I lived in Oatman for 10 years in the 90s. I know this road well. The viewpoint is a place we used to call the Office, for some obscure, forgotten reason. This was before it got turned into a makeshift memorial area. There's a big flat rock we used to call the conference table that looked out over the Colorado River Valley. We'd go up there after all the tourists left for the day, and unwind with a couple of beers and watch the sunset. I miss those days in the desert with good friends who are no longer with us; it was a special time in my life. Thanks for the memories, good sir!
I rode my old harley over that what a great trip now i need to ride it again because i missed the fish bowl and the monument i live in oregon will be a great long adventure thanks Steve love your channel
@@davidbones8947That's a great ride on a bike, and Oatman used to be very Biker-friendly; probably still is. I also live in Oregon these days, in Prineville, smack dab in the middle of the state!
I was born in Kingman in January of 1952 just down the street from where you started your video. My dad was born on a gold mine just west of Oatman in 1917. His family moved to the town of Oatman in the 20’s. Dad rode a school bus from Oatman to Kingman during his high school years. He later drove the school bus between these two towns over Sitgreave Pass after returning home from service in the European Theater during WWII. He would pick the high school kids in Oatman and take them to school. He then drove to the new airport (a USAAF training field that the government gave to the community after the war) where he worked as as an airframe and engine mechanic. At the end of his work day he would drive the kids home to Oatman over the pass again.
Thank you for sharing about your dad. I met the high school age son of a ranger who lived at Furnace Creek in Death Valley. He was picked up and rode the school bus every day to Shoshone and back. He planned on college somewhere around Minnesota
You won't find many men like your father in today's world, at least not here in the US. My mother was born in 1917, while my father was 4 years older. Thanks to the social engineers and consumerism, that generation was not able to pass on its values to the subsequent generations, at least for the most part.
My wife and I stumbled onto this road about 20 years ago. Heading from Lake Havasu City to Laughlin we missed a turn and ended up in Oatman and on to Sitgreaves Pass. The best wrong turn we ever took!
LOL, you aren't the only ones! I lived in Oatman for 10 years and that happened ALL THE TIME! At Golden Shores, you kept right on the best looking road, instead of bearing left! True story... It was latish, at least for Oatman, maybe 8:00 or 9:00, and we locals were doing our thing...drinking, goofing around, and playing guitars and I had my harmonica; typical after-work fun. Two confused, middle-aged and somewhat frightened looking couples wandered in and needed directions, bathrooms, and some Cokes. We got them all squared away, with directions, and drinks for the last 30 miles to Laughlin. As they were about to escape with their lives, my buddy, a wild looking, one eyed miner stopped them, told them they couldn't leave...they had not yet been entertained. He lined them up against a wall, called the rest of us over, and we "entertained" them with some silly song or other. They left, and the next morning, here they were again. They came back in the daylight, just to make sure they weren't halucinating! I was the manager of the Oatman Hotel Restaurant, so I comped them their breakfast, for being such good sports.
Thanks for this, Steve! Your video has personal meaning to me. I drove that road about 30 years ago, a young man who just wanted to drive a pretty section of Route 66. I had no idea what I was in for…I remember the curves as being endless and quite dangerous on such a narrow road. Back then there were no barriers anywhere to prevent you going over. Just a rock every 50 yards or so painted white. I was looking for them in the video but it looks like they’ve gone. One of the most gruelling stretches of road I have ever been on. Thanks! My wife and l love the channel!
It's amazing that this was the road they used for the highway, especially once you've been through the area where I-40 is now. There had to have been some serious bribes handed out.
Same here, can't even remember why I was out there, on a ramble, maybe LV for a convention and well, this was probably the longest section of 66 that felt like 66 had no warning of Sitgreaves pass. A little white knuckle but I got through. I certainly don't remember people in Oatman, looked pretty deserted. Do remember "Christmas Trees" but using Creosote bushes (? correct me here) decorated with bulbs etc. I think it was sometime in November. Continued on the highway to the west - Mojave valley/desert? which was pretty bumpy like the road dropped and rose several feet, couldn't go too fast. That easily could have been 30 years ago, no electronic pictures.
In 1965 my parents decided to take my brother and I on a car trip the entire length of Rt66.... East to west in August. Car did not have air-conditioning I remember clearly. I also remember getting car sick in the mountains along with my mom. We camped the entire way. Even as an elderly man now, I remember the trip clearly.
I was a TV director for 40 years, and I have to tell you that I really enjoy your videos. You have a simple but effective formula for production that works great. I also love the subject matter you choose. I look forward to each new video. Keep up the good work, and maybe someday I'll see you out there.😮
Steve your videos occasionally cover ground my wife and I have traversed sometime in our thirty plus years of marriage. This video was very significant to us. In 2002 we took a vacation to Vegas in mid summer. The heat was newsworthy even locally so we grabbed a car rental and crossed the dam into Arizona. Our return to Vegas took us on the route of this video. We didn’t know it at the time but this would be our last before my wife’s cancer journey. She’s fine now and we plan to retrace this particular route because of its significance in our lives but not in midsummer. Thank you for your great production skills and always interesting content.
I discovered both Oatman and Sitgreaves pass back in 2009. I was motoring along on a rented Harley and following the "Historic" route 66 path out of Needles Calif. At the time I didn't know that either location existed so it was a complete surprise when I entered Oatman for the first time. I followed the Historic Route all the way into Kingman. What a great ride!!
My wife and I did a Route 66 tour by car. We drove the same sections as you. It was so twisty! My wife was sick. I saw that fishbowl spring too. I was so excited, I ran up those steps. There is so much to see on The Mother Road from old mining areas and old constructions. Oatman is a life changer! Can't wait for that video. Good memories! Thanks!
