AZ / NM Route 66 - Ghost Towns / Off-road Waypoints - On-X Off Road

[Moe-Jave]

Hey, all. I'm planning a trip in the next week or so from SE Arizona along Route 66. In part, it was inspired by a few YouTube videos that show exploration of ghost towns. In many cases, it simply parallels the new interstate (I-10/I-40). It is easy to see why people don't travel these frontage roads much. I have not seen much of Route 66 first hand and recently watched a video where all the included states were traveled (Vice production). I'd recommend it if you find this interesting.

Anyhow, I was curious if anyone had notable stops along the way. My trip will take me to Roswell, NM (never been) and then north to Chaco Canyon (just north of I-40). I'm interested in the road-less-traveled, and willing to go out of the way for interesting stops. Since I'm taking the Gladiator, I also would like to find some quick off-road points of interest. Ideally, those taking just a couple hours each. I'm not in a hurry and the journey is the point.

Also, I recently purchased a subscription to On-X Off Road and really like it (50% off so $50/year right now). With CarPlay integration, it is very useful. I prefer the hybrid satellite/road view and it makes easy work of new/unfamiliar terrain. I also like that you can see clear designations for land type such as private/BLM/state trust, etc. That plus owner names are listed! This is a great tool for hunting, off-roading, and just exploring. You can also easily download maps in advance for offline use when you don't have cellular data coverage.

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https://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm

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[Main Line Willys]

I do not have too much to add other than I had a great lunch this Summer at Cruisers Cafe 66 in Williams AZ

 

[Moe-Jave]

I do not have too much to add other than I had a great lunch this Summer at Cruisers Cafe 66 in Williams AZ

All of my friends seem to like Williams, so that is on the list for a lunch spot. Thanks!

 

[Moe-Jave]

On your way to Roswell you can hit White Sands and if you like old west history stop at Lincoln, NM and walk around. Then check out the Billy the Kid museum and gravesite in Fort Sumner.

Thank you, I have been to White Sands years ago but it is time to go again. I spent some time in nearby Alamogordo too (not necessarily a highlight).

I did not know about the Billy the Kid details, and have not spent time in Fort Sumner. I will check it out!

 

[Jcsii]

Your going north so El Morro National Monument would not be on your path but it is a very nice drive on 53 if you want to consider a southern route to Roswell.

Parts of the New Mexico BDR might be fun out of Roswell.

 

[cybercat]

Bisti is well worth a stop. Sunset and night time pictures will be amazing.

https://www.blm.gov/visit/bisti-de-na-zin-wilderness
Or
Lybrook badlands
http://www.aztecnm.com/recreation/lybrook.html

Near ALB.
Grand Quivira
https://www.nps.gov/sapu/learn/historyculture/gran-quivira.htm
An other missions.
https://www.nps.gov/sapu/learn/hist...sions is a,other historic buildings and ruins.


Little closer to Roswell Fort Sumner Historical site.
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-fortsumner/

 

[HooliganActual]

@Moe-Jave Since you are already in AZ, you might know about this gem but if not, this is an absolute first stop on your trip (or last depending on your direction of travel). This place is so neat and I hope it is still open.

Diamond Creek Road in Peach Springs, AZ just off of Route 66. I'll start by saying that it is on the Haulapai Reservation and requires a permit (read fee) not unlike many other attractions would.

It starts with a reasonably maintained gravel/dirt road:

This road will take you all the way down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon...

...and right to the Colorado River:

There are several ramadas with pic-a-nic tables:

And plenty of space to set up camp:

The sunsets were impressive against the canyon walls:

I even got to watch the outfitters setting up a half dozen rafts the next morning:

It's been 5 years since I visited and I hope it still remains accessible. Here's the deets as they were the when I was there:

Hualapai Game & Fish​

863 Hwy 66​

Peach Springs, AZ 86434​

Lat: 35.529026​

Lon: -113.427427​

(928)769-2227 M-F 8a-5p Sat-Sun 9a-3p​

Fee: $20/person/night​

​

EDIT: Adding a nice overhead shot from Garmin

 

[Moe-Jave]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing those details. I have not been and will try to incorporate that on my trip!

 

[ToJTornottoJT]

In Arizona I think a trip through Young is required... home of the Pleasant Valley War which was a fued over the grazing of sheep (think the movie Young Guns) and more people died than in the Hatfields and McCoys. The area is pretty amazing. The trip has some great scenary, a couple good places to eat (Diamond Point and The Antlers), a huge lake and bridge, mountains, deserts, pines, etc...

https://www.sixt.com/magazine/travel/arizona-road-trip/

 

[TestMule]

If you want to experience the 50's vibe of Route 66, the original roadway runs through the small town of Joseph City, AZ. There are diners, motels and other tourist attractions sporting the iconic look of those bygone years.

 

[Adobehome.judy]

You didn't mention if you were camping. If so, Bottomless Lakes SP SE of Roswell is a neat place. A bit hot when I was there a few days ago on my way back to AZ from Ft Worth, so check for temps, if an issue. Of course, setting up in a dispersed camp site on the edge of the Mogollon Rim, see pic, is a thrill and lots of trails up here as well as lakes. One more thing, I've been listening to an audio book by Craig Childs, a writer & researcher of the SW & native AZ. An excellent writer, his books read/listen like novels. His book "House of Rain" covers his research into the Ancient Pueblo people, also known as Anasazi. The book covers Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, Hovenweep and other ancient dwellings. You may find it interesting & informative as you travel through. Many ideas for back road travel and pdf included with sites & general locations.

 

[Great Offender]

I do not have too much to add other than I had a great lunch this Summer at Cruisers Cafe 66 in Williams AZ

Love Williams! Canyon Club is a great dive bar if it's still open.

 

[gouacats]

If you get far enough south, Cloudcroft NM is a pretty cool little town and up in the hills a bit so a little cooler. It's also close to Sunspot Solar Observatory, which is worth a visit. Note that it has been 20+ years since I was went to Sunspot.

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