The first European to use the pass was Francisco Garces in 1776, who used it to return to the Mojave Desert after exploring the San Joaquin Valley.

[1] Like Garces, he also used it to cross from the San Joaquin Valley to the Mojave Desert.

Oak Creek Pass was the only route between the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert over the Tehachapi Mountains until 1876, when the railroad was built to the north through Tehachapi Pass.

[2] Ironically, the railroad was built on the 100th anniversary of Garces first use of the pass.

Oak Creek Pass is a California Historical Landmark (# 97), date of registration March 29, 1933.