Hualapai, Peach Springs get representation

Local areas featured in new 'Arizona Route 66 Passport' interactive travel guide program

PEACH SPRINGS, Ariz. - The capital of the Hualapai Nation, Peach Springs, is located on the longest remaining portion of Historic Route 66 and has been featured in the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona's new interactive travel guide the "Arizona Route 66 Passport." The program encourages travelers to experience all that the "Mother Road" has to offer. Visitors collect stamps from the Route 66 communities and attractions in order to learn about the area and receive rewards upon completion.

Peach Springs is a unique location on Route 66 because it is engrained with Native American culture and acts as a gateway for many of the Hualapai Tourism's products, including the only one-day Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip, Hualapai River Runners, and Hualapai Lodge. Peach Springs is also 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 too is 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 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 go rafting or visit 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 the Route 66 communities. Participants who collect all 10 stamps will be entered into an annual grand prize drawing that will be annually starting 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 at (928) 753-5001. More information on the Arizona Route 66 Program will soon be available on the Association's website at www.azrt66.com.