CRUISIN’ TIPS FOR 66. Friday, Nov 3, 2000

Please set your trip odometer so we can get you out of town:

LAUGHLIN TO OATMAN TURN-OFF: This is the turn that’s very easy to miss. The State of Arizona apparently doesn’t want us to use this back road and so they offer no signage. But we’re going to do it anyway.

¼ mile north of the hotel (the way you came in) – cross the Colorado River. At the stop light on the other side of the river—continue STRAIGHT, up the hill which is Bullhead Parkway. That will loop you around Bullhead business district, head you south, bring you back down to the river to meet Hwy #95, and when that happens, turn left and keep heading south.

At about 10 miles, get in left lane to turn left (south) on Highway 95 as described above.

At about 15 miles, look for the big bill board on your right (paid for by the city of Oatman) that tells you to turn left at the next traffic light.

At about 16 ½ miles, (at the traffic light) turn left on BOUNDRY CONE ROAD. You will also see a sign for ROUTE 66.. It’s easy now, 13 more miles to Oatman.

OATMAN TO KINGMAN (with a interim stop at the gold mine.)

Set your trip odometer as you’re leaving Oatman. At about 22 miles you will come to a stop sign on SHINE-A-RUMP ROAD. Turn right on Shinearump. ( if you miss this turn, you’ll end up at a dead-end). Warning: Stay off the dreaded 1-40 because they are about to try and sucker you on it. Proceed straight ( underneath I-40) and stay on this road for a few blocks until you come to a dead end at the railroad tracks. Turn Left.

You are now on FRONTAGE ROAD, ROUTE-66. At about 28 miles, turn left at the Kingman Exit and you’ll come to a stop light at the start of the Kingman business district. Proceed half-right for about one block and you will see the POWERHOUSE, to your right, down by the railroad tracks. Lunch is served.

KINGMAN TO HACKBERRY.

Turn right, coming out of the Powerhouse and stay on Andy Devine which will lead you out of the Kingman business area and on to Route 66. (Andy Devine is also Route 66). At the other end of town, they will try to sucker you on I-40 again. Keep going STRAIGHT noting the signs for 23, 46, Hackberry, Peachsprings. That is you.

HACKBERRY TO SELIGMAN

You don’t need any help on this one. It’s a little over an hour drive. In the middle of the small town of Seligman, you will see a nice Chevron Station. This is a good gas stop if you need fuel. You are headed for the Barber Shop at the end of town. Watch for the old fashion barber pole. Angel may be there. He is the leader, supreme, of the Arizona mother road and entertains folks from around the world. He may ask you to sign his guest book.

SELIGMAN TO WILLIAMS.

Important: About 2 blocks down the road from the barbershop, there is a “Y” in the road.

STAY TO THE RIGHT for CROOKTON ROAD.. This is some of the most original Route 66 you will find. You will pass trains along side you. Be sure to wave at the engineers—they love Prowlers. They will blow their train whistles at you which can be heard for miles and miles around. And they will wave back to you.

Finally, Crookton Road…Historic Old Route 66….will give out on you and merge you into I-40 for the last few miles to Williams. (Don’t go to Ashfork.)

ENTERING WILLIAMS.

Take the first exit for Williams which says #161 WILLIAMS GRAND CANYON. Go to the end of town, one block past Rod’s steakhouse, to: TWISTERS/ROUTE 66 PLACE.

You can’t miss because Dave Pouquette will be waiting for you. He loves your car and brought his car to show you – the beautiful pink and white 1955 Ford Crown Victoria, parked right in front of his place of business. Note: both exits for Williams will work as you wish to drive the whole town anyway on both one- way streets which are a half block apart.

Parking: Park around Dave’s or Rods, including the street. It’s safe and you won’t have to move your car again until after dinner if you don’t wish to.

WILLIAMS TO FLAGSTAFF.

Use Interstate 40. It’s about 30 miles east and 30 minutes to the Little America Hotel. Ignore the first one or two Flagstaff signs and continue east to EXIT 198 BUTLER AVE.

The hotel is alongside this exit-- you can’t miss it.

Roger