Hidden History Along Route 66's Steepest Section - Crossing Sitgreaves Pass
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- Sitgreaves Pass through Arizona's Black Mountains is the steepest section of Route 66, with grades as much as 12%. Due to all of the hairpin curves through the area, it has long been considered one of the most treacherous sections of the road as well, striking fear in the hearts of many an early traveler.
Located between Kingman and Oatman, the road predates Route 66 by decades. The first wagon road over Sitgreaves Pass was built in the 1850s, following earlier Indian trails. It would become part of America's most famous highway in 1926, where for 26 years travelers heading to California would dread crossing this section.
The Black Mountains were written about in the book Grapes of Wrath, where it was said they look like the bones of a country. In this video, we are going to explore this section of Route 66 (also known as the Oatman Highway or Oatman Road), stopping to visit some of the overlooked and hidden history along the path.
Our video on Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman: • Route 66 in Arizona - ...
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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 CZcams
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.
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.
@@user-is6gw2ud3g 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.
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!!
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!
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.
A 55 Chevy on that road: epic to imagine. 👏🏻👏🏻❤️
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.
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.😮
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.
Mark of success: camera turning down to the desert pool full of goldfish sparked a "holy shit" from me. Loved your video again.
I loved seeing the vintage photo of the hairpin turn. The desert is always so terrific in winter. Cheers!
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!
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? . . . .
@@user-db5qd3wd6zSounds like they could make a movie or something.
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.
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!
Thanks for posting this video. My family traveled Route 66 from Missouri to Los Angeles in 1954 and again in 1956, long before the Interstates. Things were pretty basic back then. I can remember some of the kitschy roadside attractions, usually associated with a gas station and greasy-spoon café - snake farms, indian trading posts, mineral displays, you name it - anything to lure the curious and often hungry travelers (and their even more curious and restless children).
Sitgreaves Pass, and many more like it, hacked out before the bulldozer and earthmoving were common, with their hairpin curves and steep grades, usually provoked stern warnings from my mother to sit still, shut up and not distract my father at the wheel. Of course, this was long before seatbelts and other safety appliances. Kids generally "free-ranged" in the back seat in those days, especially in station wagons. How we survived to adults is a minor miracle.
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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.
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.
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.
My grandad owned a Philips station on Rte 66 in Kingman back in the 60s/70s. loved going there.
This channel should have far more subscribers than it does. Very entertaining & informative.
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.
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.
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"!
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!
Steve, my son and I love this channel, he's going to be 9 this coming week and asks me. Papa can we watch Steve, not sideshow adventures.
I agree with your son. He gives off the 'Cheers' vibe and when you see him you just what to call out STEVE ala NORM. 😁
Yeah. I'm glad I came across this channel. Steve YOU DESERVE THAT PLAY BUTTON! CONGRATULATIONS!
Steve is Awesome makes my day wene I see his Videos.❤🇺🇲🙏💯
Glad your son likes his channel. Steve does it right. Take care you guys❤🙏🇺🇲
That's great to hear. Tell your son I said hi!
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!
This is one of my favorite parts of RT.66. I have been on this road twice on a motorcycle trip from Ohio and would do it again in a heartbeat.
100% enjoy all the local facts you find and incorporate into your videos. Another top video.
I'm sure glad I'm subscribed. I don't want to miss a single adventure. You present some classy videos. Thanks!
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
I just took this drive last November. My mom and brother live in Topock. Route 66 is where I learned to drive.
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!
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.
Outstanding Steve, thanks for thee adventure....👍
I once lived and worked at the Goldroad mine. It's still in production under different ownership. It was the big mine just below the pass.😊
I remember they used to (maybe still do?) tours of it.
@SidetrackAdventures They did in fact. I am a retired assayer and while they were doing tours, we were testing. The mine last I knew is up and running now and I don't believe they are still doing tours. Love your adventures. I live in Lake Havasu now. The west coast of Arizona. Ever in the area do the London Bridge. I'd meet you there.
