Driving the Arizona Sidewinder on historic Route 66 is one of the most dramatic and memorable road trips in the American Southwest. This famous stretch of original Route 66 winds through the rugged Black Mountains of Arizona, featuring steep gradients, 191 curves, 8 miles, no guardrails, and scenic desert vistas. It’s a classic slice of Mother Road history — and a must-drive for adventurous travelers.
Once you leave Kingman, Arizona, drive west; this drive starts at Cool Springs — a restored vintage gas station — and then finishes as you descend into the quirky gold-mining town of Oatman. Along the way, you’ll pass by Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs, an off-the-beaten-path roadside spring and historic water stop for early Route 66 travelers.
What Is the Arizona Sidewinder on Route 66?
The Arizona Sidewinder refers to the old Route 66 alignment running through Sitgreaves Pass in the Black Mountains. Built as part of the original U.S. Highway system in the 1920s, this section features steep grades and tight curves that make it one of the most famous historic drives on Route 66.
This route was part of the main US 66 alignment until a safer bypass was built in the early 1950s; after that it was reclassified as a local highway but remains a popular historic byway.
Route Overview: Arizona Sidewinder at a Glance
- Historic Route: Old U.S. Route 66
- Region: Black Mountains, Mohave County, Arizona
- Terrain: Mountain pass with sharp grades
- Start: Cool Springs
- Scenic Stop: Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs
- High Point: Sitgreaves Pass (~3,586 ft)
- End: Oatman, Arizona
- Length: 8 miles of winding mountain road
Cool Springs: Historic Route 66 Starting Point
Your road adventure begins at Cool Springs, a vintage stone service station and former stop for Route 66 motorists. Built in the early 1920s and rebuilt in the 2000s (reopened in 2005), it now serves as a nostalgic stop with historic memorabilia, souvenirs, snacks, and desert views.
Why Cool Springs is Worth the Stop
- Revived historic Route 66 gas station and roadside attraction
- Photo opportunities with classic signage and desert backdrop
- First landmark before climbing into the Black Mountains
- Google Plus Code 2MGR+XF
Beneath the surface of the postcard-ready scenery lies an authentic remnant of Route 66 history — fuel for travelers (once literally, now visually and nostalgically). From here, the road starts its dramatic ascent toward Sitgreaves Pass.
Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs: Hidden Historic Stop
Partway between Cool Springs and Oatman, you’ll find Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs — a natural spring along the old Route 66 alignment. Water flows from a rock outcropping into a small stone basin historically stocked with goldfish, creating a quirky desert oasis. When we visited, there were sadly no goldfish to be seen. A Google reviewer mentioned spotting goldfish just a few weeks earlier, but we weren’t quite as lucky during our stop.
What to Know About Shaffer Springs
- A natural seep that served early Route 66 motorists and wildlife
- Often called the Fish Bowl because of the basin and fish
- Located just off Old Route 66, about 3.4 miles from the start at Cool Springs
- Google Plus Code 2JQV+HC
Because it’s just off the roadside with no signage, many travelers enjoy the sense of discovery when they stop here. Park carefully on the shoulder and follow the stone steps up to the spring. There is a small area to park on the side of the road.
Sitgreaves Pass: Mountain Climb and Views
The road continues to climb into Sitgreaves Pass, the highest point on this segment of Route 66 (around 3,586 ft). This mountain pass was an essential link on the original highway, carrying traffic across the Black Mountains’ rugged terrain.
Here, the road exhibits hairpin curves and steep grades that challenged early drivers and now provide sweeping desert panoramas — a highlight for many Route 66 road trippers.
Oatman: Historic Mining Town at the End
Descending from Sitgreaves Pass brings you into Oatman, Arizona, a historic gold-mining town turned Route 66 attraction. After the highway was realigned in the 1950s, Oatman nearly became a ghost town but later revived thanks to Route 66 tourism.
What to Experience in Oatman
- Wild burros (descendants of pack animals used by miners) roaming Main Street
- Old-west storefronts
- Daily staged gunfights and classic Route 66 character
- Local shops, saloons, and souvenirs
- Google Plus Code 2JG8+FP
It’s a quintessential Route 66 stop — colorful, curious, and steeped in history. The burros walked right up to our car, stuck their heads inside the window.
Once we got out of the car, I even got the chance to feed them—an unforgettable and slightly hilarious Oatman experience.
Tips for Driving the Arizona Sidewinder
- Daylight only: This road is best enjoyed and safest in full light.
- Slow and steady: Sharp curves and narrow shoulder space demand careful driving.
- Small vehicles preferred: Large RVs or trailers may struggle on tight turns.
- Bring water: This is desert terrain with limited services.
Verified FAQs About the Arizona Sidewinder
What is the Arizona Sidewinder?
It’s the historic stretch of original Route 66 over Sitgreaves Pass through the Black Mountains, known for its curves and scenic desert climb.
Where does it begin and end?
It begins near Cool Springs and descends into Oatman on old Route 66.
Is Shaffer Springs real?
Yes — known as Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs, a natural water source and roadside curiosity along Route 66.
Are there guardrails?
This section of old Route 66 has no guardrails and narrow lanes in places; caution is advised.
The Arizona Sidewinder on Route 66 is a driving experience that blends rugged scenery with quirky roadside history and true Americana. From Cool Springs to Shaffer Fish Bowl Springs, over Sitgreaves Pass, and into Oatman’s old-west charm, it’s an 8-mile adventure unlike any other on the historic Mother Road.
Be sure to see some of our other stops on this trip. Terlingua, Texas: A Desert Escape Near Big Bend National Park and Crossing into Mexico at Big Bend National Park: The Boquillas Crossing Experience.
-S
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