Arizona features the longest stretch of the original U.S. Route 66 that remains open for travel. The original route entered from California and passed through the town of Oatman, Arizona. This western portion of the road is now known as Oatman Road. This road takes you to Kingman and intersects the new Interstate 40. From here, the portion of the old road now called State Route 66 meanders north of I-40 for 66 miles, terminating in Saligman, Arizona, where it again meets the interstate. The eastern stretch of the old route to Flagstaff and New Mexico parallels I-40 on frontage roads.
A Scenic Alternative
Unlike the interstate, which cuts through the land for the sake of fast travel, the historic Route 66 takes you on a scenic wander through a variety of terrains. The Oatman road portion of the journey takes you on a twisting tour of the Black Mountains. This desert area is characterized by rugged rock formations and hills layered with shrubby plant-life. Bighorn sheep can often be seen roaming about the incredibly rugged landscape with elegant ease. You have to be careful driving through this region. Hairpin turns combined with steep, rocky terrain have proven to be a recipe for disaster for many unwitting motorists. Fortunately there are signs in place to forewarn you of any such danger. From Kingman the desert flattens out, but the beauty is nonetheless captivating. The horizon seems to extend forever, only broken by massive rock formations looming in the distance. This setting is the quintessential image usually used to portray Route 66, and the one with which most people are familiar. Past Saligman, the western portion of Route 66 gradually takes you out of the desert and into the pine-tree covered highlands of the Colorado Plateau.
Stops Along the Way
Once America's busiest highway, retro diners can still be found all along Route 66. The Olive Oatman Restaurant and Saloon in Oatman, Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner in Kingman, The Grand Canyon's Cavern Restaurant in Peach Springs, and the Snow Cap Drive-In located in Seligman, are just a few of many great choices. In Kingman, you can visit the Route 66 Museum to learn about the highway's history. If you want a more personal account, you can visit Angel Delgadillo in Seligman, who will be happy to tell you about his experience as a barbershop owner in the glory days of Route 66. He can now be found at the Route 66 Gift Shop. The Oatman Hotel in Oatman and The Lodge on Route 66 in Williams are your best bets for a pleasant stay on your trip, but there are plenty of other hotels and motels along the way.
