State Route 127

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California State Route 127

California 127 travels north from Baker, home of the tall thermometer and Bun Boy water. The highway leaves the bustle of the Interstate 15 corridor toward the desert solitude of Death Valley. Although it does not enter Death Valley itself, California 127 connects with California 178 at Shoshone and California 190 at Death Valley Junction. From there, California 127 quickly leaves the state, changing into Nevada State Route 373. SR 373 extends north to Amargosa Valley and U.S. 95.

California State Route 127 North
Heading north from Baker and old U.S. 91-466, SR 127 travels 56 miles to Shoshone. Death Valley is 113 miles away.

Heading north from Baker and old U.S. 91-466, SR 127 travels 56 miles to Shoshone. Death Valley is 113 miles away.

11/11/08

California State Route 127 North California State Route 178 West
SR 127 north and SR 178 west combine at the unincorporated community of Shoshone. This shield assembly omitted SR 178.

SR 127 north and SR 178 west combine at the unincorporated community of Shoshone. This shield assembly omitted SR 178.

05/02/02

Leaving Shoshone, SR 127/178 continue north toward Death Valley Junction. Limited services are available beyond Shoshone on SR 127 and Nevada State Route 373.

Leaving Shoshone, SR 127/178 continue north toward Death Valley Junction. Limited services are available beyond Shoshone on SR 127 and Nevada State Route 373.

05/02/02

SR 127 travels 27 miles north from Shoshone to Death Valley Junction, where SR 190 branches west to Death Valley, and 50 miles to Lathrop Wells (Amargosa Valley).

SR 127 travels 27 miles north from Shoshone to Death Valley Junction, where SR 190 branches west to Death Valley, and 50 miles to Lathrop Wells (Amargosa Valley).

05/02/02

California State Route 127 North
SR 127 extends another 25 miles from SR 178 to the Nevada state line. Amargosa Valley, formerly Lathrop Wells, is the north end of SR 373 at U.S. 95.

SR 127 extends another 25 miles from SR 178 to the Nevada state line. Amargosa Valley, formerly Lathrop Wells, is the north end of SR 373 at U.S. 95.

01/15/12

Northbound California 127 at California 190 west to Death Valley. This brown sign is used because the primary destination of westbound California 190 is Death Valley National Park. The state shield should be green.
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Northbound California 127 at California 190 west to Death Valley. This brown sign is used because the primary destination of westbound California 190 is Death Valley National Park. The state shield should be green.

11/11/08

01/20/02

California 127 proceeds north from Death Valley Junction to Amargosa Valley (Lathrop Wells) in Nevada.
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California 127 proceeds north from Death Valley Junction to Amargosa Valley (Lathrop Wells) in Nevada.

11/11/08

The distance sign posted along northbound California 127 after the California 190 junction was replaced between 2002 and 2008.
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The distance sign posted along northbound California 127 after the California 190 junction was replaced between 2002 and 2008.

01/20/02

SR 127 ends at the state line where Nevada State Route 373 takes over north toward U.S. 95.
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SR 127 ends at the state line where Nevada State Route 373 takes over north toward U.S. 95.

11/11/08

01/20/02

California State Route 127 South
Leaving the Silver State and entering the Golden State, Nevada State Route 373 transitions directly onto California State Route 127 south. The SR 373 0.00 mile reference marker stands next to the California welcome sign.

Leaving the Silver State and entering the Golden State, Nevada State Route 373 transitions directly onto California State Route 127 south. The SR 373 0.00 mile reference marker stands next to the California welcome sign.

11/11/08

The welcome sign for California usually features the California poppy. California 127 travels south from the state line to Baker.

The welcome sign for California usually features the California poppy. California 127 travels south from the state line to Baker.

11/11/08

Ideally, a California 127 postmile would be posted next to the Nevada State Route 373 zero mile reference marker.

Ideally, a California 127 postmile would be posted next to the Nevada State Route 373 zero mile reference marker.

11/11/08

Posted after the Nevada state line, this is the first reassurance shield for California 127 south. California 127 advances toward the community of Shoshone.
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Posted after the Nevada state line, this is the first reassurance shield for California 127 south. California 127 advances toward the community of Shoshone.

01/20/02

11/11/08

This view looks south on California 127 after the Nevada-California state line. The two-lane highway passes through remote sections of the Mojave Desert en route to Shoshone and Baker.

This view looks south on California 127 after the Nevada-California state line. The two-lane highway passes through remote sections of the Mojave Desert en route to Shoshone and Baker.

11/11/08

The next major intersection along California 127 south is with California 190 at Death Valley Junction. Some services are available here, but most services are found in Shoshone south of here.

