Discover Kingman on Route 66 with a bit of sleuthing and you miight be tempted to make it a destination for your next road trip adventure. This Arizona gem is well known as a picturesque stop on the way to someplace else.

But the historic district in Kingman is at the heart of a unique blend of diverse dining experiences, award winning microbreweries, outdoor adventure opportunities, urban exploration, and vibrant public art. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a mountain biking aficionado, history buff, have a passion for film and celebrity trivia, or an art lover, this vibrant community has something special to offer.

Let’s dive into what makes this charming desert town a must-visit destination. After all, sharing America’s story and inspiring road trips by telling people where to go is what we do at Jim Hinckley’s America.

Hiking, Urban Exploration, and Mountain Biking

1. Monolith Garden Trail The Monolith Garden Trail is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers alike. This 8.5-mile series of loop trails is part of the expansive Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area trail system. The loop trail meanders through an awe inspiring area that has been dubbed a miniature Monument Valley. This and other trails to historic sites like Beale Springs, a desert oasis, have given this a reputation of being one of the best urban trails systems in the southwest.

1. The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area offers breathtaking views and a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. As a bonus most trail heads are easily accessible and are located less than two miles from the Kingman historic district.

2. Hualapai Mountain Park Escape the desert heat and explore the cool pine forests of Hualapai Mountain Park accessed with a scenic twelve mile drive south of Route 66. With miles of scenic trails, Hualapai Mountain Lodge Resort, a full service RV park, and rustic stone cabins, this park is perfect for hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing or a relaxing weekend getaway. Deer and elk are common sights on the trails and at the lodge.

3. White Cliffs Wagon Trail For a touch of history combined with outdoor adventure, the White Cliffs Wagon Trail is a must-visit. This trail system includes wagon wheel tracks from the 19th century Stockton Hill Road. Highlights of these trails which are rated from mild to difficult are expansive views of Kingman and the surrounding area. They are easily accessed from downtown Kingman, and the trailhead at the end of Fourth Street behind the historic Mohave County Courthouse is perfect for picnics or simply grabbing an Instagram worthy photo.

Public Art in Kingman

Kingman’s diverse and colorful public art scene adds a vibrant touch to the city’s historic charm. Here are some highlights:

1. Murals by Ray Harvey Renowned artist Ray Harvey has transformed several walls in Kingman into captivating murals that depict the city’s rich history and scenic beauty. Notable works include murals at Mudd on 66 and Tin Can Alley, as well as the historic Old Trails Garage. These are all located along Route 66, Andy Devine Avenue.

2. J.C. Amberlyn’s Mural at the Powerhouse Visitor Center This mural, created by local artist, photographer, and illustrator J.C. Amberlyn, mimics 1930s block letter postcards and showcases a vibrant blend of Kingman’s historical elements and scenic wonders. It is a point of interest on the narrated, self guided Kingman Tours

3. Bob Waldmire’s Route 66 Mural Bob Waldmire, an iconic figure in the Route 66 renaissance, has left his mark on Kingman with a mural at TNT Automotive Center. This artwork serves as a vibrant tribute to the legendary highway. It too is a point of interest on Kingman Tours. 3.

4. Jim Hinckley Statue by J. Anne Butler Located at Depot Plaza, site of the Route 66 Walk of Fame, along Route 66, this statue of internationally acclaimed author, humorist, and historian Jim Hinckley, crafted by sculptor J. Anne Butler. Butler is well known for her work with bronze and porcelain, and has even worked under commission from the queen of England.

Film and Celebrity History in Kingman

Kingman has a fascinating connection to Hollywood and celebrities. Here are some notable teasers:

1. Movies Filmed in Kingman Kingman has served as the backdrop for numerous films, including “Go West” (1925) starring Buster Keaton, “Foxfire” (1955), “Edge of Eternity” (1959), “Roadhouse 66” (1984), “Universal Soldier” (1992), “Two-Lane Blacktop” (1971), “Mars Attacks” (1996), and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1998)4.

2. Celebrity Connections In March 1939, during a break from filming “Gone with the Wind,” Clark Gable and Carole Lombard married in Kingman at the Methodist Episcopal Church on the corner of Fith and Spring Street. The prolific western writer Louis L’Amour also spent time in the area, worked at the Katherine Mines near the Colorado River, and started his amateur boxing career at the Sump Bar in the Hotel Beale. 4.

3. Sites Associated with Film and Celebrities To explore Kingman’s film and celebrity history, visit the Kingman Tours website.

4. Renaming Front Street as Andy Devine Avenue In 1955, Front Street, part of the Route 66 corridor, was renamed Andy Devine Avenue in honor of the beloved character actor Andy Devine, who was raised in Kingman. His father, Thomas Devine, was owner of the Hotel Beale. Kingman celebrates this connection with the annual “Andy Devine Days” festival that includes a rodeo and parade.

Best Websites for Kingman Information

To make the most of your visit to Kingman, here are some websites that provide comprehensive information about the city’s history, attractions, and tours:

1. Kingman Tours – This website offers a variety of self guided tours of historic downtown Kingman narrated by local historian Jim Hinckley. The website also includes an expansive gift shop with Kingman and Route 66 centennial items, and a blog with regular posts about Kingman history.

2. Jim Hinckley’s America Blog – Dive into the rich history and stories of Kingman through the blog of renowned author and historian Jim Hinckley6.

3. AllTrails – Kingman Area Hiking Trails – Discover the best hiking trails in the Kingman area with detailed maps, reviews, and photos from fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Kingman, Arizona, is a destination that seamlessly blends all season outdoor adventure and historywith vibrant cultural exploration. Whether you’re hiking through the rugged desert landscapes and shade dappled canyons, biking along scenic trails, or admiring the vibrant public art, Kingman promises an unforgettable experience. Pack your bags and get ready to uncover the magic of this desert oasis!