Duarte in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Trails Restaurant
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 12, 2005
1. The Trails Restaurant Marker
The Trails Restaurant started small but vigorous in 1952 on land acquired in unincorporated territory along a two lane road known as Route 66. A welcome stop for travelers, the steak house earned a reputation for its hefty portions, thick soups, crusty cheese bread, and lounge entertainment. When travelers abandoned Route 66 for the new faster freeways, The Trails relied on loyal local patrons.
Unexpectedly, in 2001, owners Edith Brothers and Robert Basha announced the closing of their 50 year venture, claiming it to be a financial burden. Despite pleas by preservationists and Route 66 buffs, the furnishings were sold at auction and the structure demolished in 2002, paving the way for a housing development.
This plaque is sponsored by Bowden Development Inc. and the Duarte Historical Society commemorating The Trails as one of Duarte's last Route 66 icons.
Erected by Bowden Development Inc. and the Duarte Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.
Location. 34° 8.397′ N, 117° 57.03′ W. Marker is in Duarte, California
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Glenn Miller (approx. 0.9 miles away); Orange Blossom Park (approx. one mile away); Mr. Bradburys Bridge (approx. one mile away); Andres Avelino Duarte (approx. 1.2 miles away); City of Hope (approx. 1.3 miles away); Hitching Post (approx. 2.2 miles away); Azusa, the Canyon City (approx. 2½ miles away); The Azusa Theatre (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Duarte.
More about this marker. Marker was later replaced with a white one.
Also see . . . Remembering the Trails Restaurant on ole Route 66. Esotouric website, Episode #96: (Submitted on October 7, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 12, 2005
2. Trails Restaurant Original Marker
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 15, 2022
3. The Trails Restaurant Marker
The original marker was later replaced with this one.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 15, 2022
4. The Trails Restaurant Marker
5. The Trails Restaurant
Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 3,583 times since then and 243 times this year. Last updated on February 10, 2012. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 6, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3, 4. submitted on September 3, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 5. submitted on December 28, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
