A ROUTE 66 TRAVEL GUIDE TO COOL SPRINGS STATION GOLDEN VALLEY ARIZONA

Hey there, Route 66 travelers! Big Mike here, your guide to all things cool on the Mother Road. Today, we’re makin’ a pit stop at Cool Springs Station in Golden Valley, Arizona – a true gem hidden in plain sight.

I had a blast exploring Cool Springs and capturing its unique charm on camera. Join me on my adventure by watching the video above! You’ll even see some fellow Route 66 enthusiasts cruisin’ the Arizona Sidewinder on their motorcycles and makin’ a pit stop at this historic haven.

Cruisin’ down Route 66 towards Oatman, you’ll stumble upon a little oasis in the desert – Cool Springs Station. But don’t get too comfy, because just past this historic haven, the road transforms into the legendary ‘Arizona Sidewinder,’ a twisting, turning adventure that’ll leave you breathless !!!

Imagine this: It’s the Roaring Twenties, and Route 66 is just a newborn babe. Cars are sputterin’ across the country, kickin’ up dust clouds and changin’ the face of America. And right here, at the foot of the Black Mountains, a fella named N.R. Dunton decides to build himself a haven for those weary travelers.

Cool Springs was born! It wasn’t fancy – just a humble service station with a few cabins and a cafe. But it was a lifeline in those days, a place to gas up your jalopy, grab a bite to eat, and maybe even swap stories with other adventurers bravin’ the Mother Road.

Cool Springs saw it all, folks. The Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, the heyday of Route 66… It witnessed history unfoldin’ right outside its doors. Folks from all walks of life passed through – families on vacation, truckers haulin’ goods, even the occasional Hollywood star lookin’ for a taste of the Wild West.

The Fall of Cool Springs

But like a desert flower in a dry spell, Cool Springs eventually withered. The new Route 66 alignment in 1953 bypassed the station, leavin’ it high and dry. Fewer travelers meant fewer customers, and by 1964, Cool Springs had to shut its doors.

But that wasn’t the end of its troubles. In the mid-60s, a fire swept through the abandoned building, leavin’ nothin’ but a skeleton of stone walls and charred memories. It seemed like Cool Springs was lost forever, swallowed by the desert and forgotten by time.

But hold your horses, folks! The story ain’t over yet. As if the fire wasn’t enough, Cool Springs faced one more challenge. In 1991, Hollywood came knockin’, and not in a good way. The action flick “Universal Soldier” chose those crumbling ruins as a backdrop for some explosive scenes, further damagin’ the already fragile structure.

It seemed like Cool Springs was destined to be just a whisper in the wind, a footnote in Route 66 history. But then, somethin’ remarkable happened…

For years, Cool Springs lay in ruins, a pile of stones whisperin’ tales of a bygone era. But then, somethin’ amazing happened. A fella named Ned Leuchtner stumbled upon those ruins and saw somethin’ worth savin’. He had a vision, a dream to bring Cool Springs back to life.

And by golly, he did it! With grit, determination, and a whole lotta love, Ned rebuilt Cool Springs, piece by piece. He poured over old photographs, tracked down original materials, and even salvaged what he could from the rubble.

Today, Cool Springs stands as a monument to the spirit of Route 66. It’s a gift shop, a mini-museum, and a time capsule that transports you back to the golden age of American travel.

Cool Springs Station, Arizona on Route 66 – Near Mile Marker 30 on Old Alignment

Perched at the base of the Black Mountains, Cool Springs Station is one of the most iconic photo stops on Arizona’s stretch of the Mother Road. Built in the mid-1920s, it served travelers braving the rough road up Sitgreaves Pass. It burned down in the 1960s, sat abandoned for decades, and was beautifully restored in the early 2000s. The original stone walls remain, and inside you’ll find vintage Route 66 memorabilia, cold drinks, and good conversation. Outside? A picture-perfect view of the twisting road ahead.

This is where the flatlands end and the mountain adventure begins.

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East of Cool Springs Station on Route 66

Ed’s Camp – 6 miles east

Just a few miles back down the road, Ed’s Camp is a shell of what it once was, but still worth a stop. It was an old-time desert rock shop and trading post, with hand-painted signs and a reputation for quirky desert charm. It’s abandoned now, but the remains are photogenic and full of Route 66 spirit.

Kingman, Arizona – 22 miles east

Further down the hill, Kingman is your gateway to supplies, gas, food, and Route 66 history. The Arizona Route 66 Museum is inside the Powerhouse Visitor Center, and downtown is lined with murals, diners like Mr. D’z, and retro neon. This is one of the top Mother Road towns in Arizona and a great place to gear up before the twisty road west.

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West of Cool Springs Station on Route 66

Sitgreaves Pass – 3 miles west

Right after Cool Springs, Route 66 climbs sharply into the mountains via Sitgreaves Pass. This stretch is only 8 miles, but it’s got 191 curves, narrow ledges, steep drop-offs, and unforgettable views. There are a few pull-offs along the way for photos and roadside memorials. It’s one of the most thrilling stretches of Route 66 anywhere.

Gold Road, Arizona – 5 miles west

Coming down the west side of the pass, you’ll pass through Gold Road, once a busy gold mining town. Today it’s mostly gone, but you’ll see mining tunnels, equipment, and a roadside stop that sells souvenirs and offers mine tours. There’s a real sense of Old West grit here.

Oatman, Arizona – 8 miles west

After you drop out of the mountains, you’ll roll into Oatman, one of the most famous stops on the route. The streets are still dirt, the burros still roam free, and the boardwalk shops are full of souvenirs, cold drinks, and charm. Stop by the Oatman Hotel, take in a gunfight show, or just walk the street and enjoy the feeling of stepping back in time.

Thank you for watching our Route 66 Travel Guide to Cool Springs Station with Big Mike

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