Stone to Steel: Two Century Old Dams Still Standing Just Off Historic Route 66

The Ash Fork Bainbridge Steel Dam (built in 1898), the first large steel dam in the world and only one of 3 built in the United States, lies less than a mile off a long forgotten Route 66 alignment near Ash Fork, Arizona.

A half mile to the east stands Ash Fork Stone Dam, built in 1911. Both were constructed by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad to create a reservoir used to power steam locomotives.

Both dams seem untouched by time, minus the corrugated sheet metal backing on the Steel Dam (designed to keep visitors out) which has, for the most part, deteriorated and fallen away.

The dams are accessible on the .35 mi. "Stone to Steel Trail," dedicated in 2016, and marked by charming metal signs created by a welding class and pretty stone benches. The trailhead kiosk has several photographs along with information about the creation of the trail, which was obviously done with a great deal of care and enjoyment by volunteers.

The dams are also accessible by rough dirt roads (the road to the steel dam is particularly rugged). For directions, see the USDA's website, below, for the Stone to Steel Dam Trail.

We ended our trip on Route 66 at nearby Williams, which is lit up for Christmas. Our favorite eateries are the Barrel + Bottle (the Italian Tuscan Soup is amazing and they have a really nice outdoor patio, heated in winter) and the Sweet Shoppe Candy Store for ice cream, fudge, taffy and other sweets.

Plan Your Trip

USDA: Stone to Steel Dam Trail

Fay's Trail: Ash Fork Water Service

Historic Barrel + Bottle House, Williams

Sweet Shoppe Candy Store, Williams

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