Explore the Wild West on Route 80
From November 11, 1926, to October 6, 1989, the Arizona segment of Route 80 - also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway - shaped the west as a major transcontinental highway and was an important highway in the development of Arizona’s car culture. On September 21, 2018, Arizona U.S. Route 80 was designated a Historic Arizona Road.
Today while traveling on Highway 80, you will certainly get a strong sense of the region’s western history, but you’ll be driving into vibrant towns of today as well. And since it’s just 72 miles in length, this is an easy day trip or one that fills a weekend depending on both your schedule and sense of adventure.
Let’s explore the stops along the way!
Hang out in Benson
Begin your Historic Highway 80 road trip in Benson, Arizona! This railroad town has plenty of attractions and history that often go overlooked. Stop by to meet friendly faces at the visitor center to learn about the history of Benson's railroad and, if you’re lucky, you might be able to conduct your very own model train!
Along Highway 80, you’ll find buildings from the 1800s and a cowboy spirit that still lives on from Benson’s Wild West days. You can continue onto the stunning Kartchner Caverns or route your way to Tombstone, which is just 25 miles away. Either way, don’t just stop in Benson to ask how to get to your next stop – give this town its due and grab a bite at one of its award-winning restaurants or get the full experience with an overnight stay.
Photo credit: City Of Benson Visitor Center
Get Tough in Tombstone
It might feel like you have all the time in the world to get to “the town too tough to die,” but you’ll want to plan your Tombstone arrival in time to experience the reenactment of the famous O.K. Corral gunfight. Even if your feet aren’t clad in boots, when they hit the dirt in Tombstone you’ll feel as if you just stepped back in time into the Old West, complete with hitching posts, saloons, and an 1881 theater that offers ghost tours. If you’re too spooked to stay the night, you can make your way to the small town of Bisbee.
Stroll through Bisbee
Just 25 miles south of Tombstone, you’ll come across the unique mountainside community of Bisbee, previously named one of the best historic small towns in America. Arizona’s copper history is rich here, complete with a chance to tour the Queen Mine from a mining cart and visit the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, which is a Smithsonian-affiliated attraction. And you can stretch your legs after your drive by tackling some of the dozens of staircases you’ll find throughout the town, which replaced well-worn, dirt mule paths of yesteryear.
Photo credit: A Tom Nelson Photo
Dine in Douglas
Your Highway 80 road trip is nearing its end when you pass the signs welcoming you to Douglas. If you’d like to follow in the footsteps of famous pilot Amelia Earhart, you might seek out a night at the historic Hotel Gadsden, with its majestic marble staircase and breathtaking Tiffany-style glass mural. Replenish your strength with any number of tasty dining options, many that blend the best of Mexican and American cuisine. While in town, you can make a meaningful stop at the Wall of Faces, honoring more than 700 veterans from the Douglas area, and get your fill of local art and storied history featured throughout the community.
Take a peak into Highway 80’s history!
A special thank you to Bob Nilson for providing these historic photos:
