Timeless highways, colorful towns, and unexpected wonders are the hall mark of a Jim Hinckley’s America road trip adventure. There isn’t a road that I don’t like, but my favorites are the ones with stories baked into the blacktop, roads where you stir rooster tails of dust, especially if they lead to diners that serve up fresh pie, hot black coffee, and lively conversation.
Truth be told, the list of my favorite drives could fill several volumes. And that list grows with every new road trip adventure. From forgotten byways in the Arizona high desert to river-hugging trails through Michigan’s industrial heartland, these are more than scenic drives. They’re a bit of time travel and a swirl of time capsules.
And the best part? Every twist and turn is passionately shared on the Jim Hinckley’s America blog, YouTube channel, and Instagram, and the stories of the people met along the way come to life in conversations on Coffee With Jim, the weekly podcast hosted on Podbean. At Jim Hinckley’s America we share America’s story and inspire road trips by telling people where to go.
Here’s a small sampling of my favorites—and why you should put them on your travel list.
Seligman to Prescott via Crown King and Cleator: A Ride Through Time
Route Overview: Begin in Seligman, Arizona (Route 66), head south on the Williamson Valley Road south toward Prescott, and then continue into the Bradshaw Mountains on the rugged 19th century Senator Highway to the old mining town of Crown King. From there drive down the mountain on a narrow graded road that was once a railroad, through Cleator and Mayer.
History: Portions of the Wiliamson Valley Road near Seligman were part of the National Old Trails Road, predecessor to Route 66 in the southwest. Most of it was the mid 19th century Mohave Prescott Road that connected river ports on the Colorado River with the territorial capitol at Prescott. Fourweehl drive is not requried but is best to inquire about road conditions as it is graded gravel that gets a bit rough in places, and muddy when it rains.
The Senator Highway follows a historic stagecoach route that connected Bradshaw Montains mining camps with Prescott. Crown King, once a booming mining camp and retains its remote, frontier flavor. Again, check on road conditions. Four wheel drive is a good idea, but not a prerequisite depending on road conditions. As there are a few stream crossings, and the road is unpaved, ground clearance is a must.
Stops & Eats:
- Seligman: Grab a bite at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, a Route 66 icon dating to the early 1950s is full of quirky charm.
- Crown King: Dine at the Crown King Saloon, Arizona’s oldest continuously operating saloon.
- Cleator: Stop for a cold one at the historic The Cleator Bar.
- Prescott: Stay at the Hassayampa Inn, a 1927 hotel filled with vintage character. I can also recommend the Hotel St. Michaels on historic Whiskey Row. It is another early 20th century gem in the heart of historic Prescott.
Directions Tip: High-clearance or 4WD is recommended for the Senator Highway between Crown King and Prescott.
Kingman to Needles via Oatman: Route 66 with a Twist (and a Burro)
Route Overview: Follow the pre 1952 alignment of Route 66 west from Kingman through Sitgreaves Pass to the old mining town of Oatman turned wild west town caricature, then down to Topock on the Colorado River and across the bridge to Needles, California.
History: This stretch of Route 66 was realigned in the 1950s, bypassing Oatman and contributing to its transformation into a near ghost town. Today, the town is a living museum with burros roaming free.
This is my old stomping grounds so I am a bit prejudiced. But this is a stunning drive that is chock full of historic sites. So, how beautiful is it? I don’t think that Stevie Wonder could take a bad picture.
Stops & Eats:
- Cool Springs Station: Rebuilt in the 1990s, this 1920s desert oasis on the east slope of Sitgreaves Pass is a great photo op and gift shop.
- Oatman Hotel: Eat a buffalo burger and bask in the quirky fun of Oatman.
- Needles: Try Juicy’s Famous River Cafe or enjoy classic comfort food at Wagon Wheel Restaurant.
Tucumcari to Santa Fe: Off the Beaten Trail on State Highway 104 and Pre-1937 Route 66
Route Overview: Depart Tucumcari via NM-104 to Las Vegas, NM. From there, take US-85 (I-25 Business) to NM-466 and then join NM-63 and NM-50 to rejoin old Route 66 heading west through Pecos and Glorieta into Santa Fe.
