Victor Valley facts for kids
The Victor Valley is a special area in the Mojave Desert in Southern California. It's like a big bowl of land, or a valley, located in San Bernardino County.
This valley is found east of the Antelope Valley and north of the Cajon Pass. It sits between the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Bernardino Mountains. A river called the Mojave River flows through the Victor Valley, mostly underground.
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Exploring the Victor Valley's Geography
The Victor Valley is home to many communities. It includes four main cities and 15 smaller, unincorporated communities. An "incorporated municipality" is a city with its own local government. An "unincorporated community" is a place that is not part of a city and is governed by the county.
The total number of people living in the Victor Valley is about 550,000. Most people live within a 10-mile (16 km) area around the city of Victorville.
Cities and Towns in the Valley
Here are the main cities and some of the communities you can find in the Victor Valley:
Cities with Over 100,000 People
- Victorville (population 134,810)
- Hesperia (population 100,971)
Cities with Over 50,000 People
- Apple Valley (population 75,791)
Cities with Over 20,000 People
- Adelanto (population 38,046)
Smaller Communities to Discover
- Baldy Mesa
- Helendale
- Lucerne Valley – This area is a separate valley but is still considered part of the Victor Valley's cultural and economic region.
- Oak Hills
- Oro Grande
- Phelan
- Piñon Hills
- Silver Lakes
- Spring Valley Lake
Getting Around: Transportation in Victor Valley
The Victor Valley has many ways to travel. The Victor Valley Transportation Center in Victorville is a central hub. It connects different types of transport like trains, buses, and shuttles. It's also a place where people can park their cars and carpool.
Train Travel and Stations
Amtrak trains serve the area. You can catch a train in Victorville or Barstow. The "Southwest Chief" train runs once a day. There are also connecting bus services several times a day.
A new high-speed rail line called Brightline West is being built. It will connect Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga and eventually Los Angeles. This line will have a stop at the Victor Valley station.
Public Bus Services
The Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) provides public transportation. Their buses serve most cities and communities in the Victor Valley. VVTA also offers cheaper tickets for Greyhound Lines buses to Barstow and San Bernardino.
The Barstow Area Transit serves Barstow and nearby communities. These two bus systems connect through a service called the B-V Link. Greyhound Lines buses also stop at the Victor Valley Transportation Center.
Major Roads and Highways
Several important roads pass through the Victor Valley:
- Interstate 15 – This is the main freeway in the Victor Valley.
- U.S. Route 395
- Historic U.S. Route 66 – A famous old road.
- California State Route 18 – Also known as the Rim of the World Highway.
- California State Route 138 – Known as the Pearblossom Highway.
Airports in the Area
The Victor Valley has a few airports:
- Victorville Airport (Southern California Logistics Airport) – This airport is used for charter flights and general aviation. It does not have regular passenger flights.
- Apple Valley Airport – Used for general aviation, fuel, and flight lessons.
- Hesperia Airport – Also used for general aviation.
Fun Places to Visit: Victor Valley Attractions
There are many interesting places to visit in and around the Victor Valley:
- Victor Valley Museum and Art Gallery – Located in Apple Valley, this museum shows local history and art.
- The California Route 66 Museum – Found in Victorville, it celebrates the history of the famous Route 66.
- Mojave Narrows Regional Park – A beautiful park in Victorville where the Mojave River comes to the surface.
- The Mall of Victor Valley – A popular shopping center.
- Victor Valley Memorial Park – A peaceful park in Victorville.
Nearby Outdoor Adventures
If you love the outdoors, there are great places nearby for both summer and winter fun:
- San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest – This area includes Wrightwood, which is popular for skiing and snowboarding in winter.
- San Bernardino Mountains and San Bernardino National Forest – Great for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
