Cruised abandoned Route 66 in Arizona

[89AKurt]

Since my '68 is running so well, took the chance to go on some abandoned sections of Route 66 east and west of Ash Fork, Arizona. I had one goal in mind, and had success (besides not breaking down).

Welch Road is the access, which is to the left here. This is the 1932 alignment.


It's a rough road, more so at the culverts.


This is the east end of the segment, I-40 slashed The Mother Road here.


Looking west.


There is still intact asphalt, bisected by the Right Of Way fence.


I was here 8 years ago, spotted the hood down the hill. Found some other parts for the yard art pile.


But I couldn't pick this up.


The 1922 alignment is to the right. I'm on the 1932 alignment, used until the Superslab was built.


This is past where I came in, going west.


Looking east at the same spot. These straights must have been a relief between the notorious Ash Fork Hill and the next hill.


Getting close the the west end.


Locked and blocked at the west end.


Looking east from the gate. That is a deceptive hill, imagine Pre War vehicles. I am going to the right next.


Very nearby, is the start of the 1922 alignment, looks easy enough. (famous last words)


A typical culvert, half steel pipe.


Easy to miss if one doesn't stop, a survey marker.


Oh oh, had to plan this route!


Oh oh, it got real here, got stuck, had to use the little Army shovel. Now I want to get a Positrac read end!


Lucked out, got unstuck. You can see this from I-40.


Had a choice here, took the easier route.


Almost back to the Welch Road.


Wondered why I couldn't find this segment. The road went to the left.


Ash Fork, west end, a very short segment. Got a Route 66 sticker.


West of Ash Fork is the Crookton Road interchange. Everyone knows about the segment going west, but the EZ 66 Guide For Travelers book does not show this part that goes east towards Ash Fork. This is the start of the original red cinder asphalt.


Good thing I got new shocks, and bushings! Still enough to cringe.


The east end of this segment, Ash Fork is beyond.


Looking west, Seligman is the next distant town.


Concrete bridge, really need to go slow at each end. A Route 66 sign is painted on the end.


Glamor shots:







You can see this bridge from I-40.


Hope you enjoyed the slide show!
THE END