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Eichbaum Toll Road: A Path Through Time

Discover the historic Eichbaum Toll Road, the gateway that transformed Death Valley from a mining outpost to a world-renowned tourist destination.

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The Eichbaum Toll Road, a California Historical Landmark, marks the beginning of Death Valley's transformation from a mining-focused region to a tourism hotspot. Built in 1925-26 by H.W. Eichbaum, the road provided the first maintained automobile route into Death Valley, connecting Darwin to Stovepipe Wells.

A brief summary to California Historical Landmark 848: Eichbaum Toll Road

  • 51880 CA-190, DEATH VALLEY, California, 92328, US

Local tips

  • Explore the remnants of the original toll road along State Route 190 to experience a tangible piece of Death Valley history.
  • Visit the nearby Stovepipe Wells Village to see where the Eichbaum Toll Road ended and to learn more about the area's history.
  • Check current road conditions, especially if planning to explore unpaved sections of the original toll road.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The California Historical Landmark for the Eichbaum Toll Road is located along CA-190 near Stovepipe Wells. From Furnace Creek, drive west on CA-190 for approximately 25 miles. The landmark is near the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. There are no fees to stop at the landmark.

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Discover more about California Historical Landmark 848: Eichbaum Toll Road

In the mid-1920s, H.W. Eichbaum, an engineer and entrepreneur, envisioned Death Valley as a winter tourist destination. To realize this vision, he constructed the Eichbaum Toll Road, a 35.5-mile route from Darwin Wash to Stovepipe Wells. This road, completed in 1926, was the first maintained automobile road into Death Valley from the west, marking a pivotal shift from mining to tourism. Eichbaum's toll road wasn't just a means of access; it was a catalyst for the development of the Stovepipe Wells Resort, offering tourists a comfortable base from which to explore the wonders of Death Valley. The road itself was an engineering feat, traversing challenging terrain and steep mountain passes. While some sections have been incorporated into modern State Route 190, remnants of the original toll road can still be found, offering a glimpse into the past. Today, the Eichbaum Toll Road stands as a testament to one man's vision and the transformative power of tourism. It serves as a reminder of the early days of Death Valley's development and the enduring allure of this unique desert landscape.

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