The old mining town of Oatman, Arizona, has to be a highlight of any Route 66 trip. But that 50 mile loop off Interstate 40 west of Kingman involves some pretty serious mountain driving between Oatman and I-40 outside Kingman. Oatman sits just about midway on that loop.
Those driving larger motorhomes might want to consider basing themselves in Kingman where there is quite a bit of Old 66 to see and then
backtracking to Oatman with their toad.
When heading on east out of Kingman absolutely take the Old 66 loop up to Seligman. It's the longest unbroken stretch of Old 66. Consider stopping at
Grand Canyon Caverns along the way. They have a somewhat rustic campground there, too. The cavern and campground are back off 66 a half mile or so.
And east of Flagstaff be sure to check out
Meteor Crater at exit 233 on I-40. They have a nice little
campground there, too. It's probably a better choice to overnight at than any of the campgrounds in Flagstaff.
In
New Mexico, you might want to check out a few things in Albuquerque. South of I-40 is Central Avenue -- which is Old 66. On Eubank Blvd just a couple blocks off Central is the
National Nuclear Museum . It sits right on the edge of Kirtland Air Force Base. Lots of good parking. They have some military aircraft and other equipment on display outside, too.
The
Tram Ride up Sandia mountain is probably the big highlight while in Albuq.
And of course think about taking a
balloon ride. Key word "think." It' pretty expensive. Perhaps two days fuel cost - per person! So you could be a thousand miles up the road for what a pair of balloon rides would cost. But then how often do you get out to Albuq?
95 Winnebago Vectra 34 (P30/454)