Wow, wife and I drove this same route several years ago but didn't know about the stops you made. Hopefully next time. Remember the guy running the Springs store was not the friendliest person though.
Wow! I am surprised to see viewers from nations halfway around the world. Our wild terrain lacks the amount of antiquities that Iraq has (Iraq is known as the cradle of civilization). But we have millennia old artifacts from many native American tribes to predate the construction of the highways, railroads and gold mines.
@@gregparrott Thank you for your beautiful comment, Gregory. Yes, Iraq is the cradle of ancient civilization, but America is the cradle of contemporary civilization, and it has people who are one of the most kind people in the world.
@@سعدالسعيد-ه2ح Thank you for the compliment, although from my perspective, I'm unsure how high we rank on kindness. In the middle east in particular, our use of the military, even when its intent was good, has often yielded disastrous results. For example, in Iraq, following the toppling of Saddam, some analysts suggested it would be better to leave his militia in position of power in order to keep civil order and also prevent them from becoming an unemployed, skilled, anti-U.S. guerrilla force. In retrospect, the analysts may well have been right. Another aspect we did not understand is the level of hostility between Shia and Sunni Muslim factions. We at least strove NOT to damage mosques. Yet here, while we 'infidels' considered mosques off limits, even in close combat, the Sunni showed such disdain as to bomb the al-Askari mosque/shrine during services, even though BOTH ARE MUSLIM! My conclusion was these people are total hypocrites or just plain nuts. And, as for Libya, that was a disaster from the start. And we STILL have yet to deal with an aspiring dictator - the trump turd. Three years after attempting a goddamn coup, he not only hasn't been arrested, he hasn't even gone to trial, is still able to run for re-election, and just might win. If he did, whatever standing we have as a democracy will be in jeopardy. The internal infighting will get intense.
My family lived in Bullhead City in the 60's and 70's when I was a kid and we had a house in Oatman. We drove over that pass many times and knew where the fishbowl was. In those days you could walk all over Goldroad and into the mines and there were a lot of places with really good echoes. I found a few old bottles in Goldroad. That white rock formation in the top right corner at 11:25 is called The Elephant's Tooth.
I drove on Route 66 way back in 1967. I was fresh out of Air Force basic training and had gone home to Pennsylvania then drove my 55 Chevy from there to San Bernardino and Norton Air Force Base. As an east coast kid I had never experienced the desert or the remoteness of that part of the country. A year and a half later I drove back to PA to sell my car and prepare to go to Japan for 2 years. Great travel memories.
Yeah. I figured it would be packed that day, but had never seen it so busy. I wasn't originally planning on heading through the area, but I had forgotten about a family event the next day and had to head back home so I decided to take the scenic route.
Thanks for taking me back. I drove it west to east (slowly, very slowly) on a trip out to the Grand Canyon years ago. Woody Guthrie memorialized the road in one of his songs, "Talkin' Dust Bowl Blues", if I remember correctly. He makes mention of reversing up the hill, and spilling everyone out on a bad curve on the downhill side.
Took RTE.66 in 2008 from St Louis to California. This stretch was one of our favorites! Roads less traveled are the way for us! Thanks for the video! Relived some awesome memories!
Great video! I drove over the pass about 10 years ago. What I remember most was a history poster along the road saying that "Many (Depression-era migrants) even hired local residents to drive or tow their car over the dreaded Sitgreaves Pass..."
Yep, and also makes for a fun ride on a motorcycle, but I can only imagine what it must have been like in those old 'Grapes of Wrath' Depression-era jalopies, loaded down with no a/c and the ever-popular canvas water bag strapped to the radiator to prevent overheating!
O this is so nice to watch. I did this part of highway 66 some 15 years ago and it was the most scenic part that I did. I just love it! Thank´s Steve and cheers from Sweden!
I’d heard bits and pieces about Route 66 for years being a Canadian and was somewhat curious. This was totally new and I appreciated it. Thanks for sharing.
About eight years ago my girlfriend and I went to Oatman for a superbloom, beautiful golden poppies. My name is Bicycle Bob and I approved this message and it's really fun as a bicycle downhill.
Steve...You and Family make my Lunch time at work on Hump Days quite enjoyable! I have always LOVED the different shapes and designs of those Famous Business Marquees on Rt. 66! The Drone shots in the beginning really bring into view the scope of land and road...Pure Vastness All Around! And that "Rest Stop" @ 2:40 was Priceless! 🤣 I think a Fake Pile Of Fecal Matter under the lid would bring out some awesome laughs from passer-byers! Very touching to see those "Memorials" of loved ones up in the hills! Always informative with stories of Real and Reel Legend Steve! Appreciate you saving us all a seat in the car to come along! LQQKING forward to Oatman! Cheers From COW-lumbus, Ohio MOO To The Sidetrack Adventures Community!
Man absolutely beautiful! I live in Tucson, and a few years ago I went to the Grand Canyon, but I made a stop in Kingman, Route 66. I visited all of those museums in the area and drove east for a while back down to Tucson, but I wanted to go west towards California on that road! Looks absolutely breathtaking! Maybe soon, can’t wait!👌😎👍great video!
It's always a joy to see one of your vids posted Steve. You really make me want to check places like this out for myself. Looking forward to hearing about Oatman!
great video, as a life long motorcyclist you must watch way ahead for opposite traffic as i see some MASSIVE motorhomes and 5th wheels scraping around the corners covering both lanes. the best view imho is going west to east
I always love traveling this part of RT66 on my motorcycle... But any part of The Mother Road is a blast from the past... Enjoy the road and what it offers... Memories from the past...
