With Route 66 as its main drag, historic Williams, Arizona is home to one of the best-preserved stretches of the Mother Road in America. Once a railroad and lumber town, today kitschy Williams boasts historic motor lodges, vintage shops and several great little restaurants, where we’ll enjoy lunch on self. Back in the Transits we’ll set out to explore the three lakes of Williams, beginning with lovely little Cataract Lake, just one mile out of town. From here we’ll travel to Kaibab Lake—10 acres larger than Cataract and twice as deep—settled into a cool and fragrant mountain forest surrounded by wildlife. Then it’s just a hop-skip-and-a-jump to Dogtown Reservoir—situated at the base of towering Bill Williams Mountain—a scenic forest lake that got its name from the extensive prairie dog “towns” that once covered the open areas near its shore. Later we’ll head 9 miles north of Williams to explore the Red Lake region. KT Book Club followers take note! This is the true life setting for Lily Casey Smith’s vast cattle ranch in Half Broke Horses. The Red Lake area encompasses about 40,000 acres, spread across the high desert at 6,300 feet, offering views of the San Francisco Peaks. In the early years when ranching was prevalent, Red Lake was a loading area for cattle, with several cowboy camps. Today the Grand Canyon Railway traverses the area along State Route 64. A popular tourist attraction, residents of Red Lake are daily witnesses to the railway train robberies. History buffs, photographers, nature lovers—this tour offers something for everyone. Don’t miss it!
Depart: Mesa 7 a.m. Scts 7:30 a.m. Phx 7:45 a.m. NW 8:15 a.m. R: 7 p.m.
Northwest Valley:
Sundome Plaza
13547 W. Camino Del Sol
Sun City West, AZ 85375
Located in the heart of Sun City West at the Sundome Plaza Shopping Center.
Scottsdale:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
8888 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
The Scottsdale pickup location can be easily reached via AZ 101/Pima Freeway. Exit the freeway at Shea. The La Quinta Hotel is located at the northeast corner of AZ 101 and Shea Blvd.
Phoenix:
Paradise Valley Community Center
17402 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
The Paradise Valley Community Center is easily found on 40th Street, north of Bell Road. No overnights. No Late-nights
Mesa:
Mesa Doubletree Hotel
1011 W. Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
This is the Fiesta Mall region, and the Hilton Hotel is easily viewed from the U.S. 60/Superstition Freeway. Exit the freeway at Alma School and head east to Holmes. Park and wait for the bus at the west end of the hotel parking lot.