The next major intersection along California 127 south is with California 190 at Death Valley Junction. Some services are available here, but most services are found in Shoshone south of here.

11/11/08

California 190 west leads to Death Valley National Park.

California 190 west leads to Death Valley National Park.

11/11/08

SR 127 confirming marker posted south of SR 190 at the small unincorporated community of Death Valley Junction.
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SR 127 confirming marker posted south of SR 190 at the small unincorporated community of Death Valley Junction.

11/11/08

01/20/02

Southbound California 127 approaches an intersection with State Line Road, which travels east to Ash Meadows, Nevada. Upon entering Nevada, State Line Road links to Ash Meadows Road and Bell Vista Road en route to Pahrump, Nevada.

Southbound California 127 approaches an intersection with State Line Road, which travels east to Ash Meadows, Nevada. Upon entering Nevada, State Line Road links to Ash Meadows Road and Bell Vista Road en route to Pahrump, Nevada.

11/11/08

California 127 passes through Death Valley Junction (el. 2,040 feet) and makes a sharp turn to the west. The Amargosa Opera House is located here.

California 127 passes through Death Valley Junction (el. 2,040 feet) and makes a sharp turn to the west. The Amargosa Opera House is located here.

11/11/08

Leaving Death Valley Junction, this mileage sign provides the distance to Shoshone (27 miles) and Baker (83 miles).

Leaving Death Valley Junction, this mileage sign provides the distance to Shoshone (27 miles) and Baker (83 miles).

11/11/08

California 127 travels southeast, bypassing Eagle Mountain (el. 3,806 feet), before turning south parallel to the often-dry Amargosa River.
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California 127 travels southeast, bypassing Eagle Mountain (el. 3,806 feet), before turning south parallel to the often-dry Amargosa River.

11/11/08

California 127 skirts the west edge of the Resting Spring Range and the east edge of Brown Mountain Peak.
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California 127 skirts the west edge of the Resting Spring Range and the east edge of Brown Mountain Peak.

11/11/08

As California 127 progresses through the valley between these mountain ranges, the highway crosses several low spots that may flood during Summer monsoonal rains.
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As California 127 progresses through the valley between these mountain ranges, the highway crosses several low spots that may flood during Summer monsoonal rains.

11/11/08

White flood gauge signs are posted at some of these low washes along California 127.
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White flood gauge signs are posted at some of these low washes along California 127.

11/11/08

This mileage sign provides the distance to California 178 west to Death Valley (southeastern entrance), 9 miles; California 178 east and Shoshone, ten miles; and Interstate 15 in Baker, 66 miles.

This mileage sign provides the distance to California 178 west to Death Valley (southeastern entrance), 9 miles; California 178 east and Shoshone, ten miles; and Interstate 15 in Baker, 66 miles.

11/11/08

California 127 continues through the arid Amargosa River valley, traversing rolling hills at points where the highway deviates from the river.
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California 127 continues through the arid Amargosa River valley, traversing rolling hills at points where the highway deviates from the river.

11/11/08

Forthcoming SR 178 leads west to Death Valley National Park. SR 178 extends to the boundary with the former Death Valley National Monument, which is the point where maintenance is taken over by the National Park Service. Becoming Jubilee Pass Road and Badwater Road, the highway crosses Jubilee Pass (el. 1,290 feet) through the Black Mountains, then descends into Death Valley. The highway turns north to Badwater, which is the lowest point in the United States (el. 282 feet below sea level).

Forthcoming SR 178 leads west to Death Valley National Park. SR 178 extends to the boundary with the former Death Valley National Monument, which is the point where maintenance is taken over by the National Park Service. Becoming Jubilee Pass Road and Badwater Road, the highway crosses Jubilee Pass (el. 1,290 feet) through the Black Mountains, then descends into Death Valley. The highway turns north to Badwater, which is the lowest point in the United States (el. 282 feet below sea level).

11/11/08

A mileage sign provides the distance to Badwater in Death Valley National Park. Badwater Road meets California 190 near Furnace Creek, which is the next location with motorist services to the west.
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A mileage sign provides the distance to Badwater in Death Valley National Park. Badwater Road meets California 190 near Furnace Creek, which is the next location with motorist services to the west.

11/11/08

01/15/12

A postmile for California 127 precedes the California 178 west turnoff.

A postmile for California 127 precedes the California 178 west turnoff.

01/15/12

California State Route 127 South California State Route 178 East
This mileage sign along California 127 south and California 178 east is posted after the junction with California 178 west. The reassurance shields changed position between 2002 and 2008, but the mileage sign remained the same (still button copy).

This mileage sign along California 127 south and California 178 east is posted after the junction with California 178 west. The reassurance shields changed position between 2002 and 2008, but the mileage sign remained the same (still button copy).

