How to Drive Historic Route 66 from Kingman

Driving Historic Route 66 from Kingman, Arizona, is more than a road trip—it’s a journey through the soul of America. Stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 was the nation’s first all-highway road connecting the Midwest to the West Coast. For decades, it served as the primary artery for migrants, motorists, and dreamers seeking opportunity, adventure, and the open road. Though decommissioned in 1985, its legacy endures in the preserved stretches of asphalt, vintage motels, neon signs, and roadside diners that still beckon travelers today.

Kingman, Arizona, sits near the midpoint of Route 66’s western segment and is one of the most accessible and well-preserved gateways to the Mother Road. Known as the “Heart of Route 66,” Kingman offers a rich blend of history, culture, and authentic roadside charm. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking an escape from the monotony of interstates, driving Route 66 from Kingman delivers an unforgettable experience.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to navigating Historic Route 66 from Kingman—covering everything from route planning and navigation tools to must-see landmarks, local etiquette, and hidden gems. You’ll learn how to maximize your journey, avoid common pitfalls, and immerse yourself in the nostalgia and spirit of America’s most iconic highway.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Begin at Kingman’s Historic Route 66 District

Your journey starts in downtown Kingman, where the original alignment of Route 66 runs along Andy Devine Avenue. This stretch, designated as a National Historic Landmark, features restored 1940s and 1950s architecture, vintage signage, and the iconic Kingman Route 66 Museum. Before hitting the road, spend at least an hour exploring the museum. It houses artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits detailing the highway’s cultural impact, including stories of families who traveled it during the Dust Bowl migration.

For optimal navigation, note the exact starting point: the intersection of Andy Devine Avenue and Beale Street. This is where the original 1926 alignment of Route 66 begins its westward trek. Park your vehicle near the museum’s parking lot or at the adjacent free public parking on Beale Street. Pick up a free Route 66 map from the visitor center—these are invaluable for identifying preserved segments versus modern detours.

Step 2: Follow Andy Devine Avenue Westbound

From the museum, drive west on Andy Devine Avenue. This is the original Route 66 alignment, now signed as Historic Route 66. The road winds through Kingman’s historic commercial district, lined with classic motels like the El Monte and the Route 66 Motel, both still operating and offering a nostalgic stay. Look for the distinctive “66” painted on the pavement in several spots—these are intentional markers placed by the city to guide travelers.

As you continue, you’ll pass the historic Kingman Train Depot, built in 1916 and now a cultural center. A short detour here (about 0.3 miles north on Beale Street) offers a glimpse into the railroad history that once competed with automobile travel. Return to Andy Devine Avenue and continue west.

Step 3: Exit Kingman and Enter the Mojave Desert

Approximately 3 miles west of downtown, Andy Devine Avenue merges with the modern US-93 freeway. This is a critical juncture. To remain on Historic Route 66, you must exit the freeway at the “Historic Route 66” sign, just before the Kingman Wash. Turn right onto a narrow, two-lane road labeled “Historic Route 66.” This stretch, often overlooked by GPS systems, is the true original pavement.

Here, the landscape shifts dramatically. The urban feel gives way to the vast, sun-baked Mojave Desert. The road becomes quieter, flanked by Joshua trees, sagebrush, and distant mountain silhouettes. You’ll notice the road surface changes—some sections are original 1930s asphalt, cracked and uneven, while others have been patched with modern concrete. Drive slowly; the historic pavement is not designed for high speeds.

Step 4: Visit the Oatman Historic District

After approximately 20 miles of desert driving, you’ll reach Oatman, a preserved ghost town that came alive during the 1915 gold rush. Route 66 cuts directly through the town’s main street, which remains unpaved and lined with wooden storefronts, antique shops, and saloons. Oatman is famous for its free-roaming burros—descendants of pack animals used by miners. They often wander into the road, so drive cautiously and avoid feeding them.

Stop at the Oatman Hotel, established in 1902 and still operating. It’s one of the oldest continuously running hotels on Route 66. Grab a drink at the bar or tour the rooms, many of which retain original furnishings. Don’t miss the Oatman Mining Museum, which showcases gold panning equipment and period photographs.

Before leaving Oatman, take a photo with the iconic “Welcome to Oatman” sign and the burro statue at the town’s entrance. These are popular landmarks for Route 66 pilgrims.

Step 5: Traverse the Black Mountains and Enter Arizona’s Western Desert

Leaving Oatman, the road climbs steeply through the Black Mountains via a series of sharp switchbacks known locally as “Oatman Grade.” This is one of the most scenic and challenging sections of the entire drive. The road is narrow, with no guardrails in places, and the drop-offs are dramatic. Drive slowly and use lower gears on descents. Pull over at the designated viewpoints to photograph the panoramic desert vistas.

After descending the grade, you’ll enter a vast, flat desert plain. This is where the original 1926 alignment of Route 66 runs parallel to the modern I-40, sometimes only a few hundred feet away. Look for the faded white paint of the old highway’s centerline and occasional mile markers. This stretch is often called “The Forgotten Mile” because many travelers miss it entirely, opting for the faster interstate.

Step 6: Stop at the Sitgreaves Pass and the 66 Diner

Just before reaching the town of Needles, you’ll pass Sitgreaves Pass, a critical engineering feat from the 1920s. The original Route 66 alignment here includes a series of concrete arches and retaining walls that still stand intact. Park safely at the turnout and walk the short trail to view the stone masonry. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship of early highway builders.

Continue to the 66 Diner in Needles, located at 1200 E. 3rd Street. This family-owned eatery has been serving classic burgers, milkshakes, and pie since 1952. The interior is unchanged: vinyl booths, chrome accents, and a jukebox playing 1950s rock. It’s a perfect place to refuel and reflect on the journey so far.

Step 7: Cross into California at the Colorado River

Needles is the last major Arizona town on Historic Route 66. From here, the highway crosses the Colorado River via the historic Needles Bridge. This bridge, built in 1916, is still in use and offers a striking view of the river below. The bridge itself is part of the original Route 66 alignment and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

As you cross into California, the road name changes to “Historic Route 66” and then merges with the modern CA-62. The desert landscape here is even more arid. Look for the “Welcome to California” sign on the west end of the bridge—it’s a milestone many travelers photograph as a symbolic crossing.

Step 8: Explore the California Desert and End in Barstow

Once in California, you’ll pass through the Mojave National Preserve. The road is quieter here, with long stretches of solitude. You’ll encounter the remnants of old gas stations, abandoned auto repair shops, and the ghost of a once-bustling service economy. Look for the “Casa del Desierto” in Barstow—a former Harvey House railroad hotel turned Route 66 museum. It’s now the Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum and is a must-visit.

Barstow marks the unofficial end of the Kingman-to-Route-66-western-leg journey. Many travelers choose to stop here, as it’s the last major stop before the final stretch to Santa Monica. Spend an evening exploring the museum’s collection of vintage signs, license plates, and photographs. The gift shop sells rare Route 66 memorabilia not found elsewhere.

Best Practices

Prioritize Safety Over Speed

Historic Route 66 is not a speedway. Many sections are narrow, unpaved, or lined with debris from decades of weathering. Speed limits are often unposted, but driving at 35–45 mph is recommended. Watch for loose gravel, hidden potholes, and wildlife—especially near Oatman and the Mojave Desert. Always carry extra water, a spare tire, and a basic tool kit. Cell service is spotty; don’t rely on GPS for real-time navigation.

Respect the Land and Local Communities

Many of the towns along this route are small and economically vulnerable. Support local businesses: buy souvenirs from mom-and-pop shops, eat at family-run diners, and stay in historic motels. Avoid trespassing on private property—even if it looks abandoned. Some roadside attractions are on private land and are maintained by volunteers. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.

Plan for Weather and Seasonal Conditions

Kingman and the surrounding desert experience extreme temperatures. Summer highs can exceed 110°F (43°C). Plan your drive for spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for the most comfortable conditions. Winter brings freezing nights and occasional snow in the higher elevations near Oatman. Always check the National Weather Service for flash flood warnings—desert washes can fill rapidly after rain.

Document Your Journey Responsibly

Photography is encouraged, but be mindful of privacy. Avoid photographing residents or their homes without permission. If you’re using drones, check local regulations—many areas near historic sites restrict aerial photography. Keep your camera gear secure; theft from vehicles is rare but possible in remote areas.

Minimize Environmental Impact

Leave no trace. Carry out all trash, including food wrappers and plastic bottles. Do not remove rocks, signs, or artifacts from the roadside—even small pieces of vintage signage. These are protected under federal law as part of the National Historic Route 66 Preservation Program. Respect the land that has carried millions of travelers for over a century.

