Zzyzx is actually a word. Supposedly it was the last word in the dictionary. Before it was known as Zzyzx it was known as Soda Springs.
A popular stop among Native Americans for water before Spanish explorers came along and then later a US Army outpost popped up there. Camp Soda Springs which protected government supplies from thirsty Native Americans. In 1944 evangelist Curtis Springer filed a mining claim on a 12,800 acre parcel of land. Instead of doing any mining on the land he opened up a health resort and named it Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Resort. He hired homeless from skid row to build the resort while living in a tent city on the property.
The resort was a huge success. Guests frequented the healing waters and the hot springs. He also shipped his so called medicines from the resort.
The hot springs were actually heated by boilers and the medicines was nothing more then oils and things disguised as medicines. Basically Custis Howe Springer was nothing more then a con artist.
One of my favorite parts was the dried up salt lake bed you see along the way. Zzyzx road has an interesting history and it is a cool place to stop and stretch your legs and explore.
Check out the other awesome places I've experienced with van life: