El Rancho Motel in Barstow, California | Route 66

As one of the most recognizable motels in Barstow, California, the old El Rancho Motel is a throwback to the golden years along Route 66. Built in the 1940s with stylized bungalow rooms, the El Rancho is still a novelty to wander around, but has clearly seen better days.

On my last visit it appeared that some monthly renters were living here, but it wasn't exactly clear whether the El Rancho was still operating as a motel. The structure still holds a lot of charm, like the giant neon sign, the empty pool, and the Spanish tile roofing, but none of it is in great shape. This is the reality of driving Route 66 today - a lot of past gems, some thriving, some completely abandoned, and some just barely hanging on. 

A vintage postcard of the El Rancho Motel.