Me and my brother drove the Route 66 through Oatman. When you were at that summit memorial and looked over the edge towards the direction of Oatman there are several cars down in the ravine I’m kind of wondering if the memorial was for lost lives that ended up down in the ravine. Oatman is a neat place to visit. Thanks for the video. Stay safe stay healthy
I drove that route last year when I was checking out Kingman, as a retirement choice out of California, I had no idea of the historical aspects of it, and even less idea of the existence of Oatman, until I got there and traffic had stopped due to the street being blocked as a shootout reenactment unfolded... what an unexpected hoot that was to see. Until I watched your video, I had no idea how much I missed seeing... I will definitely drive it again with a new appreciation, and look for those items of interest that you pointed out.
Remember these roads from childhood in the early 60's. Dad was a Desert Rat and a Rock Hound from his own childhood in the 30's. This is where we spent our summer vacations. Me and my Big Brother hated it at the time. Petrified Forest was a huge disappointment. We wanted to go to Disneyland or Six flags, anywhere but the desert. Looking back at those times now I'd give everything I own to go back there. Your videos bring it all back. Dad always gave a running commentary on the history of where we were and where we were and where we were going next. Liked and subscribed.
I'm 57 & sat in the UK thinking how me & my big brother thought the same things when our dad tried capturing our imaginations, probably the same the world over? Best of luck to you & yours.
We did the Kingman to Oatman this past fall. The beautiful scenes of the mountain, desert, and Oatman were the high point of our week-long stay in Northern Arizona. We will definitely get back to Oatman soon. Can't wait to see your video of Oatman.
I can tell you just how happy you make me doing these videos. Its awesome that you catch all these little places along the way to explore that most people, like me, would miss if we blinked!!!!!!!! I love also that you do such a great job with your research about what used to be in spots that today, look completely empty. Again many thanks and keep making these vids.... PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7:03 one thing a good aquarium owner will tell you is that goldfish do not eat much algae. Their effluent adds so much nutrient to the water that they actually cause more algae. I’ll bet there are some algae eaters in there as well though.
8:11 Photo of the Summit Station. I hope the producers of these vids understand how much most of us appreciate the extra time and effort to include such looks into the past, especially when compared to the present.
I have a vacation home in Havasu that we travel to often from So. Cal and do day trips up to Oatman about every 2-3 years. Cool place for sure but have not traveled past and up to Kingman but will defiantly do it on my next trip. thanks@@SidetrackAdventures
Thanks, Steve - we went through Kingman on our tour of the old west, en route for Seligman and Vegas, but we took the modern road. Its great to see your films, seeing the history and sights we missed.
I’ve taken that drive back in 2012. It was rainy and a bit foggy. Made for a real experience. What a memory rush. Oatman was a real kick Fun place to see. Great video. Thanks for sharing…!
Once again, thanks for another great excursion! I made this particular trip back in 2001 with a group of Harley riders. Loved Oatman & the burros! Safe travels!!
Always give thumbs up. I've traveled I-40 more times than I can count. On my bucket list Harley ride this spring, I've just added this road. I knew it was there, just never realized the significance. Thanks.
Great video! I remember driving that road several years ago with a group of friends. The road was not bad until big vehicles like dually pickups came at you. It's best when it is a one-way street.
Just want to add some positive vibes to your posts. You are not like so many 'drama queen' folks who need to add excitement to nothing. You go out and report your findings in an adult, professional fashion which is refreshingly enjoyable. I'm an American, from the east coast, so I find your west coast travels very interesting. I've been living in Japan for over 13 years and very much enjoy the USA travelogs. Keep up your good work! Ray
A friend from way back worked at Judy's Saloon so I made my first drive on this road in a Mustang convertible and man, it was a white knuckle ride and I was so glad when we saw the town and had a few cold ones to calm the nerves. I made sure to leave before it got dark. I made the drive a bunch of times after that but it's always an adventure when a vehicle comes in the opposite direction. Great channel man, love the videos and the history lessons too.
You do The best coverage of Route 66. I did a series of the Route while on my motorcycle in 2018. Nothing close to what you deliver. All your content is great, informative, interesting, professional. Once again, you inspire me to get back on the road. I live in Southern California and you have documented many places near me I need to see. Thanks!
Yay, Sitgreaves! Who needs some Disney adventure ? Wildflowers and opal mines and burros and gold mines and brilliant weird rocks and forever views and Oatman! Every time, worth the time!
Excellent again! You’ve got one of the best sites on UA-cam. I was hoping that I might have driven this way when I drove 66 from Milwaukee to Santa Monica in 1966 (yes I know it doesn’t start in Milwaukee, but that was my journey), but alas it had been re-routed long before.
I visited a friend living in Topock in the early 80"s (Catfish Paradise)... He told me the old Model T would back up the grade in reverse because of the oil pickup, not the fuel pickup.!
Thanks Steve for another great video! I've never been to Oatman going this direction coming from Kingman. Next time we're in Oatman we will have to head up to the memorial to check it out. Just love all the history that you teach us along with your travels, keep up the great work!
We went on the Route 66 Fun Run last year. We were on this very road as we ventured to Oatman. Had a stop in Cool Springs along the way. So interesting to learn history behind our journey. Knew nothing about the springs.
The old drive up in reverse was noted as a practice on the old La Bajada route, CR 56 in Santa Fe, County. I'm lucky that I got to visit it before it was closed - too bad we abused the site and they closed the bottom part. Tons of historical photos of it are available.