11/11/08

SR 127/178 overlap for 1.7 miles through Shoshone. SR 178 travels northeast from Shoshone to the state line, where Nevada State Route 372 continues the highway east to Pahrump.

SR 127/178 overlap for 1.7 miles through Shoshone. SR 178 travels northeast from Shoshone to the state line, where Nevada State Route 372 continues the highway east to Pahrump.

11/11/08

California 127/178 enter the unincorporated community of Shoshone (population 52 as of the 2000 Census and elevation 1,572 feet). Located on the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad, Shoshone is known for being the only services for a long stretch of California 127, and it is the last services for visitors entering Death Valley National Park until reaching Furnace Creek near the center of the park. The community was founded in 1910 by Ralph Jacobus "Dad" Fairbanks.�

California 127/178 enter the unincorporated community of Shoshone (population 52 as of the 2000 Census and elevation 1,572 feet). Located on the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad, Shoshone is known for being the only services for a long stretch of California 127, and it is the last services for visitors entering Death Valley National Park until reaching Furnace Creek near the center of the park. The community was founded in 1910 by Ralph Jacobus "Dad" Fairbanks.�

11/11/08

These are the final motorist services until reaching Baker off Interstate 15.

These are the final motorist services until reaching Baker off Interstate 15.

11/11/08

California 127 and California 178 split just south of Shoshone. California 178 travels northeast through the Chicago Valley toward the California-Nevada state line. Upon crossing into Nevada, California 127 changes into Nevada 372, which travels a bit further east before culminating at Nevada 160 in Pahrump. This is part of the fastest route from Death Valley to Las Vegas. Nevada 160 continues east from Pahrump into the Las Vegas Valley by skirting the south side of Mount Charleston and Red Rock.
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California 127 and California 178 split just south of Shoshone. California 178 travels northeast through the Chicago Valley toward the California-Nevada state line. Upon crossing into Nevada, California 127 changes into Nevada 372, which travels a bit further east before culminating at Nevada 160 in Pahrump. This is part of the fastest route from Death Valley to Las Vegas. Nevada 160 continues east from Pahrump into the Las Vegas Valley by skirting the south side of Mount Charleston and Red Rock.

11/11/08

California State Route 127 South
Baker is 56 miles south of Shoshone along SR 127.

Baker is 56 miles south of Shoshone along SR 127.

11/11/08

Most of the land between Shoshone and the turnoff to Tecopa is operated by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
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Most of the land between Shoshone and the turnoff to Tecopa is operated by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

11/11/08

Southbound California 127 meets Furnace Creek Wash Road southeast to Tecopa Hot Springs County Park and the settlement of Tecopa.

Southbound California 127 meets Furnace Creek Wash Road southeast to Tecopa Hot Springs County Park and the settlement of Tecopa.

11/11/08

A mileage sign provides the distance to Tecopa Hot Springs County Park (three miles) and Tecopa (five miles).

A mileage sign provides the distance to Tecopa Hot Springs County Park (three miles) and Tecopa (five miles).

11/11/08

A California 127 south reassurance shield is posted after Furnace Creek Wash Road.

A California 127 south reassurance shield is posted after Furnace Creek Wash Road.

11/11/08

Southbound California 127 leaves Shoshone and continues south through the desolate Mojave Desert. Shoshone hosts the only motorist services along California 127 or California 178 for miles around.

Southbound California 127 leaves Shoshone and continues south through the desolate Mojave Desert. Shoshone hosts the only motorist services along California 127 or California 178 for miles around.

05/02/02

A few miles south of there, California 127 approaches Old Spanish Trail east to Tecopa (four miles) and Tecopa Hot Springs County Park (six miles).

A few miles south of there, California 127 approaches Old Spanish Trail east to Tecopa (four miles) and Tecopa Hot Springs County Park (six miles).

11/11/08

Some distance further south, California 127 approaches and crosses the Inyo-San Bernardino County Line at Ibex Pass (el. 2,090 feet).

Some distance further south, California 127 approaches and crosses the Inyo-San Bernardino County Line at Ibex Pass (el. 2,090 feet).

11/11/08

After the Inyo-San Bernardino county line, California 127 loses elevation as it proceeds into the very southern end of Death Valley. The Amargosa River, which has paralleled California 127 since the Nevada state line, bypasses Ibex Pass by traveling to the east of Sperry Hills via Tecopa and Amargosa Canyon.

After the Inyo-San Bernardino county line, California 127 loses elevation as it proceeds into the very southern end of Death Valley. The Amargosa River, which has paralleled California 127 since the Nevada state line, bypasses Ibex Pass by traveling to the east of Sperry Hills via Tecopa and Amargosa Canyon.

