The ghost towns and abandoned places along Route 66 serve as eerie yet captivating reminders of America’s evolving landscape. Whether you’re a history buff, an urban explorer, or simply a curious traveler, these stops offer a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to experience the haunting beauty of forgotten places.
1. Glenrio, Texas/New Mexico
Perched on the Texas-New Mexico border, Glenrio was once a bustling stop for travelers on Route 66. With motels, gas stations, and diners catering to road-weary drivers, it thrived until the construction of I-40 bypassed the town. Today, empty structures like the Glenrio Motel and the crumbling remnants of the Little Juarez Café stand as silent witnesses to its decline.
2. Texola, Oklahoma
Texola, straddling the Oklahoma-Texas border, is one of the most desolate stops along Route 66. With a population barely in the single digits, this nearly abandoned town features deteriorating buildings, including an old jail and a bar once frequented by weary travelers. A sign reading “There’s No Other Place Like This Place Anywhere Near This Place So This Must Be The Place” adds a touch of humor to its ghostly ambiance.
3. Erick, Oklahoma
While Erick still has some residents, it feels like a ghost town due to its many abandoned storefronts and empty buildings. It was once a vibrant Route 66 stop but saw a decline after the highway was decommissioned. The famous Sandhills Curiosity Shop, filled with eclectic memorabilia, remains one of the few places still drawing visitors.
4. Jericho, Texas
Jericho was a once-thriving stop for early motorists traveling west, but the town slowly disappeared after Route 66 was rerouted. Not much remains today except scattered ruins and traces of its historic past.
5. Newkirk, New Mexico
Newkirk is a tiny town that has mostly been abandoned, leaving behind boarded-up buildings and gas stations overtaken by the elements. It serves as a haunting yet captivating stop for those looking to experience the eerie quiet of forgotten America.
6. Cuervo, New Mexico
Once a thriving railroad town, Cuervo now consists of a handful of occupied homes surrounded by crumbling structures. The contrast between the lived-in houses and the abandoned ruins gives Cuervo an unsettling yet intriguing atmosphere.
7. Two Guns, Arizona
One of the most famous ghost towns on Route 66, Two Guns has a history filled with Wild West drama, mysterious ruins, and even legends of Apache massacres. The remains of an old zoo, trading post, and a gas station are still visible, creating an eerie yet fascinating stop.
8. Hackberry, Arizona
Although not entirely abandoned, Hackberry is a must-visit ghost town feel along Route 66. The Hackberry General Store serves as a museum-like stop, filled with vintage Route 66 signs, classic cars, and nostalgic memorabilia from the highway’s heyday.
9. Oatman, Arizona
Unlike most ghost towns, Oatman is still a lively tourist attraction, but it has an abandoned feel due to its rugged, Wild West appearance. Formerly a booming gold-mining town, Oatman now draws visitors with its free-roaming burros, historic buildings, and reenacted gunfights.
10. Amboy, California
Located in the desolate Mojave Desert, Amboy is home to the famous Roy’s Motel and Café. Though the town is mostly abandoned, Roy’s neon sign still stands as a beacon for travelers exploring the forgotten corners of Route 66.
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