Cycling Route 66

Cycling Sitgreaves Pass East

Ride 7.9 miles gaining 1,339’ at 3.1% average grade

Climb summary and photos by PJAMM ambassador Dan Razum.

When you approach Sitgreaves Pass from Kingman, Route 66 has a long gentle ascent through a

relatively flat area, before approaching the mountains where Sitgreaves Pass is located.

Technically, you can start climbing several miles before the mountains, but it is a long straight

road with a shallow gradient so we prefer to start the climb at a small parking area near the base

of the mountains.

We pass Cool Springs Station at the beginning of the climb, which is a small store with drinks and

souvenirs.  It looks almost like a scene from the animated movie "Cars".  In fact, this part of

Route 66 was part of the inspiration for the look and feel of "Cars", the views of the desert are

quite scenic.

Overall, this is a mellow climb, the gradient is never very steep.  But it is in the desert and there

isn't much shade at all, so be sure to bring plenty of water, it can get hot.  Also, there are wild

donkeys in the area and they aren't shy about standing in the middle of the road, so be careful

on the descent, you might come around a curve and encounter a large four-legged obstacle in the road.

The road is narrow, with no shoulder but the traffic is light, so it's not a problem.  Most of the

traffic will be cars and motorcycles admiring the scenery, which tend to be courteous and drive slowly.

The climb isn't particularly challenging but it's worth doing for the scenery and history of Route 66.

Thank you Dan!!