Photo: DXR / CC BY-SA 4.0

Parks 2,860 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)

Route 66 was one of America's first transcontinental highways, linking Chicago and Los Angeles with nearly 400 miles passing through Arizona. Along its path, it linked the "Main Streets" of towns and cities. This 42-mile stretch of two-lane paved blacktop is one of the last and best-preserved segments of the original Route 66. Almost all variety of vehicles are suitable to traverse the segment however wider vehicles (e.g., RVs) should use caution. The segment also has a length requirement of no more than 40 feet over Sitgreaves Pass between Golden Valley, AZ and the historic ghost town of Oatman, AZ. There is signage in Golden Valley, AZ to remind travelers of the restrictions. The byway passes through public and private lands, wilderness, valleys, and Main Streets. Please respect all lands and property. This portion of the highway once included one of the most fearsome obstacles for "flatland" travelers in the 1930s. These include the hairpin curves and steep grades of Sitgreaves Pass, which characterize Old Route 66 as it makes its way over the Black Mountains of western Arizona. The Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway passes between the Mount Nutt Wilderness and the Warm Springs Wilderness . Visitors can admire the Black Mountains along the way. Nearby attractions and amenities include Oatman and the downtown Kingman Visitor Center. Hours and Seasons The Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway is open all year although the best time to visit is October through April. Features and Services Drinking Water : There is no drinking water available. Bring plenty of water. Toilets : There are no toilets available. Cell Phone and Internet : There is no public internet or Wi-Fi. Pets : Pets are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times. Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Please pack out all waste. Safety and Conditions You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire. While enjoying your visit, keep in mind that there is no first aid available on-site. Expect potential hazards along the route such as venomous reptiles and invertebrates, extreme heat or cold, and flash floods. Be prepared for changes in weather and stay informed on weather warning alerts. Let someone know your travel plans and when you plan to return. Make sure you have the appropriate gear, food and water. Carry a spare tire, jack, tools, shovel, blanket, etc. Bring adequate fuel as the nearest gas stations are located in Kingman, Golden Valley, Bullhead City, and Fort Mohave. Remember that signing and fencing are for your safety. Respect and Protect Please remember to practice  outdoor ethics and recreate responsibly. Leave no trace during your visit. All historic artifacts are protected by law and must remain undisturbed. Leave them as you found them for others to enjoy. Check for fire restrictions before your visit. Using exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.

Near Kingman, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave

Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.

Don't underpack for Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway. The conditions here — Desert, Arid, bears — call for thoughtful gear choices.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — A hard-sided canister protects your food from raccoons, rodents, and other camp raiders too, not just bears.
Bear spray — Bear spray works on all bear species; keep it in a hip holster for instant access, not buried in your pack.
Bear bell — On windy trails or near streams where your voice might not carry, a bear bell provides constant, passive noise.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Climate Gear

Layering system (wide temp swings) — Removing a layer before you sweat keeps your clothing dry, which is critical for warmth when temperatures drop again.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Activity options at Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway range from casual () to more demanding ().

The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

backpacking — Lightweight equipment and route awareness are key for safe travel.
hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
ice_fishing — Portable shelters help protect against cold winds.
ice_skating — Ensure ice thickness and safety before skating on natural surfaces.
photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.

Wildlife Safety at Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave

Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.

Responsible visitors at Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway should be aware of 2 wildlife-related considerations.

Danger rating: 40/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (92mi)

UV risk: high (Mid latitude (35N), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

Black Bear have been documented in this area. They're most active from .

Black Bear

Adults typically weigh 150 to 600 pounds, with males substantially larger than females.

If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.

Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
Make noise while hiking
Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
Back away slowly if you encounter a bear

Venomous Snakes

0 venomous snake species are found in this area: .

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

From towering Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and desert willow to delicate , the vegetation here creates habitat for 3 mammal species and 30 birds.

Trees (2)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Its thick bark forms broad orange plates separated by dark fissures.
desert willow — Showy trumpet-shaped flowers range from pale pink to lavender with yellow throats.

Shrubs (5)

Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain.
Brittlebush — Leaves are soft and pale gray, contrasting with long-stemmed golden blooms.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Ribbed stems grow close to the ground and may form tight clusters over time. Spines range from straw-colored to reddish brown, offering protection from herbivores.

