Exploring Route 66 abandoned since 1937

[alco636]

In Padre Canyon, about 20 miles east of Flagstaff is a 1917 era bridge. When Route 66 became a road, this bridge served travelers until 1937. The road was narrow, and twisting around the bridge area. Very, very dangerous. It still stands today, placed on a historic list in 1988 IIRC. Several weeks ago a friend and I drove, then biked out to the bridge.

[alco636]

A few more shots.

[alco636]

The paved section, west of the bridge. Easy riding and pavement.

[Mark D]

That second photo looks like parts of US Route 66 today would need a 4-wd vehicle with high clearance. Or at least high clearance.
Is that paved part actually pavement from all the way back to 1937?
And one more - I see car tracks across that bridge. Apparently at least part of this part of route 66 is still in local use?
Or is all of it, including the part in the second photo?
Nice pictures. I can't wait to go there, but I have to wait anyway.
Mark D.

[alco636]

Mark, I'm not 100% sure when the paved portion last was used. West of here it's a gravel road. I wouldn't be surprised due to the pavement markings it saw traffic as Route 66 into the late 1940s to 1950s. The new Padre Canyon bridge was opened in 1937 however. That newer alignment does match up well with this paved portion. The ruts on the bridge are from 4 wheel drive vehicles crossing the bridge. My friend and I got to see a guy drive along. The east end of old 66 is on private land, so there is no reason to cross it. And it is not passable by car. Very rocky, and dangerous. The parts of 66 shown are used by 66 enthusiasts exclusively. No local traffic.

Al Seever
Flagstaff, AZ

[Mark D]

I've gotta' go there! One of these first days....
Mark D.

[alco636]

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/24/travel/ro ... ?hpt=hp_c3


Good reading from CNN.

Al Seever
Flagstaff, AZ

[alco636]

Mark, I recently drove Route 66 from Kingman, AZ to Seligman, AZ. Nice wide road, fast. Watch out for reservation troopers. Watch your speed where the limit drops. Hope you can make it out here someday.

Al Seever
Phoenix, AZ

[Mark D]

Hi Al
My wife and I are seriously planning to do the trip starting in April IF the 261 doesn't do an early May trip as has happened in most past years. Nothing is planned at all at this time, but if something were to come up I would work the trip around any 261 moves.
Since it's probably not going to happen in May, we will probably be going in mid April and don't have a clue how long we would be gone. No schedule planned. Just go and do what comes to mind each day. No rush for anything. Maybe a month, maybe more.
I will really want to see areas such as that in the photo's in this thread.

Mark D.

[alco636]

Ok, cool! Well when the time gets serious, let me know. We'll connect somehow, and check stuff out. I'm in Phoenix, but can get up to Flagstaff easy. I know the way to the bridge here well. If you have a couple mountain bikes, bring 'em. Drive a ways, then bike. It's a heck of a hike to get here! The old road is impassible except for serious off road vehicles.

I know the route to take old 66 all the way here. Mostly paved, some gravel, to another paved portion. https://www.flickr.com/photos/131237715 ... ed-public/

Al Seever
Phoenix, AZ