, such as lectures, field trips, research projects, and teaching activities. The center also provides educational resources to visiting students, teachers, and local communities. The Desert Studies Center is open to the public and is a great place to explore the natural oasis of Zzyzx.

2. ZZYZX Road used to be occupied by the Burning Man Festival

The Burning Man festival was like stepping into a different world on ZZYZX Road. The desert sun beat down on the dry, cracked lakebed that seemed to stretch for miles in all directions, and the air was filled with the distant sound of drums, music, and laughter.

The unique sight of colorful, hand-crafted structures and art dotting the landscape was both mesmerizing and overwhelming. Everywhere you looked, there was something new to explore; fantastical sculptures, art installations, and interactive performances. The desert was alive with creativity and curiosity.

As the sun began to set, the sky lit up with a dazzling array of twinkling stars and the horizon glowed a deep crimson hue. This was a special moment, as if the entire world had paused for just a moment to take in the beauty of the desert, the music, and the people.

The days were filled with fun and adventure, and the nights with dancing, connecting, and celebrating. It was like living in another world, where anything and everything was possible. The Burning Man festival on ZZYZX Road was truly a magical experience.

3. ZZYZX Road was once home to a health spa and resort

ZZYZX Road was once the site of Soda Springs, an ancient quarry site that was used as an army outpost and a popular stop for Native Americans, Spanish explorers, miners, and the railroad. In 1944, a radio evangelist from Los Angeles, Curtis H. Springer, transformed the mineral springs into a health resort and named it ZZYZX. The resort is located at the end of ZZYZX Road, surrounded by the Devils Playground mountains, on the edge of Soda Dry Lake, a bright-white lakebed that was once Lake Mojave. Evidence shows that indigenous people began populating the lakeshore around 10,000 years ago.

4. ZZYZX Road is located in one of the most remote places in America

ZZYZX Road in California is a remote place due to its secluded location and unique natural features. Located off Interstate 15, around an hour east of Barstow, the 4-mile track leads to a 12,000-acre dream of notorious huckster and “super squatter” Curtis Springer.

Along the road, one can find a crucifix-shaped swimming pool and five decrepit concrete baths, as well as palm trees and a rocky outcrop. At the end of the track is a true oasis in the desert: a vast, ancient, crusty white lakebed and Lake Tuendae, which is the size of a football field. The lakebed and lake provide a habitat for various wildlife, including mud hens, dragonflies, migratory birds and the endangered Mohave tui chub fish. Visiting students and research scientists come to the site to study the climate, hydrology, geology and ecology of the area. With its isolated landscape, ZZYZX Road is a mysterious place unlike any other in California.

5. ZZYZX Road is located near several natural landmarks, including the Mojave National Preserve and the Soda Lake.

Near ZZYZX Road, you can find the Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Tuendae, and the Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Spa, which are all natural landmarks.

6. ZZYZX Road is located near the former site of a World War II era airfield

ZZYZX Road is a mysterious turnoff on Interstate 15 located between Las Vegas and Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert. It was the dream of notorious huckster and “super squatter” Curtis Springer, who claimed 12,000 acres of land for himself and built a settlement in the remote wasteland. The site is known for its eerie crucifix-shaped swimming pool and five concrete baths that were said to tap into a holy underground river, drawing desperate salvation seekers to the area.

Today, ZZYZX is home to the California State University Desert Studies Center, which has occupied the settlement for nearly 50 years. Students and research scientists come to the site to conduct a variety of studies, including drilling into rocks to discover ancient climates, tracking sheep, conducting a reptile census and analyzing the hydrology of the ancient natural springs. The site is also known for its beautiful centerpiece, Lake Tuendae, which provides a home for a variety of bird and animal species.

The strange history, two horror movies shot there and its bizarre name make ZZYZX Road an interesting destination for those looking to explore the Mojave Desert. The site offers a unique window into the history of time, along with a spectacular view of the night sky and an oasis in the desert.