History: This was the original Route 66 alignment before 1937, when the road was rerouted through Albuquerque. Sections of this drive are also along the historic Santa Fe Trail. But the ancient ruins at Pecos National Historic Park attest to the fact that the old highway follows trails rooted in antiquity.
Stops & Eats:
- Tucumcari: Eat at Watson’s BBQ and stay at the Roadrunner Lodge Motel.
- Las Vegas: Dine and stay at the 1880s Plaza Hotel on the historic plaza or 1890s Casataneda.
- Santa Fe: A restful nights sleep and fine dining at the La Fonda Hotel, where history, art, and hospitality meet, sets the stage for exploring this dynamic old city.
Scenic Tip: Watch for herds of antelope and deer, and abandoned adobe ruins.
Cuba to St. James, Missouri: A Missouri Sampler Platter
Route Overview: From Route 66 Cuba drive south to the charming village of Steelville, and continue to St. James on Highway 8, passing through the picturesque Ozarks.
History: For more than 150 years this region thrived on iron mining, agriculture, and tourism.
Stops & Eats:
- Cuba: Stay at the historic Wagon Wheel Motel and explore Missouri’s Mural City.
- Cuba: Dine at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q, Frisco’s Grill, or Weir on 66. In Steelville I recommend Rich’s famous burgers, an institution established in the mid 1950s.
- Meramec Springs State Park: Picnic and stroll in one of Missouri’s prettiest state parks.
- St. James: Visit St. James Winery and the Public House Brewing Company.
Travel Tip: This route is a peaceful and scenic alternative to I-44, especially in fall.
U.S. 12 Heritage Trail: From Detroit to New Buffalo, Michigan
Route Overview: Begin in Detroit and follow US-12 southwest through Dearborn, Ypsilanti, Saline, Jonesville, Coldwater, and end in New Buffalo on Lake Michigan.
History: This corridor follows the old Chicago Road, one of the nation’s earliest federal highways established in 1825. Portions of the highway follow the old Sauk Trail, a Native American trade route used by French and British explorers, soldiers, and fur traders in teh 18th century.
Stops & Eats:
- Detroit: Tour the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
- Ypsilanti: Enjoy coffee at Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse.
- Coldwater: Catch a movie at the Capri Drive-In and stay at Hampton Inn Coldwater.
- New Buffalo: End the trip with a lakeside meal at The Stray Dog Bar & Grill.
Driving Tip: Look for historical markers that highlight stagecoach stops and early 1800s settlements. Be sure to stop at the 1830s Walker Tavern, and check out the Deal, an early automobile manufactured in Jonesville, in the Jonesville city hall.
Flagstaff to Green River via Kayenta and Mexican Hat: Desert Dreams and Rock Cathedral Scenes
Route Overview: Head northeast on US-89 from Flagstaff to US-160, 191, then through Tuba City, Kayenta, Monument Valley, Mexican Hat, Bluff, and Blanding to Green River, Utah.
History: This path echoes ancient trading routes and was part of the old Navajo Trail tourist route in the 1920s and 30s. You will be challenged to drive more than five miles at a time before succumbing to the urge to grab an Instagram worthy photo.
Stops & Eats:
- Tuba City: Visit the Dinosaur Tracks and the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum.
- Kayenta: Dine at Amigo Cafe for local Navajo flavors.
- Mexican Hat: Stay at San Juan Inn, perched above the river.
- Bluff: Discover pioneer history at Bluff Fort Historic Site.
- Green River: Don’t miss Ray’s Tavern for a burger and local beer.
Scenic Tip: Sunrise and sunset on this drive are unforgettable—plan accordingly.
The Journey Continues…
These drives aren’t just some of my favorites—they’re ongoing chapters in a story that I am still writing. Every bend in the road brings to light a new tale, a forgotten landmark or relic, a hidden café, or a chance meeting with someone who turns out to be pure gold. The adventures continue each week on Coffee With Jim, on the Jim Hinckley’s America YouTube channel, and right here on the blog.
So fire up the engine, charge the camera, and pack your curiosity. As I always says, “Telling people where to go is our passion.” Let’s keep the wheels turning and the stories rolling.
Thank you. Shared adventures are the best adventures.