Use Physical Maps as a Backup

While smartphone apps are convenient, they often misroute you onto modern highways or fail to show historic alignments. Download offline maps using Google Maps or Maps.me before you leave Kingman. But also carry a printed copy of the “Historic Route 66 Map” published by the National Park Service. These maps mark every preserved segment, parking area, and landmark with precision.

Engage with the Culture, Not Just the Landmarks

Route 66 is not just a road—it’s a cultural tapestry. Talk to locals. Ask motel owners about their memories. Listen to stories from diner waitstaff. Many have lived here their entire lives and can point out hidden gems: a faded mural behind the gas station, a 1948 Ford parked in a backyard, or the exact spot where John Steinbeck passed through in 1938.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps for Navigation

While physical maps are ideal, digital tools enhance the experience:

• Route 66 Road Trip App – Developed by the Route 66 Association of Illinois, this app includes GPS-tracked waypoints for every preserved segment from Kingman to Santa Monica, with photos and historical notes.
• Google Maps Offline Mode – Download the Kingman-to-Barstow corridor as an offline map. It’s critical for areas with no cell service.
• Historic Route 66 Explorer (iOS/Android) – A crowdsourced app with user-submitted photos, reviews, and current conditions of road segments. Includes alerts for closures or construction.

Recommended Books for Context

Deepen your understanding with these authoritative works:

• “The Mother Road: A Journey Along Route 66” by Michael Wallis – The definitive history of the highway, written by the foremost Route 66 scholar.
• “Route 66: The Highway and Its People” by John Steinbeck (excerpted in “The Grapes of Wrath”) – Steinbeck’s iconic depiction of the highway as a path of hope and hardship.
• “Route 66: The Complete Guide to the Mother Road” by Bob and Carol Burt – A practical guide with maps, lodging recommendations, and historical photos.

Official Resources

These organizations maintain and preserve the highway:

• National Park Service – Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program – Offers free downloadable maps, historical documents, and grant-funded restoration updates.
• Route 66 Alliance – A nonprofit dedicated to preservation. Their website includes a “Road Conditions” page updated weekly.
• Arizona Department of Transportation – Historic Route 66 Program – Provides maintenance schedules and restoration projects along the Arizona stretch.

Where to Buy Physical Maps and Guides

Visit the Kingman Route 66 Museum gift shop or the Barstow Mother Road Museum for the most accurate, up-to-date printed maps. Avoid generic “Route 66” maps sold at big-box retailers—they often misrepresent the historic alignment. The official National Park Service map (ISBN 978-0-16-093120-4) is the gold standard.

Photography and Gear Recommendations

For capturing the essence of Route 66:

• Use a wide-angle lens (16–35mm) to capture the vast desert and iconic roadside signs.
• Carry a tripod for sunrise/sunset shots at landmarks like the Oatman Bridge or the Needles Wash.
• Bring a UV filter to protect your lens from desert dust.
• Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on glass storefronts and chrome trim.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Smith Family Road Trip – 2023

The Smiths, a family of four from Colorado, drove Historic Route 66 from Kingman in October 2023. They followed this exact route, stopping at every landmark listed in this guide. They spent two nights in Oatman and one night in Barstow. Their son, age 10, kept a journal and sketched every roadside attraction. The family later donated their journal to the Kingman Route 66 Museum, where it’s now displayed as part of a “Youth on Route 66” exhibit.

They reported that the most memorable moment was meeting 89-year-old Mrs. Delores Hargrove, who worked as a waitress at the 66 Diner in 1954. She told them stories of driving the route in her 1952 Chevrolet, carrying her newborn daughter to California. “We didn’t know we were making history,” she said. “We just knew we had to get there.”

Example 2: The Photographer’s Journey – Miguel Rivera

Miguel Rivera, a documentary photographer from Los Angeles, spent 12 days photographing the Kingman-to-Barstow stretch in 2022. He focused on the contrast between decay and preservation. His series, “Asphalt Echoes,” features haunting images of abandoned gas stations with rusted pumps, neon signs flickering in the desert wind, and lone hitchhikers waiting at roadside pullouts.

One photo—of a child’s bicycle leaning against the wall of the old Oatman Post Office—went viral on social media. It prompted a local historian to identify the bicycle as belonging to a boy who lived in Oatman in 1951. The bike was returned to his now-elderly sister, who tearfully thanked Rivera for “keeping the memory alive.”