Great video. I don't believe you showed the abandoned car on the side of the mountain that went off. The thing about oatman, is that people might think it's out in the middle of nowhere, but driving SW you can be at a walmart supercenter in fort mohave in about 15 minutes. Kingman is only about 45 min the other way. There is a lot to do in Mohave County.
I'm sharing this with Merlin's Old School Garage, a You Tube guy in Arizona with a tow truck called "Tow Mater", like the square plate at 4:10 in this video. Great stuff, keep it up!
I love these videos. people used to have to drive up La Bajada backwards too for the same reason. It’s the steep grade going to Santa Fe from Albuquerque. Looking forward to your video on Oatman
Thanks for the video. I drove from New Jersey to Santa Monica California in 1966. Most of it on Rt66. I was driving alone in my 1963 VW beetle. I must have bypassed this fascinating stretch of road. I was serving in the US Army and was heading to a temporary assignment.
GREAT video and thanks for sharing! I live in Albuquerque and bypass this route all the time as I just stay on I-40 as I head to CA. and then back to ABQ. What a neat drive but NOT the place I want to be at night and during snowstorms and thunderstorms. Watch out for rattlers while doing the hike to the "Fishbowl." 😎
Thanks for this memory. That road into and out of Oatman was the scariest I’d ever been on. To look down and see all the memorials/crosses etc…those pioneers were remarkable. 🇦🇺
Steve, check out the old Route 66 at La Bajada Pass of the 1930’s ; located just west of Santa Fe, New Mexico- it is at a higher elevation and just as dangerous as this one. People in their model T,s did drive in reverse so as to get the fuel to their engines great video; I always enjoy your presentations!
Just wanted to say that I visited the South Island many years back and rode my bicycle up to Deniston. It's every bit the road that Sitgreaves Pass is! Better scenery, though.
@@skydiverclassc2031 the sourh island is way different to the north island. Less population, a lot of history just to name a couple things. IF you're ever here again, auckland is the hole of nz.
@@kenbearsley8322 I did fly into Auckland, and then got on the bike and headed south. I loved the road maps from the Auto Association. There was a ton of local information on the back as well as an excellent map.
I lived in Oatman for 10 years in the 90s. I know this road well. The viewpoint is a place we used to call the Office, for some obscure, forgotten reason. This was before it got turned into a makeshift memorial area. There's a big flat rock we used to call the conference table that looked out over the Colorado River Valley. We'd go up there after all the tourists left for the day, and unwind with a couple of beers and watch the sunset. I miss those days in the desert with good friends who are no longer with us; it was a special time in my life. Thanks for the memories, good sir!
I rode my old harley over that what a great trip now i need to ride it again because i missed the fish bowl and the monument i live in oregon will be a great long adventure thanks Steve love your channel
@@davidbones8947That's a great ride on a bike, and Oatman used to be very Biker-friendly; probably still is. I also live in Oregon these days, in Prineville, smack dab in the middle of the state!
Colorado River Valley? Do you mean Mohave Valley? Someone who lived there for "10 years" should know that.
I do know that. I meant the Colorado River Valley. For someone who doesn't know that, you should check a map before you shoot your mouth.@@tabuilder
You repeatedly drove that road in the dark!
I was born in Kingman in January of 1952 just down the street from where you started your video. My dad was born on a gold mine just west of Oatman in 1917. His family moved to the town of Oatman in the 20’s. Dad rode a school bus from Oatman to Kingman during his high school years. He later drove the school bus between these two towns over Sitgreave Pass after returning home from service in the European Theater during WWII. He would pick the high school kids in Oatman and take them to school. He then drove to the new airport (a USAAF training field that the government gave to the community after the war) where he worked as as an airframe and engine mechanic. At the end of his work day he would drive the kids home to Oatman over the pass again.
That mine is in operation today. Its all underground and processes hindreds of tons of ore each day.
Thank you for sharing about your dad. I met the high school age son of a ranger who lived at Furnace Creek in Death Valley. He was picked up and rode the school bus every day to Shoshone and back. He planned on college somewhere around Minnesota
You won't find many men like your father in today's world, at least not here in the US. My mother was born in 1917, while my father was 4 years older. Thanks to the social engineers and consumerism, that generation was not able to pass on its values to the subsequent generations, at least for the most part.
I have my other home in kingman az
My wife and I stumbled onto this road about 20 years ago. Heading from Lake Havasu City to Laughlin we missed a turn and ended up in Oatman and on to Sitgreaves Pass. The best wrong turn we ever took!
LOL, you aren't the only ones! I lived in Oatman for 10 years and that happened ALL THE TIME! At Golden Shores, you kept right on the best looking road, instead of bearing left! True story... It was latish, at least for Oatman, maybe 8:00 or 9:00, and we locals were doing our thing...drinking, goofing around, and playing guitars and I had my harmonica; typical after-work fun. Two confused, middle-aged and somewhat frightened looking couples wandered in and needed directions, bathrooms, and some Cokes. We got them all squared away, with directions, and drinks for the last 30 miles to Laughlin. As they were about to escape with their lives, my buddy, a wild looking, one eyed miner stopped them, told them they couldn't leave...they had not yet been entertained. He lined them up against a wall, called the rest of us over, and we "entertained" them with some silly song or other. They left, and the next morning, here they were again. They came back in the daylight, just to make sure they weren't halucinating! I was the manager of the Oatman Hotel Restaurant, so I comped them their breakfast, for being such good sports.
Probably how all those people in the video ended up there.
A cool 'wrong turn' destination I had a few years ago, was ending up atop the Grand Mesa in Colorado in the Autumn. It was spectacular.
