Route 66: Remote 66

East of Santa Rosa, NM

As the Route 66 series continues (and we have 5 states to go!), I thought I’d share a few thematic galleries of photos which might go together well but be lost in a state-centric post.

Today’s theme is the abandoned road. I’ve mentioned that we sought out many alternate alignments or discarded sections of old Route 66. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from those less-traveled segments!

Remember, always respect private property! All old segments actually taken are still public roads or right-of-ways. Also note, we were experienced drivers in a high-clearance SUV with all-wheel drive. Don’t take your average rental onto what is now a BMX trail or a muddy track, and don’t take any car where it isn’t welcome!

old Route 66, now a BMX trail, near Cajon Pass, CA

East of Santa Rosa, NM

Near Ash Fork, AZ.

We may have actually been slightly off old 66 on this old road northeast of Bristow, but I am sure it is authentic to the old 66 feel.

Near Ash Fork, AZ.

Southwest of Geary, OK

Nature reclaims, near the OK Shoe Tree east of Stroud, OK

Cow skeleton, Texas. To be fair, we are 1/4 mile off 66 here, having missed a turn.

1923-30 route near Stroud, OK.

old Route 66, now a BMX trail, near Cajon Pass, CA

Fragment of old road near Depew, OK.

Near Ash Fork, AZ.

Bridge pilings and trace of old road, southwest of Geary, OK.

East of Santa Rosa, NM

Stretch of old road outside Seligman, AZ

Single-lane paving, southwest of Miami, OK.

Somewhere in Texas. To be fair, we are 1/4 mile off 66 here, having missed a turn and we followed tracks straight into this field.

Near Sapulpa, OK. Note the asphalt patching over brick.

Single-lane paving, southwest of Miami, OK.

old road running into private land, west of Santa Rosa, NM