Example 3: The Route 66 Volunteer – Janet Torres

Janet Torres, a retired schoolteacher from Phoenix, has volunteered with the Route 66 Alliance since 2015. She spends three weeks each summer cleaning up litter along the highway between Kingman and Oatman. She also organizes “Storytelling Saturdays,” where she invites locals to share memories at rest stops. Her efforts led to the installation of 17 new historical markers along the route, funded by a small grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“People think Route 66 is just a road,” she says. “But it’s a living archive. Every crack in the asphalt holds a story. Every faded sign is a promise kept.”

Example 4: The Lost Sign Found – 2021 Restoration

In 2021, a 1950s “Route 66” neon sign, missing since the 1980s, was discovered in a storage shed in Kingman. It had been saved by a local mechanic who remembered it from his childhood. With help from the Route 66 Alliance, the sign was restored and reinstalled above the former U-Drop Inn, now a café. The re-lighting ceremony drew over 300 people. It’s now one of the most photographed landmarks on the route.

FAQs

How long does it take to drive Historic Route 66 from Kingman to Barstow?

Allow 6–8 hours of driving time without stops. With sightseeing, meals, and photo breaks, plan for a full day. Most travelers spend two days to fully experience the journey, staying overnight in Oatman or Needles.

Is the road safe to drive in a regular passenger car?

Yes, but drive slowly and carefully. Some sections are narrow and rough. A standard sedan or SUV is fine. Avoid low-clearance vehicles on the Oatman Grade. Four-wheel drive is not necessary unless traveling after heavy rain.

Are there gas stations along the route?

Yes, but they are sparse. Fill up in Kingman and Oatman. The 66 Diner in Needles has a small gas station. Don’t rely on finding fuel between Oatman and Needles.

Can I camp along Historic Route 66?

Camping is permitted only in designated areas. The Mojave National Preserve offers backcountry camping permits. Do not camp on the roadside. There are no formal campgrounds directly on the historic alignment between Kingman and Barstow.

What’s the best time of year to drive this stretch?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer is extremely hot; winter can bring snow in the mountains near Oatman.

Are pets allowed on the route?

Yes, but keep them leashed. Many historic sites and museums allow pets on leashes. Bring water and avoid leaving pets in vehicles—temperatures rise dangerously fast in the desert.

Is there an entrance fee to visit Route 66 landmarks?

Most are free. The Kingman and Barstow museums charge a small admission fee ($5–$10). Oatman’s museums are donation-based. No fees are charged to drive the road itself.

What should I do if my car breaks down?

Call for roadside assistance if you have coverage. If not, walk to the nearest town—most are within 10–15 miles. Carry a phone charger, water, and a reflective vest. Never attempt to repair the vehicle on the road. Wait in a safe location.

Can I drive this route in an RV or trailer?

Yes, but exercise caution on Oatman Grade and narrow sections. Some motels in Kingman and Barstow accommodate large vehicles. Check ahead for RV parking.

Why is this stretch of Route 66 so important?

It’s one of the most intact, least-altered segments of the original highway. Unlike other sections paved over by interstates, this route still follows the 1926 alignment with original pavement, bridges, and roadside architecture. It’s a living museum.

Conclusion

Driving Historic Route 66 from Kingman is not merely a route—it’s a pilgrimage through time. Each mile tells a story: of families fleeing hardship, of entrepreneurs building dreams on the edge of the desert, of engineers who carved a path through impossible terrain with little more than dynamite and determination. The road is not just asphalt and concrete; it’s memory made tangible.

By following this guide, you’re not just navigating a highway—you’re honoring a legacy. You’re choosing to slow down, to look closely, to listen to the whispers of the past carried on the desert wind. You’re stepping into the shoes of the millions who once traveled this path, not for efficiency, but for hope.

As you leave Barstow behind, heading toward the Pacific, remember: the true destination of Route 66 was never Santa Monica. It was the journey itself—the people you met, the stories you heard, the silence between the mountains, the glow of a neon sign at dusk.

Drive with respect. Drive with curiosity. Drive with gratitude.

And when you return home, don’t just tell others about the trip—tell them about the woman who served you pie in Oatman, the boy who showed you his grandfather’s license plate, the sign you found half-buried in the sand, still glowing faintly with the words: “Welcome to Route 66.”

That’s the real magic of the Mother Road.