Ash Fork: Route 66, History and Unique Trails

Ash Fork combines the history of Route 66 with prominent traces of railroad and local history. Those planning a trip featuring culture, historic sites, and an outing on a non-motorized trail will find several different points of interest here. Families can also explore the town in a variety of ways: Centennial Park offers sandstone benches, a playground, and views of the trains passing through Ash Fork.

Discover Route 66 and Local History

A good introduction to Ash Fork’s history is the Ash Fork Route 66 Historic Museum. It is located in a 1926 Moenkopi sandstone building that once served as a Route 66 maintenance facility. In addition, Ash Fork’s Historic Walk includes 18 panels presenting 150 years of local history. The section of Historic Route 66 near Ash Fork lies between mile markers 146 and 144.

The railroad also shaped the town’s economic development. Its arrival helped establish Ash Fork’s trade in flagstone sandstone. Other historic traces include the preserved flagstone sidewalks from the 1930s, which were originally Works Progress Administration projects. The Santa Fe Water Tower supplied steam locomotives and the town with water from Del Rio Springs. Ash Fork Settlers’ Cemetery was established in 1911.

Trails, Dams, and Historic Buildings

For an outing with a clearly defined route, Fay’s Trail is a suitable activity on its own. The trail runs for approximately 0.35 miles from the parking area at Stone Dam to Steel Dam and is intended for non-motorized use. The trail includes an information area with a kiosk, additional signs, and benches at a viewpoint. Stone Dam was built in 1911 by the Santa Fe Pacific Railroad.

The Ash Fork Bainbridge Steel Dam is also located in the vicinity of Ash Fork. It is considered the world’s first major steel dam and is the only one of three built in the United States that still holds water. A tour of Ash Fork’s historic buildings offers another historical perspective. These include the DeSoto car on the roof, the Green Door Bar, and Zettler’s Market.

The Right Accommodation for Planning Your Trip

When looking for a vacation rental in Ash Fork, you can first decide which focus should shape your trip. If you are primarily interested in Route 66, local history, and historic buildings, the museum, Historic Walk, and the locations mentioned above provide plenty of material for shared discoveries. Those who want to include an outing on a non-motorized trail can add Fay’s Trail and the history of Stone Dam to their itinerary. Centennial Park complements this selection with a place featuring a playground, seating, and train viewing.

This creates a travel plan based not just on a single attraction. Ash Fork is a suitable destination for anyone who wants to combine American transportation history, sandstone tradition, railroad history, and a unique trail. When choosing your accommodation, consider which of these focuses is most important for your trip.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

You can also consider Prescott, Clarkdale, Prescott Valley, Camp Verde, Jerome, Seligman, Lake Montezuma and Cottonwood as additional destinations for your trip planning.

For the overarching travel overview: Yavapai.