11/11/08

California 127 lowers south from Ibex Pass to the Amargosa River and floor of Death Valley.
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California 127 lowers south from Ibex Pass to the Amargosa River and floor of Death Valley.

11/11/08

California 127 ascends into the Salt Spring Hills by the Salt Creek Hills Area of Environmental Concern (ACEC).
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California 127 ascends into the Salt Spring Hills by the Salt Creek Hills Area of Environmental Concern (ACEC).

11/11/08

Continuing south through the Mojave Desert, California 127 traverses the Silurian Valley. The highway stays within this valley the remainder of the way to Baker, after passing by Silver Dry Lake.
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Continuing south through the Mojave Desert, California 127 traverses the Silurian Valley. The highway stays within this valley the remainder of the way to Baker, after passing by Silver Dry Lake.

11/11/08

This mileage sign along California 127 south provides the distance to Baker (17 miles) and the junction with Interstate 15.

This mileage sign along California 127 south provides the distance to Baker (17 miles) and the junction with Interstate 15.

11/11/08

California 127 passes through the Silurian Valley en route to the north end of Silver Dry Lake.
3 photos

California 127 passes through the Silurian Valley en route to the north end of Silver Dry Lake.

11/11/08

Approaching the dry lake are a set of powerlines (Path 46 connecting the McCullough Substation in Eldorado Valley off U.S. 95 in Nevada with the Victorville substation to the south and Path 27, the Intermountain high-voltage, direct current [HVDC] electric power transmission).
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Approaching the dry lake are a set of powerlines (Path 46 connecting the McCullough Substation in Eldorado Valley off U.S. 95 in Nevada with the Victorville substation to the south and Path 27, the Intermountain high-voltage, direct current [HVDC] electric power transmission).

11/11/08

Continuing south, California 127 passes by Silver Dry Lake and then approaches the community of Baker.
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Continuing south, California 127 passes by Silver Dry Lake and then approaches the community of Baker.

11/11/08

California 127 passes under Path 64, a 500kV power line that extends from the Marketplace substation in Eldorado Valley, Nevada, southeast to the Adelanto substation.
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California 127 passes under Path 64, a 500kV power line that extends from the Marketplace substation in Eldorado Valley, Nevada, southeast to the Adelanto substation.

11/11/08

California 127 enters the unincorporated community of Baker, which had 914 people as of the 2000 Census and sits at an elevation of 923 feet. All motorist services are available in Baker, including food, gas, and lodging.

California 127 enters the unincorporated community of Baker, which had 914 people as of the 2000 Census and sits at an elevation of 923 feet. All motorist services are available in Baker, including food, gas, and lodging.

11/11/08

Southbound California 127 at the intersection with Historic U.S. 91-466 (Baker Boulevard). Baker Boulevard is an unsigned business route for I-15.

Southbound California 127 at the intersection with Historic U.S. 91-466 (Baker Boulevard). Baker Boulevard is an unsigned business route for I-15.

11/11/08

Removed by 2008, an end shield for California 127 used to be posted at Baker Boulevard.

Removed by 2008, an end shield for California 127 used to be posted at Baker Boulevard.

01/20/02

California 127 meets Historic U.S. 91-466 (Baker Boulevard) at a four-way stop sign. Services are available along both directions of Baker Boulevard.

California 127 meets Historic U.S. 91-466 (Baker Boulevard) at a four-way stop sign. Services are available along both directions of Baker Boulevard.

11/11/08

Interstate 15 travels southwest from the end of SR 127 and Baker to Barstow and San Bernardino.

Interstate 15 travels southwest from the end of SR 127 and Baker to Barstow and San Bernardino.

11/11/08

The vast Mojave National Preserve lies south beyond I-15 and SR 127 along Kelbaker Road. Kelbaker Road is a locally maintained highway traveling southeast toward Kelso.

The vast Mojave National Preserve lies south beyond I-15 and SR 127 along Kelbaker Road. Kelbaker Road is a locally maintained highway traveling southeast toward Kelso.

11/11/08

Interstate 15 heads northeast 49.4 miles from SR 127 to the Nevada state line at Primm and 92.3 miles to Interstate 11 near Downtown Las Vegas.
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Interstate 15 heads northeast 49.4 miles from SR 127 to the Nevada state line at Primm and 92.3 miles to Interstate 11 near Downtown Las Vegas.

11/11/08

References:

  1. Digital Desert: Shoshone. http://digital-desert.com/shoshone-ca/

Photo Credits:

Connect with:

Interstate 15Interstate 15
Nevada State Route 373State Route 373 - Death Valley Jct Road

Page Updated Monday January 23, 2012.