
Sitgreaves Pass
A legendary, winding stretch of Route 66 offering dramatic desert vistas and a thrilling drive through the Black Mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer cars, peaceful views

Sitgreaves Pass
Best Time
Fewer cars, peaceful views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary, winding stretch of Route 66 offering dramatic desert vistas and a thrilling drive through the Black Mountains.
"One of my favorite roads in the west! Great scenery, Oatman was awesome. "

🚗 Drive Slow & Alert
The pass has many curves & switchbacks. Keep speeds low (10-15 mph) and stay alert.
🛻 Vehicle Size Limits
No trailers or vehicles over 40 feet allowed due to narrow, winding roads.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Vistas
Summit of the Pass
Experience breathtaking, sweeping views of the Black Mountains and surrounding desert landscapes. A truly epic panorama.

Historic Route 66 Drive
The entire stretch of the pass
Navigate the legendary, winding roads of Route 66, feeling the spirit of the open road and pioneers.

Wild Burro Encounters
Along the roadside
Spot and photograph the charming wild burros that freely roam the hillsides near Oatman.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Curves of Route 66
Embrace the Wild West Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Slow & Alert
The pass has many curves & switchbacks. Keep speeds low (10-15 mph) and stay alert.
🛻 Vehicle Size Limits
No trailers or vehicles over 40 feet allowed due to narrow, winding roads.
📸 Capture the Views
Stop at pullouts for incredible photo opportunities of the desert landscape.
🐴 Meet the Burros
Look for the friendly wild burros near Oatman; they're a unique local attraction!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Slow & Alert
The pass has many curves & switchbacks. Keep speeds low (10-15 mph) and stay alert.
🛻 Vehicle Size Limits
No trailers or vehicles over 40 feet allowed due to narrow, winding roads.
📸 Capture the Views
Stop at pullouts for incredible photo opportunities of the desert landscape.
🐴 Meet the Burros
Look for the friendly wild burros near Oatman; they're a unique local attraction!
🗺️ Navigate with Care
This section of Route 66 is challenging but rewarding. Enjoy the ride!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views and the thrilling, historic drive along Sitgreaves Pass on Route 66. The chance to see wild burros near Oatman is a major highlight. However, the narrow, winding roads require extreme caution and are not suitable for larger vehicles.
"One of my favorite roads in the west!"
Clara England
"Off the beaten path trail. Had a fun time driving up. We went early in the morning, not sure if we would have enjoyed meeting lots of cars on this road. Many curves and switchbacks. 10 - 15 mph. Great scenery, Oatman was awesome."
Melissa Lopau
"Great view, worth the quick stop if you’re driving this road. Lots of wild burros in this area."
Victoria Ikimi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sitgreaves Pass is located on Historic Route 66 between Kingman and Oatman, Arizona. It's a challenging but scenic drive, especially the section approaching Oatman. Many travelers access it as part of a larger Route 66 road trip.
No, vehicles over 40 feet are prohibited due to the narrow, winding roads and tight switchbacks. It's best suited for cars and smaller SUVs.
The road is paved but features many sharp curves, steep switchbacks, and no guardrails in some sections. Drivers should proceed with extreme caution and at low speeds.
Yes, Sitgreaves Pass is accessible from both the east and west sides of Route 66. The drive from Oatman towards the pass is particularly dramatic.
There are very limited services directly on the pass itself. Oatman, a nearby historic town, offers some amenities like food and lodging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sitgreaves Pass is a natural landmark and a section of public highway, so no tickets or admission fees are required to drive through or stop at viewpoints.
As it's a public road, Sitgreaves Pass is accessible 24/7. However, driving it at night is not recommended due to the challenging road conditions and lack of lighting.
There is no entrance fee to access Sitgreaves Pass. It's a free public road that's part of the historic Route 66 experience.
Yes, there are designated pullouts and viewpoints where you can safely stop your vehicle to take in the scenery and take photos.
The primary restriction is for vehicle size (no vehicles over 40 feet). It's also advised to drive slowly and cautiously due to the road's nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the pass offers the most dramatic panoramic views. Pullouts along the road also provide excellent vantage points for capturing the winding highway and desert vistas.
Landscape photography is ideal, capturing the vast desert scenery. You can also get great shots of the historic Route 66 road itself, especially with a drone for unique perspectives.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and flattering lighting for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
Absolutely! The wild burros are a popular subject. Remember to maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding them.
Drone usage is generally permitted in open areas, but always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. Some creators have captured stunning drone footage.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The main activity is driving the scenic, winding road and stopping at viewpoints to admire the expansive desert scenery. You can also look for wild burros and soak in the historic Route 66 atmosphere.
The drive itself, depending on how many stops you make, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. It's recommended to take your time.
While there aren't designated hiking trails directly on the pass, the surrounding desert offers opportunities for exploration for experienced hikers. Always be prepared for desert conditions.
Sitgreaves Pass reaches an elevation of 3,586 feet (1,093 meters) above sea level.
Some social media content suggests a haunted reputation, though this is more folklore than confirmed fact. It adds to the mysterious allure for some visitors.
🎫 🐴 Wildlife
The most commonly seen wildlife are the wild burros that roam freely in the area, especially near Oatman. You might also spot desert reptiles and birds.
While the burros are often friendly, it's important to maintain a safe distance and never feed them. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Do not approach or corner wildlife. Keep your vehicle doors locked if you leave them unattended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏍️ Motorcycle Enthusiasts
🚗 Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Driving the Legendary Route 66
This particular section of Route 66 is known for its raw, untamed beauty. The Black Mountains provide a stunning backdrop, and the panoramic vistas from the pass are truly unforgettable. It's a segment that tests your driving skills while offering immense visual rewards. Many visitors find the experience exhilarating and a highlight of their Route 66 adventure.
The Charm of Oatman and its Wild Burros
Oatman itself offers a taste of the Old West with its rustic buildings, saloons, and staged gunfights. It's a perfect place to stop before or after tackling the Sitgreaves Pass. The contrast between the challenging drive over the pass and the quirky, laid-back atmosphere of Oatman makes for a memorable day trip. Many travelers combine a drive over Sitgreaves Pass with a visit to Oatman for a complete Route 66 experience.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit