Historic Highway 80 Corporation
A California Nonprofit Pubic Benefit Corporation
5005 Willows Rd., Ste. 208
Alpine, CA 91901
Ph: 619.445.0180 Fax: 619.445.0880
www.OldHighway80.com

About Us
Realizing the importance of reviving Old U.S. Highway 80 and seeing the potential to tie together tourism, community development and economic development, a committee of volunteers representing many organizations and communities along the Route approached the State of California for a historic designation. In 2006, the State officially recognized Old 80 as a Historic Route. A nonprofit organization was then formed to market the Route and other side trips to travelers and visitors noting historic elements, landmarks and businesses to visit along the way. Directing travelers off the major highway and along the nostalgic U.S. Highway 80 can bring part of the past back to life. Long forgotten memories and new treasurers can be discovered or rediscovered along this ‘old stretch' from the Pacific Ocean to the Arizona border that has helped shape our history.


Experiencing Historic Highway 80
Written by Dan Conaway, HH80 Board President

Many of us remember the days when Highway 80 didn't have an "Historic" feeling at all, and the places along the route were well-known and much-frequented. But Interstate 8 and major shopping malls diverted nearly all the traffic away from 80, leaving the business establishments to languish into "neat old places" enjoyed by only a few who took the time to visit them.

Just recently, Saturday, March 29th to be exact, about 11 of us Highway 80 supporters made a "Road Trip" not only back along the route, but back in time. We began at Mountain Springs, hard on the floor of the desert valley, and the place where stage coaches, wagon teams and their drivers used to "water up" before starting the difficult, slow pull up the Devil's Canyon grade, and where later generations of Highway 80 lay side by side. Then, on to a California State & Historical Monument , the Desert View Tower and its adjacent Boulder Park (with granite "creatures" carved out of a wonderful outcropping of boulders).

From there it was on to Jacumba, adjacent to the Mexican border, with a tour of the Jacumba Hot Springs Spa & Lodge, then to Boulevard with short visits to the Wisteria Candy Cottage, the Boulevard Creek Trading Company and a small collectibles shop, featuring coins, gems, and other items.

Next it was beautiful Live Oak Springs Romantic Mountain Getaway, concluding with lunch at the La Posta Diner, tasty food, cozy atmosphere, great company. Interspersed with these stops at establishments were quick views of natural features and old sections of the roadway that had given way to new alignments many years ago.

Folks, it's a treasure out there – just waiting for you and your family and friends to step back in time, take a deep breath, and look at simpler lifestyle that has been so overwhelmed by "progress."


The Alvarado Drive-In Theater
Written by Patty O'Reilly, HH80 Board Member and La Mesa Resident

My family moved to La Mesa in 1953 when my father purchased the old Miles Motel in the 7900 block of El Cajon Blvd. After renovation the name was changed to the La Mesa Motel. A few years later two young brothers bought the uneven and cactus-filled lot on the western side of the motel.

They wanted to build a drive-in movie on the property and began an ambitious grading project, which created a great deal of dust. This caused problems for the motel. My father told them if they would hire a water truck he would provide the water free of charge. That kept the dust down and my mother and I made many gallons of lemonade to keep the brothers' parched throats happy while they worked.

When the work was done and the wiring was installed they brought us two speakers and asked where we wanted them. My father had a window put in the storeroom at the end of the motel where all the extra beds and equipment were stored. Our property actually jutted into the drive-in, so it was closer to the screen than some of the cars. We shoved the furniture aside and brought in a row of folding chairs.

My friends and I would gather with sandwiches, soft drinks, and popcorn, and watch movies for free. It was called the Alvarado Drive-in Theater and was very popular for two decades. Now it is gone and so is the motel. The La Mesa Crossroads Shopping Center is on that property now at the NW corner of the El Cajon Blvd. and Baltimore Avenue intersection. But I still have fond memories.


