Rice, California, San Bernardino County: Once a bustling waypoint along the California Southern Railroad, Rice is now a ghost town that captivates the imagination with its desolate beauty and hints of its storied past. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: San Bernardino County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 34.1333° N, 114.8333° W
Elevation: 735 feet
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone
Established: Early 20th century
Disestablished: Mid-20th century
Comments: Rice was initially a railroad stop and subsequently grew due to its strategic location on the highway connecting Los Angeles and Phoenix.
It served as a refueling station, especially during World War II, when it hosted a military airfield. However, the decline of rail traffic and changes in transportation routes led to its abandonment over time.
Remains: The site includes remnants of the Rice Army Airfield and the foundations of buildings that once served residents and travelers. It also has a famous shoe tree, a quirky landmark where travelers traditionally hung old shoes.
Current Status: Rice remains uninhabited and is officially considered a ghost town. Visitors are drawn to its picturesque ruins and its stark desert landscape.
The town, located on present-day California State Route 62 between Twentynine Palms and the Colorado River, grew around a Santa Fe Railroad subdivision and siding. The subdivision and siding are still in use but have since changed hands and currently belong to the Arizona and California Railroad, a short line serving southeastern California from Rice to Cadiz, California Ghost Townlifornia, and southwestern Arizona at Parker.
It was the starting point of the abandoned Ripley Branch that goes through Blythe to Ripley, California Ghost Townlifornia.
Remarks: Rice’s intriguing history as a once-vibrant hub makes it a fascinating subject for exploration. Its location in the Mojave Desert offers a unique backdrop for photography and adventure, appealing to those who seek the freedom to roam and discover remnants of the past.
