There was a recent article in the L.A. Times about California City, which is the little-known third-largest “city” in California by land area. Located in the Mojave Desert about 100 miles north of Los Angeles and 65 miles southwest of Death Valley, it was conceived in 1958 by a sociology professor as a master-planned urban utopia to rival L.A. With a population of around 14,000 that dream was never met, but the scars of failed development remain, covering the desert in geometric patterns of crumbling pavement that resemble alien crop circles.
I’ve been on something of a post-apocalyptic kick recently and I find the case of California City particularly fascinating. I want to ride there, or if not ride the entire way take the Metrolink up to Lancaster and ride the remaining 40 miles and explore the city’s empty outskirts. The flat desert and empty lots should provide ample camping opportunities. It’d make for an interesting S24O.
More on California City at:
CurbedLA
BLDG BLOG
Vigorous North
Tags: california city, s24o