Historic Highway 80
One of San Diego's Best Bicycling Routes
Written by Keith Finch, Avid San Diego Cyclist

It's no secret to San Diego bicyclists that many of the best riding areas are found right here in our own East County. One of these routes is a 50-mile journey following scenic Old Historic Highway 80 from Descanso Junction to Golden Acorn Casino at the Crestwood Road exit. This two-lane route with its nice wide shoulders twists its way through rolling hills, lush valleys, and large boulders. With the relaxing sound of light traffic gently striking the old concrete sections, there's no doubt you're not riding in busy urban San Diego.

This route begins on the east side of Interstate 8 at the Descanso Junction Highway 79 Park-and-Ride. Heading east, the path gently weaves and snakes its way as it gradually slopes upward. You're treated around every turn with golden hillsides dotted by dark oaks and green pines while passing the quiet towns of Descanso Junction, Guatay and Pine Valley. Departing Pine Valley is a gentle climb that rewards you with a long descent into the flat pasture land of Buckman Springs and La Posta Ranch. But the real climb begins when leaving La Posta Ranch as you muscle your way up the steep rugged boulder-lined hill to the 25-mile turn around point at Crestwood Road. Don't worry though, because the Golden Acorn Casino is the perfect place to rest, take in the beautiful vista view, and refill your supplies. On many weekends you'll find a fruit stand to greet you at the hill's summit where there's nothing better than a fresh fruit snack to reward your hard effort.

Technically, this is considered an out-and-back ride so you can follow the route for as long as time and fitness allows. The ride is mostly made up of low rolling hills but has 4 relentless climbs between 3-5 miles long that will stretch your fitness level. Buckman Springs becomes a welcome change with its 7-mile flat section that allows plenty of time to recover from the strenuous climbs. The riding shoulder along the route is mostly 4 foot wide and perfect for cycling.

This is a lightly traveled route so plan accordingly, bringing plenty of fluids and snacks. If supplies are needed most passing towns have country general stores to meet your needs. With an average temperature in the high 80's during the summer months, the ride is comfortable but don't forget your sunscreen! A nice resting point is the Pine Valley County Park with its lush lawn, water and restrooms.

During the early summer months as the gloomy coastal clouds cover most of downtown San Diego, remember you can find clear skies and mild temperatures in the East County's, "Sunny Side of San Diego." If you're searching for a challenging 50-mile journey that has light traffic, solitude, and not a single stop light, this is definitely the ride for you!

Did You Know?
US 80 passes through the Wild West town of Tombstone, Arizona, "The Town Too Tough To Die." It originally traveled down Tombstone's main street, Allen Street, and passed by the famous OK Corral, the Crystal Palace Saloon, The Birdcage Theatre, and the office of Tombstone's newspaper The Epitaph.

HH80 Membership
We invite you to become a member of the Historic Highway 80 Corporation, a 501© 3 nonprofit organization. Contact Jeanette Perez, Historic Highway 80 Director for further information.
Toll Free: 1 800 463 0668

"Ranchero" (Individual): $25/yr…Membership card, Decal
"Woodie" (Family): $40/yr…2 Membership Cards, 2 Decals
"Model A" (Senior: 55+): $20/yr…Membership Card, Decal
"T-Bird" $150/yr…Membership Card, Decal, Highway Sign
"Corvette" $250/yr…Membership Card, Decal, Highway Sign,
Web Acknowledgment, 1 Year Subscription to American Road
"Cadillac" $500/yr...Membership Card, Decal, Web Acknowledgement, Highway Sign, HH80 Baseball Cap, 1 Year Subscription to American Road
"Rolls Royce" (Lifetime/sustaining): $2500 and up... Membership Cards, Decals, Highway Sign, Web Acknowledgement, Travel Guide Ad, Highway Sign, 5 Year Subscription to American Road, 2 HH80 Baseball Caps, 2 T-Shirts, Plaque
Non-Profit Organization: $150/yr..Membership Card, Website Acknowledgement, Highway Sign, Decal
Business Organization: $250/yr...Membership Card, Website Acknowledgment, Highway Sign, Decal

Discover the Arts Along HH80
City of La Mesa, Walkway of the Stars Mural Project