From Chicago to Los Angeles, US Highway 66 covers a distance of 2295 miles. The route is steeped in history, glamour and adventure. This short introduction is mainly concentrated on the section between Kingman and California. These are many opportunities to visits sites of natural and scientific interest, along its route.
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In the 1930's, during the Depression, over 500,000 emigrated from the Dust Bowl to fertile lands of California. The Sitgreaves Pass provided a treacherous part of the journey. Drivers of the Model A or Model T Fords moving over the Black Mountains often enlisted the assistance of local residents to guide and assist them through this difficult, winding part of Route 66. |
Trucks at gas station, Kingman |
Today, there is no place, or room, for these modern trucks on the old route 66. They take the 'safe' route of the relatively new highway I-40, which bypasses the more difficult and dangerous parts of Route 66. |
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Approximately 56 miles east of Winslow at junction , you can head for Meteor Crater. Here are the results of an impact from a meteor , over 50, 000 years ago.. The impact of the meteor , and its effects are largely a result of the high velocity at impact. ( If you increase the speed of an object by a factor of 10 , the energy goes up by a factor of 100 ) |
Route 66 through Flagstaff |
Route 66 through Flagstaff, looking East. Taken from the Days Inn Motel. Flagstaff is a convenient base for visiting the Grand Canyon |
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The Painted Desert, 29 miles east of Holbrook, is part of the Petrified Forest National Park, and is on the northern side of I-40. Here you will observe multicoloured vistas. Soils and rocks are cover almost the whole spectrum of colours. Such variety of colours is a result of the exposure toi air of a wide variety of minerals , such as iron and manganese. The contrast of the colours are best viewed at sunset or sunrise. |
Petrified Forest |
The Petrified Forest, 29 miles east of Holbrook, covers an area of over 90, 000 acres of petrified trees. Over 225 milllion years ago (late Triassic period) thuis high, parched tableland was an enormous floodplain, which was crossed by numerous streams. Tall tree, to the north of the floodplain, were swept down, and covered with silt, mud and volcanic ash. This covering decreased the rate of decomposition, since it prevented oxygen from the air in reaching the trees. Over a long period, the tissue of the wood was gradually replaced by silica, which was contained in the ground water. Eventually the crystallisation of the silica resulted in the preservation of the logs, in the form of petrified wood. |
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After World War II Route 66 became the scene for glamour, and adventure. The life of the open-road, and travelling across the black Mountains entice many film stars to travel and experience the Southwest. These were the days of large convertibles and rapid expansion of roadside businesses, including motels and snack bars. |
Towards Black Mountains, and Oatman |
In the 1950's Route 66 became popular with those many families taking vacations to scenic Southwest USA. By 1953 the changes to Route 66 allowed drivers to bypass the difficult Black Mountain section |
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Today, the scenic beauty of Arizona, and the nostalgic visions of the past, brings many visitors along Route 66. At Kingman, it is possible for travellers to branch off the I-66 and venture along the Route 66 across the Black Mountains, and capture the spirit of adventure, away from motels, malls and restaurants. |
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