Conquer the Heights: An Epic Ride Through Arizona's Historic Heart

Embracing the Unforgettable Ride on Arizona's Historic Byway

Spanning over two thousand miles across the American landscape, from the vibrant cityscape of Chicago to the sunny shores of California, the legendary Route 66 continues to beckon with its nostalgic charm and quirky roadside attractions. This iconic highway, officially decommissioned in 1985, remarkably retains about 85% of its original path, offering a predominantly smooth journey across its two-lane stretches. However, certain sections present a more challenging, yet profoundly rewarding, experience. Among these, the Sitgreaves Pass stands out as a particularly formidable, albeit breathtaking, segment.

Navigating the Exhilarating Ascend: The Perilous Beauty of Sitgreaves Pass

Situated to the southwest of Kingman, Arizona\u2014a vibrant locale blending historical allure with the serene beauty of the desert\u2014Sitgreaves Pass carves a treacherous, high-altitude path through the Black Mountains, culminating at the elevated town of Oatman. For those prone to acrophobia, this ascent can be particularly daunting; the sheer drops and absence of guardrails add to the trepidation. The serpentine route, marked by sharp, tight bends and a narrow roadway, offers minimal space for maneuvering, making any U-turn a significant challenge once the journey begins. It's said that this eight-mile stretch encompasses 191 curves, a fact proudly announced by a sign at its conclusion, proclaiming, "I Survived." Historically, some intimidated travelers would even compensate locals or hire tow trucks to navigate their vehicles over the summit. If you undertake this drive, extreme caution is advised. Avoid nighttime travel, maintain a speed of 20 mph, and opt for motorcycles or standard-sized vehicles, as larger vehicles might struggle with the tight turns and limited space. Allocate approximately 45 minutes for the crossing, plus additional time to pause and absorb the stunning panoramic vistas, which may also help calm your nerves.

The Ultimate Reward: Discovering the Enchantment of Oatman

Despite the inherent risks, traversing Sitgreaves Pass is an immensely rewarding experience, offering some of Route 66's most spectacular views. At its peak, a small lookout point provides sweeping vistas of the desert below, along with distant views of Arizona, California, and Nevada. On the western side of the road, remnants of an old gas station and ice cream parlor, once a welcome sight for weary travelers, can be observed. The area's past as a bustling mining community is still evident, with signs of old mining shafts dotting the landscape. As you descend towards Oatman, donkeys, descendants of those used by gold miners, often meander onto the road, approaching slow-moving vehicles in anticipation of carrot treats, a unique local tradition. Upon reaching Oatman, you'll be greeted by Arizona's most eccentric Old West town. Once a thriving mining hub in the early 20th century, Oatman has transformed into a charming tourist destination featuring historic saloons, souvenir shops, and lively gunfight reenactments. The town's iconic burros are a major attraction, and while feeding them is generally discouraged, many local shops offer special hay cubes and pellets designed for safe feeding. After your adventurous drive, treat yourself at the Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Bar. Established in 1902, this historic hotel boasts a rich past, including a stay by Hollywood legends Clark Gable and Carole Lombard on their wedding night in 1939.