This is an enticing opportunity for history buffs. Historian Nicholas Cataldo will lead an all-day expedition at Southern California’s Cajon Pass, which once carried Route 66, on March 12.
According to San Bernardino County Sun columnist John Weeks:
“Exploring the Cajon Pass: Gateway to the San Bernardino Valley” is offered through Cal State San Bernardino’s Office of Extended Education. […]
“Since prehistoric times, the Cajon Pass has played a prominent role in the San Bernardino Valley,” Cataldo says. “Indians, explorers, trappers, loggers, land speculators and horse thieves have all passed through the Cajon Pass on their way to or from the desert.”
The adventure begins with an optional no-host breakfast at 7 a.m. at the landmark Summit Inn, 5960 Mariposa Road, Oak Hills, located in the Pass. At 8 a.m., participants will embark on an exploration of the region that will include vehicle caravans and walking.
You’ll visit an old Serrano Indian campsite, retrace portions of the Old Spanish Trail, John Brown’s Toll Road and old Route 66, and visit early pioneer ranch sites. The adventure ends at about 4:30 p.m.
Adults and children age 7 and older are welcome. Pack your own lunch and beverages and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Cost of the all-day adventure is $83 (or $140 to earn one unit of college credit). For more information and to register call the Cal State Office of Extended Education at 909-537-5975. Registration deadline is March 4.
Cataldo once wrote a really informative and enjoyable column about Cajon Pass about five years ago. But it, regrettably, is no longer readily available in the Sun’s archive.
This video is sorta cheeky, but it sums up Cajon Pass fairly well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuEj2jKUI4A