Yo, buckle up—’cause we’re rollin’ through the wild heart of Arizona, where the legendary Route 66 is turning 99! That’s nearly a century of dusty highways, jukebox vibes, and timeless roadside magic. But what’s the real deal behind this Mother Road? And why does Arizona claim the crown for the most iconic stretch? Let’s ride.

🐴 Ghost Town Vibes & Wild Donkeys in Oatman

Ever seen a donkey block traffic like it owns the place? Welcome to Oatman, where burros roam free and time’s stuck in a cowboy daydream. Old saloons, dusty jailhouses, and a Main Street that turns into a Wild West show every afternoon. Gunshots (fake, don’t worry), dusty boots, and maybe a donkey snatching a dollar from your hand—it’s all part of the vibe. Oh, and Clark Gable? Yeah, he spent his honeymoon here in ’39. Old-school Hollywood meets desert realness.

🌀 Sitgreaves Pass: The OG Rollercoaster Road

Back in the day, cars had to go in reverse up these hairpin curves to make it over. No joke. Now it’s a winding Insta-worthy ride through the Black Mountains that gives serious “drive slow, shoot fast” energy. Sunset here? Unreal.

🎬 Cool Springs along the Route 66: Vintage Gas & Movie Feels

Cross the pass and hit Cool Springs, a retro gas station turned movie star (shoutout to Universal Soldier). Motorcyclists love this pitstop, and it feels like a postcard from the ‘60s, complete with neon signs and Route 66 charm.

⛽ Hackberry General Store: Gas Station Turned Art

This place is pure Americana. Rusty Fords, vintage signs, and quirky photo ops at every turn. The Hackberry General Store is where Route 66 turns into a museum without walls.

📬 Kingman: Museums, Microbrews & a Barber Who Saved the Road

Kingman’s got soul—and a Route 66 Museum that brings the highway’s history to life. Listen to an audio tour, sip a cold craft beer, or shop turquoise like a local. But don’t miss the legend himself: Angel Delgadillo, the barber who singlehandedly kept Route 66 alive when everyone else forgot. His shop? A living shrine to retro road culture. Still run by his grandkids, btw.

💈 Nostalgia Overload in Seligman

Seligman could’ve faded like any other town—until Angel (yes, him again) turned it into the heart of Route 66 revival. His barbershop sparked a movement. A few doors down? Westside Lilo’s Café, run by a German expat from Wiesbaden. Grab a bite, grab a memory.

🏕️ Sleep in a Wigwam in Holbrook

Want to crash like a retro legend? Stay at the Wigwam Motel, where the rooms look like tipis but come with all the mod cons. Outside, vintage cars complete the picture. Bonus: Holbrook’s the gateway to the Petrified Forest, with rainbow-colored rockscapes that’ll blow your mind.

📚 Where the Legend Began

The Route 66 myth started with a book—John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”. It told the story of families fleeing the Dust Bowl, chasing hope down this very road. Their story still echoes through the desert winds, and you can feel it in places like Kingman’s museum or in the haunting lyrics of “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush.

🎉 So… Route 66 is 99. What’s next?

Well, the Mother Road’s still kickin’. Still inspiring. Still packed with characters, colors, and culture. So grab your playlist (don’t forget Take it Easy), roll down the windows, and ride. Because some roads aren’t just highways. They’re legends.

Text: Marco Kokkot