Kingman, Arizona
The road's crossroads — Oatman's burros, Sitgreaves switchbacks and the museum of it all.
Kingman is the pivot point of the western route — the place where you leave the Grand Canyon behind, tackle the switchbacks of Sitgreaves Pass, and ride down into Oatman where wild burros own the street. It's a small desert town with an outsized Route 66 heart and the best museum on the road.
“Sitgreaves Pass in first and second gear for 20 minutes, no guardrails, RVs after 11am. We rode it at 8am and had the whole pass to ourselves. The only way to do it.”
History
Kingman was founded in 1882 as a railroad stop and became a critical Route 66 junction — the alignment west through Oatman and Sitgreaves Pass is the original, dramatic 1926 route before the faster bypass was built. The town survived as a transport hub and now preserves the road's memory in its excellent Powerhouse Museum.
Why Visit
For the ride. The Oatman Highway — up and over Sitgreaves Pass with its tight switchbacks and big drops — is one of the most exciting motorcycle stretches on Route 66. Add Oatman's wild burros, a gold-rush ghost town, and Kingman's museum, and this is a standout day.
Best Motorcycle Roads
Oatman Highway (AZ-66 via Sitgreaves Pass)
The original, narrow, switchbacking 1926 alignment — the most technical and thrilling riding on the whole route. Take it slow and savour it.
Kingman to Oatman descent
Drop down from the pass into the gold-rush town — tight, shaded and unforgettable.
Best Hotels
El Trovatore Motel
BudgetA classic neon motel on the Kingman alignment with a Route 66 museum on site — retro, friendly and authentic.
Hampton Inn & Suites Kingman
Mid-rangeReliable, comfortable and well-located with secure parking — the practical choice after the pass.
Best Restaurants
Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner
Diner
Chrome-and-neon Kingman landmark — burgers, shakes and Route 66 memorabilia. Park the bike out front.
Must Try · Route 66 burger and a banana split
Oatman Hotel (saloon)
Saloon
The oldest hotel in Oatman, dollar-bill-strewn bar, wild-west atmosphere and a decent burger.
Must Try · A beer and the wall of dollar bills
Hidden Gems
- The Powerhouse Route 66 Museum — the best single museum on the road, in a restored 1909 power station.
- Sitgreaves Pass summit — stop at the top for the best panorama of the trip.
- Oatman's noon 'gunfight' — staged, silly and great fun.
Photography Spots
- Sitgreaves Pass summit — the whole valley opens up below you.
- Oatman's burros on Main Street, bike in shot.
- The El Trovatore neon at dusk in Kingman.
Sunrise & Sunset
Around 5:45am. Ride the pass in morning light before the heat and the RV traffic build.
From the pass summit or the Kingman hills — the desert goes gold and the burros head home.
Practical Information
- Pilot Travel Center on I-40/Route 66 — big, reliable and easy bike access.
- Mobil on Stockton Hill Road — handy in town.
Kingman has free street parking downtown and the museum has its own lot. In Oatman, park on the street — the burros have right of way. Mr D'z has bike parking out front.
Suggested Walking Routes
Oatman Main Street
A short, flat stroll through the gold-rush town with burros, shops and saloons — 30 minutes and you've seen it.
Kingman historic downtown
A 20-minute walk between the Powerhouse Museum and Mr D'z, past restored Route 66 storefronts.
Weather & Ride Difficulty
Hot desert — summer days hit 40°C+ in town, though the pass is cooler. Oatman at 2,700ft is hot and dry. Ride the pass early morning in summer. Spring and autumn are ideal.
Sitgreaves Pass is the most technical riding on Route 66 — tight switchbacks, narrow lanes, big drops, no guardrails in places. Take it slowly, use your gears, and it's glorious, not scary.
Nearby Attractions
- Oatman (wild burros & gold-rush town)
- Sitgreaves Pass
- Powerhouse Visitor Center & Route 66 Museum
- Hoover Dam (1-hour detour)
Frequently Asked Questions
It's technical, not dangerous if you ride within yourself. Tight switchbacks, narrow lanes and drop-offs — take it in first and second gear, no rush. RVs can fill it in the afternoon, so ride it early.
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