Near Grand Junction or the National park at the Gunnison? 7:54 @paulas_lens
Thanks for this, Steve! Your video has personal meaning to me. I drove that road about 30 years ago, a young man who just wanted to drive a pretty section of Route 66. I had no idea what I was in for…I remember the curves as being endless and quite dangerous on such a narrow road. Back then there were no barriers anywhere to prevent you going over. Just a rock every 50 yards or so painted white. I was looking for them in the video but it looks like they’ve gone. One of the most gruelling stretches of road I have ever been on. Thanks! My wife and l love the channel!
Awesome story ELMS! Appreciate you taking the time to share with us all! Cheers Bruddah
It's amazing that this was the road they used for the highway, especially once you've been through the area where I-40 is now. There had to have been some serious bribes handed out.
Similar experience my first drive West in 1988. Wouldn’t wanted to go through at night back then
Same here, can't even remember why I was out there, on a ramble, maybe LV for a convention and well, this was probably the longest section of 66 that felt like 66 had no warning of Sitgreaves pass. A little white knuckle but I got through. I certainly don't remember people in Oatman, looked pretty deserted. Do remember "Christmas Trees" but using Creosote bushes (? correct me here) decorated with bulbs etc. I think it was sometime in November. Continued on the highway to the west - Mojave valley/desert? which was pretty bumpy like the road dropped and rose several feet, couldn't go too fast. That easily could have been 30 years ago, no electronic pictures.
Pretty section? Some of the ugliest land in the world. Even the sun complains about wasting its rays here.
Sidetrack Adventures is one of the hidden gems on UA-cam
Absolutely. Steve is the new Huell Howser. Except better, because he doesn't just do California!
His voice is very soothing he should do audio books! 😂
I was born in California and im learning so much about the region! LOVE IT.
The historical pictures and the explanations of ruins add so much to the videos.
In 1965 my parents decided to take my brother and I on a car trip the entire length of Rt66.... East to west in August. Car did not have air-conditioning I remember clearly. I also remember getting car sick in the mountains along with my mom. We camped the entire way. Even as an elderly man now, I remember the trip clearly.
Thank you for sharing your memories with us!
I was a TV director for 40 years, and I have to tell you that I really enjoy your videos. You have a simple but effective formula for production that works great. I also love the subject matter you choose. I look forward to each new video. Keep up the good work, and maybe someday I'll see you out there.😮
Steve your videos occasionally cover ground my wife and I have traversed sometime in our thirty plus years of marriage. This video was very significant to us. In 2002 we took a vacation to Vegas in mid summer. The heat was newsworthy even locally so we grabbed a car rental and crossed the dam into Arizona. Our return to Vegas took us on the route of this video. We didn’t know it at the time but this would be our last before my wife’s cancer journey. She’s fine now and we plan to retrace this particular route because of its significance in our lives but not in midsummer.
Thank you for your great production skills and always interesting content.
Congratulations on your wife's recovery!
What great news! You deserve the best for your courage & persistance thru that ordeal ! 🧡
I discovered both Oatman and Sitgreaves pass back in 2009. I was motoring along on a rented Harley and following the "Historic" route 66 path out of Needles Calif. At the time I didn't know that either location existed so it was a complete surprise when I entered Oatman for the first time. I followed the Historic Route all the way into Kingman. What a great ride!!
My wife and I did a Route 66 tour by car. We drove the same sections as you. It was so twisty! My wife was sick. I saw that fishbowl spring too. I was so excited, I ran up those steps. There is so much to see on The Mother Road from old mining areas and old constructions.
Oatman is a life changer! Can't wait for that video. Good memories! Thanks!
Wow, wife and I drove this same route several years ago but didn't know about the stops you made. Hopefully next time. Remember the guy running the Springs store was not the friendliest person though.
Oatman during the Laughlin 'river run' is a hoot.
My wife and I did this trip in our small rv last week. It is a venture we will always remember. Love to do it again.
Seeing the American wild is an amazing thing . Baghdad , Iraq
Glad you enjoyed it.
Wow! I am surprised to see viewers from nations halfway around the world. Our wild terrain lacks the amount of antiquities that Iraq has (Iraq is known as the cradle of civilization). But we have millennia old artifacts from many native American tribes to predate the construction of the highways, railroads and gold mines.
@@gregparrott Thank you for your beautiful comment, Gregory. Yes, Iraq is the cradle of ancient civilization, but America is the cradle of contemporary civilization, and it has people who are one of the most kind people in the world.
@@سعدالسعيد-ه2ح Thank you for the compliment, although from my perspective, I'm unsure how high we rank on kindness. In the middle east in particular, our use of the military, even when its intent was good, has often yielded disastrous results. For example, in Iraq, following the toppling of Saddam, some analysts suggested it would be better to leave his militia in position of power in order to keep civil order and also prevent them from becoming an unemployed, skilled, anti-U.S. guerrilla force. In retrospect, the analysts may well have been right. Another aspect we did not understand is the level of hostility between Shia and Sunni Muslim factions. We at least strove NOT to damage mosques. Yet here, while we 'infidels' considered mosques off limits, even in close combat, the Sunni showed such disdain as to bomb the al-Askari mosque/shrine during services, even though BOTH ARE MUSLIM! My conclusion was these people are total hypocrites or just plain nuts.
And, as for Libya, that was a disaster from the start.
And we STILL have yet to deal with an aspiring dictator - the trump turd. Three years after attempting a goddamn coup, he not only hasn't been arrested, he hasn't even gone to trial, is still able to run for re-election, and just might win. If he did, whatever standing we have as a democracy will be in jeopardy. The internal infighting will get intense.
There is a Baghdad , arizona not far from Oatman.
