Howdy, Route 66 roadies! Big Mike here, your trusty guide from Route 66 Road Relics, back with another slice of Americana pie. This time, we’re headin’ to Truxton, Arizona – a little town with a big heart and a whole lotta history.

Now, Truxton might not be as flashy as some of those other Route 66 hot spots, but that’s what makes it special. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, where you can soak up the simple pleasures of the Mother Road and get a taste of the real Arizona.

So, buckle up and get ready for a journey back in time. We’ll uncover hidden gems, explore forgotten corners, and discover why Truxton deserves a spot on every Route 66 traveler’s bucket list. Let’s hit the road!

Ever wondered what happened to those forgotten towns along Route 66 ? Join me as I uncover the secrets of Truxton, Arizona, in the video above. We’ll encounter remnants of the past, meet some resilient locals, and discover why this little town still holds a special place on the Mother Road. Make sure you watch to the very end for a hidden gems you won’t want to miss!

TAKE A TOUR OF GRAND CANYON WEST SKYWALK

My first stop in Truxton is always a fun one – Gas N Grub! This ain’t your average gas station, folks. It’s a Route 66 wonderland, bursting with personality and packed with photo ops that’ll make your Instagram feed sing.

Forget those classic pumps, they’ve got somethin’ even better! Think cool old road relics – cars and trucks from the Mother Road’s heyday, lookin’ like they just rolled outta a time capsule.

Places to stay near Truxton Arizona

Peach Springs, Kingman and Seligman Arizona are all top locations to stay

They even have a truck that looks like it rolled straight outta the “Grapes of Wrath” movie! We’re talkin’ a beat-up old jalopy, faded paint, rusty fenders, maybe even a few dents and dings tellin’ tales of long-forgotten journeys. You can almost picture a family piled high with all their worldly possessions, headin’ west with hope in their hearts and dust in their hair. It’s a poignant reminder of the struggles and resilience of those who traveled Route 66 during the Great Depression.

And here’s a sight you won’t soon forget: parked right next to the store, you’ll find a rusty old sedan with a surprise inside – a skeleton riding shotgun! Now, I’m not suggesting any ghost stories, but it certainly adds a touch of the macabre to this Route 66 relic. Just imagine the history this car has witnessed – the journeys, the adventures, maybe even a few mysteries along the way. It’s a captivating reminder of Route 66’s past and a unique backdrop for a memorable photo. You won’t find another photo op quite like it on the Mother Road!

And get this – a giant Route 66 shield with a motorcycle parked right in front, just beggin’ for you to strike a pose and snap that perfect pic. Make Sure you stop into the store and grab some goodies and Gas for your next Route 66 Adventure

Truxton Station: A Survivor’s Tale

But Truxton’s story isn’t just about decline. Amidst the ghosts, there are survivors. The Truxton Service Station, once a Whiting Bros. operation, continues to keep the spirit of Route 66 alive “The current owners have preserved the station’s vintage charm while offering modern amenities, ensuring that Truxton remains a welcoming stop for travelers.This resilience is a testament to the enduring power of the Mother Road.”

Listen closely, Route 66 travelers, and discover a story that’s truly unique. Back in 1952, a woman named Alice Wright envisioned a motel on the Mother Road. But here’s where it gets interesting – she was reportedly advised by a clairvoyant to build it precisely 400 miles from her home in Los Angeles. Quite a tale, isn’t it? And that’s how the Frontier Motel came to be, right here in Truxton, Arizona.

A few years later, in 1957, the motel changed hands and came under the ownership of Ray and Mildred Barker, a couple who became prominent figures in Truxton’s history.

Sadly, the motel and cafe closed their doors in 2011. But fear not, the iconic sign still remains, a landmark for Route 66 enthusiasts and a perfect spot for a photo opportunity.

The Barker Apartments, once home to locals and travelers, are now empty shells. Even the Bell Gas Station, with its fading sign, tells a story of changing brands and a dwindling customer base. These abandoned buildings are like ghosts, whispering tales of a vibrant past.

Time has taken its toll on Truxton. The Truxton Cafe, once a bustling diner where laughter echoed and hot coffee and pie warmed weary travelers, now stands silent. It’s a poignant reminder of a bygone era.

The Orlando Motel: A Faded Memory with a Silver Lining

Here’s a motel with a story as enduring as Route 66 itself. The Orlando Motel, constructed in the mid-1960s by Jerome and Mary Orlando, once offered respite to travelers on the western edge of Truxton. The Orlandos dedicated over two decades to running this establishment, witnessing countless journeys unfold along the Mother Road.

Like many of its counterparts, the Orlando Motel eventually succumbed to the passage of time. It closed its doors sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s. But here’s where the story takes a turn! While the motel itself may be closed, it’s found a guardian angel in its current owner. This dedicated soul is keeping the property in good shape, preserving a piece of Truxton’s history.

And get this – the owner has a collection of vintage semi-trucks and other vehicles that perfectly capture the spirit of Route 66. While the motel may not be open to the public, these rolling relics offer a glimpse into the past and a reminder of the Mother Road’s enduring legacy.

Well, folks, I hope you enjoyed our little jaunt through Truxton, Arizona! It’s a town that truly captures the spirit of Route 66 – a blend of history, nostalgia, and resilience. Before you hit the road, be sure to check out the video above for a closer look at Truxton’s hidden gems and forgotten corners. And if you’re diggin’ my Route 66 adventures, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more roadside ramblings. Remember, folks,

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East of Truxton, Arizona on Route 66

Peach Springs, Arizona

Just east of Truxton, Peach Springs is a small town on the Hualapai Reservation with deep cultural and natural roots. It’s the starting point for one of the most unique adventures on Route 66—driving to the bottom of the Grand Canyon via Diamond Creek Road, permits required. The Hualapai Lodge offers accommodations, local history, and even Grand Canyon rafting excursions. It’s a quiet town, but one that holds major significance for those willing to slow down and explore.

Seligman, Arizona

Farther east is Seligman, the heart and soul of Route 66’s revival. With neon-lit diners, themed shops, and colorful vintage cars lining the street, it’s one of the liveliest towns along the Arizona stretch. Don’t miss Route 66 Road Relics (home base for Big Mike!) and the legendary Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, where humor and history come together with every milkshake.

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West of Truxton, Arizona on Route 66

Valentine, Arizona

Just west of Truxton is Valentine, home to the historic Truxton Canyon Indian School. The school operated from the early 1900s until the late ’60s and is a quiet, powerful part of the region’s story. Some structures still stand as a reminder of the area’s deep Native American history. While small, Valentine leaves a big impression for those who take the time to learn its story.

Hackberry, Arizona

Keep heading west and you’ll reach Hackberry, where Route 66 nostalgia is alive and well. The Hackberry General Store is one of the most iconic stops on the highway, filled with vintage gas pumps, classic cars, and old road signs. It’s a must-stop for anyone traveling this part of Arizona—part museum, part photo op, part old-school fun.