I'm 85 Y's/O.
In the 960's I got on US 66 at its beginning in Chicago(I'm from there) and drove it all the way to its terminus in Santa Monica, Calif. It was one of the most spectacular trips I've ever taken. I still have some old photos around which are cool to see.
I've always been a "roadie" and have taken several road tris that cannot b taken again.
The interstates ruined so much of these great trips bu, they can't take away my memories of having "BEEN THERE".
The next best trip was driving the Pacific coast from the Olympic peninsula to south of San Diego.
Can't now because sections of Calif 1 fell down the cliffs or was cover by what fell.
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.
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
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!
I live in Kingman and used to go to Oatman on weekends I love this ride .
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...
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!
Wow would love to ride my motorcycle on that stretch !
Great video! That comparison with the old postcard was impactful, and great Grapes of Wrath reference. 15/10
Thank you, Steve. All your videos are pleasant to watch and your informative, pleasant voice adds to it. Well done, my friend.
U always make the middle of nowhere seems like must see destinations.
Great work dude!
Thanks a lot!
Thank You as always Steve! More destinations to visit!
Always interesting. I haven't been that way for over 50 years.
I imagine it doesn't look a whole lot different.
Steve,
Great production!
I'm from San Marcos, CA. 1974-1992. Your stuff brings back great memories.
Cheers!
LOL "we got lucky today". There ARE a number of toilet scenes on your channel I've realized 😂
🤣🤣🤣 Fecal Matter REALLY Does Matter!
So many toilets in the desert for whatever reason.
You gotta go when you gotta go
@@IEchuckie 🤣🤣🤣 Never push your luck when making a deposit!
Stunning landscapes, thank you Steve and family ❤
Incredible story … thank you for sharing
Love your perceptions.
Thanks for your work.
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.
Thanks again Steve for this great adventure.
As a truckdriver I wouldn't like driving a rig over that road in its day great video
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.
As always, another enjoyable adventure, Steve. 😊 Thanks!👍
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
Refreshed memories...Thanks !
It really is so peaceful just watching your drive through the pass.
Thanks for your in depth review of your videos. Really enjoy and appreciate them.
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!
Another excellent program. Worth a visit, I’m sure.
Another great video Steve! Thanks for posting!
A great drive and ride... Done it a few times.... thanks
Love your channel , Steve. Thanks for what you create.
Great Vlog. Ienjoyed watchn..☕️😎
We always enjoy your videos, Steve!
I always enjoy your videos. Thanks for taking us along on your journeys.
When I was 11 in 1952, my family drove 66 from
Oklahoma City to Needles in a 1947 Cadillac Coupe. All I remember of that trip was that a wheel bearing went out on the car. Dad must have been expecting that because he had the new bearing and talked a mechanic into loaning him tools to get it fixed. Dad loved mountain driving.
I love these videos, thanks for sharing your adventures.
Always great videos
Thank you
Good one! I've done that road a number of times but always in a rush. Thanks for stopping and showing us the history!
Always enjoy your videos. Thank you.
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
That's some breathtaking scenery! Great video, thanks!😎
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!!
Thank you Steve for a great trip back in time. I love driving around in the Western US. It's been a while since I drove Route 66. This video has served as a great inspiration for getting back out there From Arizona to Montana is some of the most beautiful places on earth. Thanks again for stirring up some great memories of of Route 66.
I love Sidetrack Adventures…thank you Steve ! Enjoy all your videos
Your videos are excellent! Thank you!!
Been on that road ! Old 66 & gift shop ! Beautiful out there !
Stairs you walk , I never knew about this !
Thank you Steve for the excellent video.
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…!
Awesome! My kind of road! Thanks for another place to check out!
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!
Thank You Steve, can't wait for the Oatman followup ...
Thank you, Steve. Very interesting.
Great video as always. Thank you.
Thanks for the video. Good memories
I'm adding this road to my bucket list!
I love this kinda stuff! Thanks Steve 💋