My family lived in Bullhead City in the 60's and 70's when I was a kid and we had a house in Oatman. We drove over that pass many times and knew where the fishbowl was. In those days you could walk all over Goldroad and into the mines and there were a lot of places with really good echoes. I found a few old bottles in Goldroad. That white rock formation in the top right corner at 11:25 is called The Elephant's Tooth.
As you were reaching for the toilet with your hand my mind was saying, no Steve, use your foot, use your foot! Lol. Thanks for another great video!
Just the other day I read that a good percentage of snakebites to males 18-45 age are to hands and arms.
I would have used a stick, the longer the better.
I was eating a cookie and yelled "Nooooo!" and had to look away.
Use a stick, and not a live one.
Sanitizer!
I drove on Route 66 way back in 1967. I was fresh out of Air Force basic training and had gone home to Pennsylvania then drove my 55 Chevy from there to San Bernardino and Norton Air Force Base. As an east coast kid I had never experienced the desert or the remoteness of that part of the country. A year and a half later I drove back to PA to sell my car and prepare to go to Japan for 2 years. Great travel memories.
A 55 Chevy on that road: epic to imagine. 👏🏻👏🏻❤️
Thanks for your service.
Amazing video as always.
I've been to Oatman. One of my favorite tourist traps of all time. I'll go again during the Route 66 100 year anniversary.
Yeah. I figured it would be packed that day, but had never seen it so busy. I wasn't originally planning on heading through the area, but I had forgotten about a family event the next day and had to head back home so I decided to take the scenic route.
I know, love the $400000 stapled to the walls in the restaurant. Bought a couple belts while their, get lots of compliments.
I loved seeing the vintage photo of the hairpin turn. The desert is always so terrific in winter. Cheers!
All these years ( I'm 69 years old ) I never heard of this part of route 66 . THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.......
If you get a chance to check it out it's worth it.
Thanks for taking me back. I drove it west to east (slowly, very slowly) on a trip out to the Grand Canyon years ago. Woody Guthrie memorialized the road in one of his songs, "Talkin' Dust Bowl Blues", if I remember correctly. He makes mention of reversing up the hill, and spilling everyone out on a bad curve on the downhill side.
Took RTE.66 in 2008 from St Louis to California. This stretch was one of our favorites! Roads less traveled are the way for us! Thanks for the video! Relived some awesome memories!
Great video! I drove over the pass about 10 years ago. What I remember most was a history poster along the road saying that "Many (Depression-era migrants) even hired local residents to drive or tow their car over the dreaded Sitgreaves Pass..."
Yeah, I vaguely remember something about being towed over.
Yep, and also makes for a fun ride on a motorcycle, but I can only imagine what it must have been like in those old 'Grapes of Wrath' Depression-era jalopies, loaded down with no a/c and the ever-popular canvas water bag strapped to the radiator to prevent overheating!
My grandad owned a Philips station on Rte 66 in Kingman back in the 60s/70s. loved going there.
O this is so nice to watch. I did this part of highway 66 some 15 years ago and it was the most scenic part that I did. I just love it! Thank´s Steve and cheers from Sweden!
I also like O. It's quite underutilized.
100% enjoy all the local facts you find and incorporate into your videos. Another top video.
This channel should have far more subscribers than it does. Very entertaining & informative.
I’d heard bits and pieces about Route 66 for years being a Canadian and was somewhat curious. This was totally new and I appreciated it. Thanks for sharing.
About eight years ago my girlfriend and I went to Oatman for a superbloom, beautiful golden poppies. My name is Bicycle Bob and I approved this message and it's really fun as a bicycle downhill.
Steve,
Great production!
I'm from San Marcos, CA. 1974-1992. Your stuff brings back great memories.
Cheers!
I'm sure glad I'm subscribed. I don't want to miss a single adventure. You present some classy videos. Thanks!
Steve...You and Family make my Lunch time at work on Hump Days quite enjoyable! I have always LOVED the different shapes and designs of those Famous Business Marquees on Rt. 66! The Drone shots in the beginning really bring into view the scope of land and road...Pure Vastness All Around! And that "Rest Stop" @ 2:40 was Priceless! 🤣 I think a Fake Pile Of Fecal Matter under the lid would bring out some awesome laughs from passer-byers! Very touching to see those "Memorials" of loved ones up in the hills! Always informative with stories of Real and Reel Legend Steve! Appreciate you saving us all a seat in the car to come along! LQQKING forward to Oatman! Cheers From COW-lumbus, Ohio MOO To The Sidetrack Adventures Community!
Thanks! I was really debating if I wanted to open that lid or not, but since I couldn't smell anything I figured we were safe.
@@SidetrackAdventures 🤣 "at contemplating lifting that lid"!
Man absolutely beautiful! I live in Tucson, and a few years ago I went to the Grand Canyon, but I made a stop in Kingman, Route 66. I visited all of those museums in the area and drove east for a while back down to Tucson, but I wanted to go west towards California on that road! Looks absolutely breathtaking! Maybe soon, can’t wait!👌😎👍great video!
Outstanding Steve, thanks for thee adventure....👍
It's always a joy to see one of your vids posted Steve. You really make me want to check places like this out for myself.
Looking forward to hearing about Oatman!
Thanks, Steve! The video was very entertaining! 🥰
I love the southwest and it's been a long time since I was last able to visit. I get to do that vicariously through your videos. Keep them coming.
great video, as a life long motorcyclist you must watch way ahead for opposite traffic as i see some MASSIVE motorhomes and 5th wheels scraping around the corners covering both lanes. the best view imho is going west to east
I just took this drive last November. My mom and brother live in Topock. Route 66 is where I learned to drive.
