Robert Brownlee Observatory

Robert Brownlee Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Lake Arrowhead, CA, about 9 miles off the old road. The Mountain Skies Astronomical Society owns and runs it, and it takes its name from Robert Gregg Brownlee, a biochemist. Up in the mountains above San Bernardino, it offers Route 66 travelers a very different side trip from the desert and valley stops along the highway, especially for anyone curious about the night sky.

What is Robert Brownlee Observatory?

This is a club observatory rather than a university or government facility. It is operated by volunteers of the Mountain Skies Astronomical Society in the Lake Arrowhead area.

Visiting Robert Brownlee Observatory: tips

Check the society's website for any public events before driving up, since club observatories usually open only on set nights. Santa's Village is about 2 miles away, and Deep Creek Hot Springs about 7.7 miles.

Practical info

Hours
We have no opening hours for this stop yet — check the official site.
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near Robert Brownlee Observatory

All diners on Route 66 →
  • Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino, CA
    Diner & restaurant

    Mitla Cafe

    San Bernardino, CA · 10.2 mi from Robert Brownlee Observatory

    Family-run Mexican cafe on Mount Vernon Avenue, the old Route 66, open since 1937 and known for crisp tacos.

On the map

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Robert Brownlee Observatory with the 6 closest stops and a place to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.

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Stops near Robert Brownlee Observatory

All of California
Santa's Village in Lake Arrowhead, CA

Santa's Village

Lake Arrowhead, California · 10.4 mi from Route 66

A mountain adventure park in Skyforest on the grounds of a Santa's Village that ran from 1955 to 1998.

Art & landmarksPhoto credit

2.0 mi from Robert Brownlee Observatory

Devil Canyon in San Bernardino, CA

Devil Canyon

San Bernardino, California · 1.6 mi from Route 66

A steep canyon on the southern slope of Paivia Peak, draining toward the Santa Ana River.

Nature & parksPhoto credit

7.7 mi from Robert Brownlee Observatory

Deep Creek Hot Springs in Apple Valley, CA

Deep Creek Hot Springs

Apple Valley, California · 13.0 mi from Route 66

Natural hot springs where the San Bernardino National Forest meets the edge of the Mojave Desert.

Nature & parksPhoto credit

7.7 mi from Robert Brownlee Observatory

Sawpit Canyon

Crestline, California · 5.6 mi from Route 66

A steep mountain canyon east of Monument Peak whose old creek mouth now lies under Silverwood Lake.

Nature & parks

8.0 mi from Robert Brownlee Observatory

Monument Peak

Crestline, California · 3.2 mi from Route 66

A 5,272-foot peak of the San Bernardino range, close to Sawpit and Devil canyons.

Nature & parks

8.3 mi from Robert Brownlee Observatory

Horsethief Canyon

Hesperia, California · 7.3 mi from Route 66

The high end of Summit Valley near Cajon Pass, where two state routes wind through.

Nature & parks

8.5 mi from Robert Brownlee Observatory

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