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Kingman, AZ Route 66 & Nearby Lake Havasu Desert Oasis


Route 66 is kicking in Kingman with historic motor courts, eateries and museums, including the Arizona Route 66 Museum. The route winds through Kingman's high desert with a rustic authenticity, past bustling trains, desert buttes and vistas of the the Hualapai Mountains. Eye-catching landmarks on the route include the El Trovatore Motel, a tourist court pre-dating World War II boasting a 100' tower like a desert oil rig, and the Kingman Visitor Center with its 30' mid-century modern sign. Nearby, you'll find Loco Motive Park (home to Santa Fe passenger stream engine #3759) and Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner.


The variety of the Kingman area is extraordinary, with the forested Hualapai Mountains, historic Route 66 adventures in Oatman, the clear aquamarine waters of Lake Havasu and historic mining town of Chloride, all within an hour's drive. Also nearby is the scenic Joshua Tree forest en route to Meadview and Pearce Ferry. 


Recently, we stopped and ate at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner, directly across from the Kingman Visitor Center. Originally a gas station opened in 1939, the interior, with its colorful booths, juke box and eclectic Route 66 and 50's-60's memorabilia, is very nostalgic. I paused, feeling I'd stepped back in time, and enjoyed that the patrons were simply engrossed in meals and conversation in a true modern day Route 66 experience. The Diner also offers a patio, for those looking to dine outdoors, where you can enjoy the bustle and nostalgic vibe of eating right on Route 66. 


Nearby Lake Havasu is a gem in the desert where the teal green water meets a horizon layered with purple and rust colored mountain silhouettes, including the distinctive crest of Cupcake Mountain. They say Lake Havasu is where the desert meets the beach, and it truly is a relaxing oasis in the desert that somehow merges the feel of a tropical island with a touch of a quaint "European" experience.


The iconic London Bridge sign at the entry to the bridge let's you know you've arrived. Consider bringing a padlock, to add your own Parisian style love lock to the heavy iron links on the bridge. Just below the bridge is the small English Village, with a charming fountain and fun griffin statues. Here you'll find a couple of island themed eateries next to the bridge overlooking the water, which is a beautiful teal green. Walk past the village on to Rotary Park, where you can stroll along Bridgewater Channel and enjoy one of 27 miniature replica lighthouses that line the Lake. The park offers two amazing playgrounds, as well as ramadas on the sandy, palm tree-lined beach. 


We like to step off the beaten path and enjoy Lake Havasu's unique hiking amid the desert hills. Lake Havasu State Park offers many popular trails, including easier trails along the water. We opted for Mallard Cove Trail, outside of the park, (moderate, 4 mi rt) which starts just off a residential neighborhood and rides the crests of desert hills, with lake views in the distance, before dipping into a desert wash and emerging at Mallard Cove. The Cove offers several covered ramadas, as well as restrooms, only accessible via hiking or boat. 


The beauty of the coves on this trail cannot be overstated, bright teal oases hidden behind mineral laden brown and rust colored hills, complete with cattails blowing in the wind. 


Just outside of town, Lone Tree BLM campground, a popular spot for RVs and camper vans, as well as some tent campers, offers a panoramic view of scenic hills, free of charge. However, several state and municipal parks in the area offer popular camping spots, even on the water, for a fee, if reserved well in advance.








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