Mark of success: camera turning down to the desert pool full of goldfish sparked a "holy shit" from me. Loved your video again.
Thanks Steve! Just got back from a very demanding day in the office - your videos are the perfect way to get into a different mindset!
That curve in the beginning looks like the beginning of it's a mad mad mad world where smiley flies off the cliff!!
That road is dropping down into Borrego Springs.
He just sailed right out there!
Look, there's this dough see, there's all this dough. Three hundred and fifty g's. Do you hear what I'm saying? . . . .
@@บัวสีโรเจอร์-ศ9ฝSounds like they could make a movie or something.
...and kicks the bucket.
Thank you, Steve. All your videos are pleasant to watch and your informative, pleasant voice adds to it. Well done, my friend.
I always love traveling this part of RT66 on my motorcycle... But any part of The Mother Road is a blast from the past... Enjoy the road and what it offers... Memories from the past...
Me and my brother drove the Route 66 through Oatman. When you were at that summit memorial and looked over the edge towards the direction of Oatman there are several cars down in the ravine I’m kind of wondering if the memorial was for lost lives that ended up down in the ravine. Oatman is a neat place to visit. Thanks for the video. Stay safe stay healthy
I drove that route last year when I was checking out Kingman, as a retirement choice out of California, I had no idea of the historical aspects of it, and even less idea of the existence of Oatman, until I got there and traffic had stopped due to the street being blocked as a shootout reenactment unfolded... what an unexpected hoot that was to see. Until I watched your video, I had no idea how much I missed seeing... I will definitely drive it again with a new appreciation, and look for those items of interest that you pointed out.
Remember these roads from childhood in the early 60's. Dad was a Desert Rat and a Rock Hound from his own childhood in the 30's. This is where we spent our summer vacations. Me and my Big Brother hated it at the time. Petrified Forest was a huge disappointment. We wanted to go to Disneyland or Six flags, anywhere but the desert. Looking back at those
times now I'd give everything I own to go back there. Your videos bring it all back. Dad always gave a running commentary on the history of where we were and where we were and where we were going next. Liked and subscribed.
I'm 57 & sat in the UK thinking how me & my big brother thought the same things when our dad tried capturing our imaginations, probably the same the world over? Best of luck to you & yours.
We did the Kingman to Oatman this past fall. The beautiful scenes of the mountain, desert, and Oatman were the high point of our week-long stay in Northern Arizona. We will definitely get back to Oatman soon. Can't wait to see your video of Oatman.
I can tell you just how happy you make me doing these videos. Its awesome that you catch all these little places along the way to explore that most people, like me, would miss if we blinked!!!!!!!! I love also that you do such a great job with your research about what used to be in spots that today, look completely empty. Again many thanks and keep making these vids.... PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7:03 one thing a good aquarium owner will tell you is that goldfish do not eat much algae. Their effluent adds so much nutrient to the water that they actually cause more algae. I’ll bet there are some algae eaters in there as well though.
8:11 Photo of the Summit Station. I hope the producers of these vids understand how much most of us appreciate the extra time and effort to include such looks into the past, especially when compared to the present.
Can’t wait for the Oatman episode. It looks like an interesting place. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
I plan on heading back that way in the next month or so and should do something on Oatman then.
I have a vacation home in Havasu that we travel to often from So. Cal and do day trips up to Oatman about every 2-3 years. Cool place for sure but have not traveled past and up to Kingman but will defiantly do it on my next trip. thanks@@SidetrackAdventures
Thanks, Steve - we went through Kingman on our tour of the old west, en route for Seligman and Vegas, but we took the modern road. Its great to see your films, seeing the history and sights we missed.
You didn't miss much!
Great video! That comparison with the old postcard was impactful, and great Grapes of Wrath reference. 15/10
I’ve taken that drive back in 2012. It was rainy and a bit foggy. Made for a real experience. What a memory rush. Oatman was a real kick Fun place to see.
Great video. Thanks for sharing…!
Once again, thanks for another great excursion! I made this particular trip back in 2001 with a group of Harley riders. Loved Oatman & the burros! Safe travels!!
Always give thumbs up. I've traveled I-40 more times than I can count. On my bucket list Harley ride this spring, I've just added this road. I knew it was there, just never realized the significance. Thanks.
Great video! I remember driving that road several years ago with a group of friends. The road was not bad until big vehicles like dually pickups came at you. It's best when it is a one-way street.
Another great video with forgotten history. Thanks Steve.
Glad you enjoyed it
My favorite part of Rte 66 while living in AZ (Lake Havasu Cìty); especially driving the Corvette ! Great job on the video.
Awesome video. I love the "Now and Then" comparisons. Keep them coming!!!
Just want to add some positive vibes to your posts. You are not like so many 'drama queen' folks who need to add excitement to nothing. You go out and report your findings in an adult, professional fashion which is refreshingly enjoyable.
I'm an American, from the east coast, so I find your west coast travels very interesting. I've been living in Japan for over 13 years and very much enjoy the USA travelogs.
Keep up your good work!
Ray
Been on that road ! Old 66 & gift shop ! Beautiful out there !
Stairs you walk , I never knew about this !
That is the most beautiful drive my wife and i took while doing our drive from LA to Chicago. The views were stunning. Thank you for the memories
A friend from way back worked at Judy's Saloon so I made my first drive on this road in a Mustang convertible and man, it was a white knuckle ride and I was so glad when we saw the town and had a few cold ones to calm the nerves. I made sure to leave before it got dark. I made the drive a bunch of times after that but it's always an adventure when a vehicle comes in the opposite direction. Great channel man, love the videos and the history lessons too.