Other Plants (5)

crucifixion thorn
Buckhorn Cholla
ocotillo
Beavertail Pricklypear
Mojave Yucca

Mammals (3)

Donkey — Smaller and stockier than many horses.
Harris' Antelope Squirrel — Slender body built for heat tolerance.
Desert Cottontail — Long hind legs for rapid escape.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
Rock Pigeon — Dark charcoal form with iridescent neck
Gambel's Quail — Forward-curving head plume
Mourning Dove — Long pointed tail with white edges
White-crowned Sparrow — Gray breast and pink bill

Reptiles (6)

Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail.
Mojave Rattlesnake — Typically 3–4 feet long.
Western Whiptail — Typically 8–12 inches long including the tail.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.
Zebra-tailed Lizard — Usually 7–9 inches long including tail.

Amphibians (1)

Red-spotted Toad

Insects (3)

Large Creosote Gall Midge
White-lined Sphinx
Convergent Lady Beetle

Nature Bingo at Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Anna's Hummingbird (bird)
Donkey (mammal)
Common Side-blotched Lizard (reptile)
Red-spotted Toad (amphibian)
Creosote Bush (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave Climate & Sun

The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway.

Reference climate data for planning your visit to Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway — temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours.

Climate type: Arid

Annual avg temp: 65.4°F

Annual precipitation: 8.2 in

With an average annual temperature of 65.4°F and 8.2 inches of precipitation, Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway has warm, arid conditions. Summer highs average around 87°F, while winter lows drop to 47°F.

Best months to visit: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov.

Winter 47°

1.0"

Spring 62°

0.4"

Summer 87°

0.6"

Fall 67°

0.7"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	47°F	1.0 in
Feb	50°F	1.3 in
Mar	56°F	0.9 in
Apr	62°F	0.4 in
May	71°F	0.2 in
Jun	81°F	0.0 in
Jul	87°F	0.6 in
Aug	86°F	0.9 in
Sep	79°F	0.8 in
Oct	67°F	0.7 in
Nov	55°F	0.6 in
Dec	46°F	0.8 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.7 hours.

Summer: 4:21 AM – 6:51 PM

Winter: 6:37 AM – 4:25 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 6:37 AM, Sunset 4:25 PM Golden hour from 3:46 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 4:21 AM, Sunset 6:51 PM Golden hour from 6:14 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 5:48 AM, Sunset 5:43 PM Golden hour from 5:09 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 5:18 AM, Sunset 5:45 PM Golden hour from 5:11 PM

Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave Trip Planning & Access

Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.

Here are the logistics for getting to Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway and what to expect on arrival.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (92 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $22.95 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 74.2 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave

Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.

Close-by alternatives and additions to your Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway visit include these 9 destinations.

Nearby Campgrounds

Wild Cow Springs Recreation Site, Mohave 14.43 mi
Wild Cow Springs Campground, Mohave 14.52 mi
Windy Point Recreation Site (N, 0mi), Mohave 20.76 mi
Windy Point Campground, Mohave 20.76 mi
Packsaddle Recreation Site, Mohave 21.94 mi

Nearby Attractions

Arizona: Durlin Hotel, Mohave 17.43 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave

Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.

The darkness at Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway is rated Bortle class 3, offering Rural sky conditions year-round.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus.

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
Cassiopeia — Visible year-round in northern states, Cassiopeia is especially prominent in autumn evenings.
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.

Meteor Showers

The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave

What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.

The experience at Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway shifts with the seasons. Here's a month-by-month overview.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 2860ft elevation, expect peak about 1 week earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Early Pleistocene to latest Pliocene surficial deposits
Lithology: Major:{gravel,sand}
Age: Cenozoic

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 363
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Gold, Silver, Sulfur-Pyrite, Lead, Copper, Feldspar, Zinc, Arsenic

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 114°F (2023-07-15)
Record Low: 2°F (2007-01-13)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 29
Largest Fire: Dean Peak (5,417.6 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Town of Hilltop
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Meteorite Landings

Meteorites Found: 1
Largest: Griffith Wash (0.1 kg)

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 27 (NUFORC)
Haunted Places: 2 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 40/100

Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Mohave Safety & Conditions

Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.

Before any visit to Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, a quick check of these official sources can prevent surprises.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: KINGMAN 2.7 ENE, AZ US (6.91 mi)