Old Route 66 in Arizona: Hackberry, Peach Springs

The Mother Road (now signed as AZ 66) is well marked as it turns off from Kingman, AZ. As it makes its way through towns like Hackberry, Truxton, and Peach Springs, the landscape changes several times, from straight and flat, to hilly and green (which is somewhat surprising to see, in the middle of the desert).

At Peach Springs, you can buy a pass from the Hualapai Tribe and take a drive down a long, bumpy dirt road into the Grand Canyon. I made this side trip in 2005, and you can read about my drive into the Grand Canyon here.

When you reach Seligman, you can choose to hop on I-40, and save a little time. But if you do, you’ll miss one of the most pleasing stretches of old 66. Stay on the Mother Road, and you’ll probably be the only one enjoying a 16 mile stretch of gently rolling hills.

Another discovery along old 66, east of Seligman: this old bridge, that passes over the railroad tracks.

The sun is setting… and we’re still a long way from today’s destination, the Grand Canyon. Maybe I spent too much time at the Excalibur’s slots this morning?

This desolate stretch of Old US 66 re-enters I-40 at exit 139. East of that point, most of the old road is buried under the freeway, but it does re-appear in brief stretches, through several towns.

Hoover Dam – US 93

Williams, AZ – Rod’s Steak House

Note: This trip was first published in 2004.

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