Kelso, California was once an important stop for the Union Pacific on its trek across the Mohave Desert, both for water and to provide a chance for passengers to eat. The station, in fact, featured a beautifully appointed lunchroom which has been recently restored. Kelso was also at the western end of the grade over Cima Hill, and from the station the sharp increase in grade looking east was quite apparent. Here, however, we are looking west towards open desert, Afton Canyhon, and ultimately Los Angeles, and the grades are much less intimidating. The heat in summer, however, is not. The trees, incidentally, are not native but were planted as windbreaks many decades ago.
