FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2026

For a century, U.S. Route 66 has represented freedom of movement, small-town resilience, and the enduring appeal of the American West. This year marks the 100th anniversary of one of the nation’s most iconic highways—U.S. Route 66, established on November 11, 1926. Often called the Mother Road, it connected Chicago to Los Angeles and became a symbol of westward opportunity, mobility, and Americana.

An expansive 42-mile section of this 158-mile corridor is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kingman Field Office on extensive public lands in northwestern Arizona. This rugged and scenic stretch is one of the longest remaining continuous segments of historic U.S. Route 66 in the nation. Largely intact and fully drivable, the Mother Road weaves through historic communities and offers visitors an authentic experience of the highway’s original alignment.

Along the corridor, visitors are encouraged to stay on designated routes, respect wildlife by maintaining safe distances, practice outdoor ethics to leave no trace, and check road conditions before traveling. Although the road is narrow and winding in places, with limited guardrails and steep grades, attentive driving is essential—even though high-clearance vehicles are not required.

Starting at Crookton Road (Exit 139 on Interstate 40) east of Seligman, the corridor winds westward through Coconino, Yavapai, and Mohave counties before reaching Golden Shores near Arizona Highway 95. West of Kingman, the route transitions into the BLM-managed Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway that passes between Mount Nutt Wilderness to the north and Warm Springs Wilderness to the south. Here, the road climbs through the Black Mountains, featuring steep grades and tight switchbacks—including the hairpin turns of Sitgreaves Pass with expansive Mojave Desert views. Along the way, travelers encounter dramatic escarpments, desert bighorn sheep habitat, wild burro Herd Management Areas, and historic mining communities such as Oatman, renowned for its free-roaming burros and daily staged gunfights. Visitors also have opportunities to observe Mojave Desert wildlife and explore roadside features that reflect the corridor’s early travelers. The Kingman Field Office maintains interpretive kiosks near Golden Shores and in Golden Valley and is finalizing plans to modernize these exhibits in honor of U.S. Route 66’s centennial year.

After Interstate 40 bypassed many small towns in the 1970s and 1980s, communities like Seligman faced economic decline. However, local residents demonstrated resilience. Local barber and business owner Angel Delgadillo from Seligman spearheaded efforts to preserve and promote U.S. Route 66 as a historic destination. His advocacy helped establish U.S. Route 66 as a recognized historic corridor in the 1980s and launched Arizona’s annual Fun Run—held the first weekend in May. This grassroots revival transformed an abandoned highway into an international tourism destination drawing visitors from across the United States and around the world.

“Route 66 continues to connect people to the public lands and outdoor experiences that define Mohave County,” said Kingman Field Office Manager Amanda Dodson. “From scenic drives through the Black Mountains to wildlife viewing and historic communities, this corridor reflects both our recreation heritage and the opportunities public lands provide today.”

Visitors exploring the BLM byway are encouraged to include downtown Kingman in their U.S. Route 66 itinerary. The area offers an array of food options along with key historical attractions, such as the Powerhouse Visitor Center, Mohave Museum of History and Arts, and Bonelli House—where a single admission ticket grants entry to all three venues. Built in 1907 and powered into prominence by 1909, the Kingman Powerhouse was instrumental in bringing electricity to local mines, businesses, and homes, propelling Kingman and Mohave County into the 20th century. Today, the Powerhouse Visitor Center houses the Arizona Route 66 Museum and serves as a cornerstone of the region’s Route 66 historical record.

The Mohave Museum of History and Arts preserves the rich natural and cultural heritage of northwestern Arizona. Its exhibits interpret the layered stories of Kingman, Mohave County, and the broader U.S. Route 66 corridor—a history that includes Indigenous tribes such as the Fort Mojave, Hualapai, Chemehuevi, Havasupai, and Paiute, alongside miners, ranchers, and railroaders who shaped early settlement in the area. The Bonelli House, built in 1894 as a wedding gift, offers visitors a glimpse into early 20th-century life in frontier Arizona.

The Route 66 centennial also aligns with the BLM’s broader Freedom 250 initiative, which highlights the role public lands play in America’s story as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. Across the country, BLM offices are recognizing historical milestones, recreation opportunities, and community partnerships that connect Americans to their shared heritage and the legacy of public lands.

As Arizona communities celebrate the centennial of U.S. Route 66, the BLM Kingman Field Office remains committed to managing public lands that preserve this historic travel corridor, while ensuring safe access for today’s visitors. Whether driving the full stretch of the Mother Road or exploring the scenic segment through the Black Mountains, the centennial offers a timely reminder: History is not only something we read about. Sometimes, we can drive it.