You do The best coverage of Route 66. I did a series of the Route while on my motorcycle in 2018. Nothing close to what you deliver. All your content is great, informative, interesting, professional. Once again, you inspire me to get back on the road. I live in Southern California and you have documented many places near me I need to see. Thanks!
Thank You as always Steve! More destinations to visit!
A great drive and ride... Done it a few times.... thanks
Thanks for a great western history lesson !
Yay, Sitgreaves! Who needs some Disney adventure ? Wildflowers and opal mines and burros and gold mines and brilliant weird rocks and forever views and Oatman! Every time, worth the time!
Excellent again! You’ve got one of the best sites on UA-cam. I was hoping that I might have driven this way when I drove 66 from Milwaukee to Santa Monica in 1966 (yes I know it doesn’t start in Milwaukee, but that was my journey), but alas it had been re-routed long before.
Great video. I plan to one day take a drive along that part of route 66.
I visited a friend living in Topock in the early 80"s (Catfish Paradise)... He told me the old Model T would back up the grade in reverse because of the oil pickup, not the fuel pickup.!
Always interesting. I haven't been that way for over 50 years.
I imagine it doesn't look a whole lot different.
I’m officially hooked on this channel! Love it, so relaxing. Mark, Plymouth UK
We always enjoy your videos, Steve!
Thanks Steve for another great video! I've never been to Oatman going this direction coming from Kingman. Next time we're in Oatman we will have to head up to the memorial to check it out. Just love all the history that you teach us along with your travels, keep up the great work!
The view from the memorial can't be beat.
Thank You Steve, can't wait for the Oatman followup ...
We went on the Route 66 Fun Run last year. We were on this very road as we ventured to Oatman. Had a stop in Cool Springs along the way. So interesting to learn history behind our journey. Knew nothing about the springs.
Awesome! My kind of road! Thanks for another place to check out!
I love your videos Steve. You do such a wonderful job, and I always enjoy your new videos.
U always make the middle of nowhere seems like must see destinations.
Great work dude!
Thanks a lot!
That's some breathtaking scenery! Great video, thanks!😎
I love your videos, Steve. This is another great video!!!! I really like the memorial area of the video.
The old drive up in reverse was noted as a practice on the old La Bajada route, CR 56 in Santa Fe, County. I'm lucky that I got to visit it before it was closed - too bad we abused the site and they closed the bottom part. Tons of historical photos of it are available.
Heeey, thank you for this. I've lived in Bullhead City since 1984 and have driven this a few times but didn't know this history. Another great video.
Great video. I don't believe you showed the abandoned car on the side of the mountain that went off. The thing about oatman, is that people might think it's out in the middle of nowhere, but driving SW you can be at a walmart supercenter in fort mohave in about 15 minutes. Kingman is only about 45 min the other way. There is a lot to do in Mohave County.
I'm sharing this with Merlin's Old School Garage, a You Tube guy in Arizona with a tow truck called "Tow Mater", like the square plate at 4:10 in this video. Great stuff, keep it up!
I love the old original Route 66. Traveled this old highway in the 1950’s. Thanks for sharing.
When I was a kid in the 60s, this was how we got from Holbrook in Eastern Arizona to grandma's house in Santa Ana, CA.
I love Sidetrack Adventures…thank you Steve ! Enjoy all your videos
I love these videos. people used to have to drive up La Bajada backwards too for the same reason. It’s the steep grade going to Santa Fe from Albuquerque. Looking forward to your video on Oatman
Thanks for the video. I drove from New Jersey to Santa Monica California in 1966. Most of it on Rt66. I was driving alone in my 1963 VW beetle. I must have bypassed this fascinating stretch of road. I was serving in the US Army and was heading to a temporary assignment.
GREAT video and thanks for sharing! I live in Albuquerque and bypass this route all the time as I just stay on I-40 as I head to CA. and then back to ABQ. What a neat drive but NOT the place I want to be at night and during snowstorms and thunderstorms. Watch out for rattlers while doing the hike to the "Fishbowl." 😎
Thanks for this memory. That road into and out of Oatman was the scariest I’d ever been on. To look down and see all the memorials/crosses etc…those pioneers were remarkable. 🇦🇺
Steve, check out the old Route 66 at La Bajada Pass of the 1930’s ; located just west of Santa Fe, New Mexico- it is at a higher elevation and just as dangerous as this one. People in their model T,s did drive in reverse so as to get the fuel to their engines great video; I always enjoy your presentations!
Woo-hoo. Another video. Thanks Steve....I look forward to your posts!
VERY VERY COOL ADVENTURE AGAIN..GREAT CHANNEL STEVE..BTW,GOING DOWN,IMAGINE THE FAILED BRAKES..SAFE TRAVELS..
Great video. My wife and I have been there a few times over the years. Long drive from Arkansas.
As always, another enjoyable adventure, Steve. 😊 Thanks!👍
I have a high school friend who lives in Kingman. This video makes me want to go visit and poke around this area.
Lots of cool stuff in the area.
Do it!
Yet another great video. Thank you Steve from New Zealand
Just wanted to say that I visited the South Island many years back and rode my bicycle up to Deniston. It's every bit the road that Sitgreaves Pass is! Better scenery, though.
@@skydiverclassc2031 the sourh island is way different to the north island. Less population, a lot of history just to name a couple things. IF you're ever here again, auckland is the hole of nz.
@@kenbearsley8322 I did fly into Auckland, and then got on the bike and headed south. I loved the road maps from the Auto Association. There was a ton of local information on the back as well as an excellent map.
@@skydiverclassc2031 if you live in America, i believe an American airline fly direct to Christchurch (south island) now.