Passport to Route 66

Jul 27, 2010

Hualapai Whitewater Rafting Trip //
(c) 2010 Hualapai Tourism

The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona has launched a new interactive travel guide called the Arizona Route 66 Passport. Travelers are encouraged to experience all that the “Mother Road” has to offer, including the capital of the Hualapai Nation, Peach Springs, Ariz. Visitors collect stamps from the Route 66 communities and attractions in order to learn about the area, and they receive rewards upon completion.

Peach Springs is a unique location along Route 66 because of its Native American culture. It also acts as a gateway for many of Hualapai Tourism’s products, including a one-day Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip, Hualapai River Runners and the Hualapai Lodge. In addition, Peach Springs is the starting point for off-road tours, hiking, fishing and hunting permitted by the tribe. Peach Springs is two hours from the Hualapai’s Grand Canyon West, home of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which is also located on the reservation and included in the passport.

“It is great that the Route 66 community banded together to put this program together,” said Nancy Echeverria, property manager of the Hualapai Lodge. “We have seen many travelers come through to get their stamps, and visitors are having a really good time visiting all the locations. Several have seen the Grand Canyon adventures we offer in the passport and will end up staying the night at the lodge and then rafting or visiting Grand Canyon West the next day.”

When travelers collect seven or more stamps, they receive a certificate of accomplishment. When they collect eight or more stamps, they receive giveaway items from Route 66 communities. Participants who collect all 10 stamps will be entered into an annual grand prize drawing that will take place in June 2011. The passport has no expiration date, so travelers are encouraged to come back and complete their journey whenever they choose.

Passports are available at welcome centers across Historic Route 66 or by contacting the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.