7. ZZYZX Road is located near several archaeological sites

The archaeological sites near ZZYZX Road are some of the oldest in California, providing a unique window into the history of the area. The site has evidence of human occupation dating back to 10,000 years ago, and visitors to the area can explore the ancient lakebed upon which the strange settlement of ZZYZX was built. The lakebed is dotted with petroglyphs and natural springs, offering an insight into the lives of the people who lived in the area before it was abandoned.

The area is also home to some of the most remarkable geological features in the state, including the Devils Playground mountains and the underground Mojave River. These features have been preserved due to the arid climate, allowing visitors to explore a landscape that has changed little over the millennia.

Finally, the ZZYZX Road offers some of the most spectacular views in the region. The area provides visitors with an uninterrupted view of the night sky, making it a great place to observe the stars and planets. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mud hens, dragonflies, and birds, providing a unique opportunity to observe nature in its natural habitat.

In sum, the archaeological sites near ZZYZX Road provide a unique opportunity to explore a fascinating aspect of California’s history, as well as observe some of the most spectacular geological features in the state. It is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the area’s past and appreciate the beauty of its present.

8. ZZYZX Road was once the home of a fraudulent land scheme

Curtis Springer’s fraudulent land scheme occupied ZZYZX Road in the Mojave Desert of California, an area between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Springer claimed to be a doctor, minister, professor, and miner, but was none of those things. He built a 12,000-acre settlement on the ancient lakebed, which included a crucifix-shaped swimming pool and five concrete baths filled with what Springer claimed to be holy underground river water. Eventually, Springer’s wrongs caught up with him, forcing him to abandon his tiny stolen empire. Today, the area is the home of the California State University Desert Studies Center, where students and research scientists stay for weeks at a time to study the area’s unique wildlife, geology, and environment.

9. ZZYZX Road is located near several unique ecosystems, including the Mojave Desert and Soda Lake.

The area around ZZYZX Road, which lies between Las Vegas and Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert, is home to a variety of unique ecosystems. It is located at the terminus of the ancient Mojave River, and an old lakebed that was once Lake Mojave. This area receives very little rainfall, making it a particularly interesting environment for studying the effects of drought on plants and animals. Additionally, the area is home to a variety of desert wildlife, such as scorpions, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and bighorn sheep.

The area is also of particular interest to scientists and researchers, due to its unique geological features. The lakebed, which is now dry, provides a window into the past, with evidence of human occupation dating back 10,000 years. Scientists have also drilled into the rocks to uncover evidence of ancient climates and analyze the hydrology of the natural springs.

Overall, the unique ecosystems near ZZYZX Road are of interest for both scientific and recreational purposes. Ecologists can study the effects of drought on the surrounding plants and animals, while recreational visitors can appreciate the beauty of the starry night sky and the variety of desert wildlife.

10. ZZYZX Road is located near the ZZYZX Mineral Springs and the ZZYZX Desert Studies Center.

The ZZYZX Mineral Springs and Desert Studies Center are located at the end of ZZYZX Road, a 4.5-mile-long rural road off Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County, California. The springs are an oasis in the middle of the Mojave desert, with trees and a lake, and are open to the public for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can take in the scenic views, go for a hike, picnic, or observe the prehistoric rock art from the nomadic tribes who once used the area as a quarry to make arrowheads. The center, which has been managed by California State University since 1976, features research facilities and a Desert Studies Center, making it a great resource for those interested in learning more about the desert landscape.

Where Is ZZYZX Road Located?

ZZYZX Road is located in San Bernardino County, California, roughly 1.5 hours drive from Las Vegas. The road is 4.5 miles long and runs from Interstate 15 south to the ZZYZX settlement. It is part paved and part dirt and is located within the Mojave National Preserve, managed by the National Park Service. Coordinates for ZZYZX Road are 35.1428071,-116.1078728 (map).

Final Thoughts

Today, the ZZYZX Mineral Springs and Health Spa is closed. However, the road remains open to the public and is currently owned by the Bureau of Land Management. Despite its past as a private roadway, ZZYZX Road now serves as a public road that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the unique and rugged Mojave Desert landscape.

ZZYZX Road is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and mystery of California. With its rich history and unique attractions, ZZYZX Road is sure to give you a trip you’ll never forget.

Happy Trails,

What’s Hidden Down ZZYZX Road???

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