The End of Route 66: Exploring the Desert Town That DIED When the Highway Changed

Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to http://DrinkLMNT.com/THROUGHMYLENS to get your free sample pack with any purchase. Deep in the heart of the Mojave Desert lies Amboy, California, perhaps the most iconic ghost town on all of Historic Route 66. In this video, we explore the rise and fall of Amboy from its mid-century heyday as a neon lit oasis for travelers. We go behind the scenes at the legendary Roy’s Motel and Café, standing beneath the world-famous Googie style neon sign that has become a symbol of the Mother Road. Discover how the 1972 opening of Interstate 40 turned this thriving community of 700 into a silent relic, and learn about the preservation efforts by the Okura family to keep the spirit of Amboy alive for the Route 66 centennial in 2026. This is a story of resilience, nostalgia, and the enduring legacy of the Main Street of America. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more deep dives into the hidden history of the desert! Let us know what you think in the comments. Pops Amboy Crater Video -    • Hiking a Real Volcano in California / Ambo...   Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:17 Getting to Amboy & Amboy History 1:21 Roy's Cafe 1:48 Roy's Motel Restoration 3:15 Why Amboy Is Having a Hard Time Surviving 4:50 Driving to Amboy Crater 5:20 LMNT Electrolytes 6:30 Hiking Amboy Crater 11:48 Lighting the Roy's Neon Sign 13:07 Final Thoughts on Amboy and Route 66 Join the Patreon for behind the scenes videos -   / throughmylens   Read more at ThroughMyLens.com Follow me: Facebook:   / throughmylensco   Instagram:   / throughmylensco   Pinterest:   / throughmylensco   Twitter:   / throughmylensco   Newsletter: https://throughmylensco.substack.com/ Gear: See all the gear I use here https://www.amazon.com/shop/californi... Music: Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/referra... #throughmylens