Golden Shores & Topock – End of Arizona 66
For travelers tracing the legendary path of Route 66 westward, beyond the quirky charm of Oatman, Arizona, lies a gentle descent leading towards the alluring landscapes of Golden Shores & Topock – End of Arizona 66. This area, while not directly born from the Mother Road’s initial construction, holds a significant place in the journey, marking the final stretch of Arizona’s iconic highway before it crosses the Colorado River into California.
Golden Shores & Topock – End of Arizona 66 are located near the Colorado River. Golden Shores, in particular, is a developed community situated north of Topock, offering a distinct character and appeal. This area has evolved into a popular destination, attracting both long-term residents and seasonal visitors seeking respite in the region’s favorable climate and abundant recreational opportunities.
The allure of Golden Shores & Topock – End of Arizona 66 extends beyond its historical significance. The mild winter climate makes it an attractive haven for retirees and "snowbirds" seeking refuge from colder climates. Its proximity to Lake Havasu, a renowned water recreation destination, and the glittering casinos of Laughlin, Nevada, further enhance its appeal, providing a diverse range of entertainment and leisure options.
Outdoor enthusiasts find themselves drawn to the numerous activities available in and around Golden Shores. The Lake Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, situated on the western edge of the community along the Colorado River, provides a sanctuary for over 200 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The Golden Shores Marina offers convenient access for boating and water sports, while the Topock Marsh provides ideal conditions for fishing. For those seeking adventure on land, the rugged desert terrain surrounding Golden Shores & Topock – End of Arizona 66 presents ample opportunities for off-road exploration and discovery.
Venturing south of Golden Shores, approximately five miles, brings travelers to Topock, the definitive end of Arizona’s stretch of Route 66. This historic settlement, nestled at an elevation of 505 feet on the eastern bank of the Colorado River, boasts a rich history intertwined with the development of transportation and commerce in the region.
Topock’s origins can be traced back to 1883 when the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad constructed a wooden bridge across the Colorado River. This pivotal infrastructure project led to the establishment of a settlement initially known as Mellen. The name honored Captain John Alexander "Jack" Mellon, a prominent figure in the Colorado River steamboat industry and owner of the Colorado Steam Navigation Company. However, a simple misspelling resulted in the town being officially recorded as "Mellen."
The wooden railroad bridge, a vital link across the Colorado River, was replaced in 1890 by the impressive Red Rock Bridge, a cantilevered truss bridge constructed by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad at a cost of nearly half a million dollars. Simultaneously, the settlement’s name was changed to Topock, a term believed to have originated from the Mohave Indian language, signifying either "water crossing" or "bridge," reflecting the town’s strategic location and its role as a crucial point of passage.
Prior to the construction of dedicated road bridges, travelers relied on the Needles Ferry to cross the Colorado River. However, a devastating flood in 1914 rendered the ferry inoperable, prompting an innovative solution. Planks were laid across the Red Rock Bridge, allowing automobiles and wagons to traverse the river between train schedules. This temporary arrangement proved to be a significant improvement, but it was far from ideal.
In February 1916, the Trails Arch Bridge was completed, marking a significant milestone in the development of road transportation across the Colorado River. This new bridge provided a dedicated crossing for automobiles, eliminating the need to share the bridge with trains. At the time of its construction, the Trails Arch Bridge held the distinction of being the longest arched bridge in America. However, its design only accommodated one-way traffic, a limitation that was initially manageable due to the relatively low volume of automobile traffic.
The landscape of transportation changed dramatically with the advent of Route 66 and the surge in traffic during World War II. The Trails Arch Bridge, with its weight limitation of 11 tons, struggled to accommodate the increasing number of trucks and heavy vehicles traversing the route. This limitation highlighted the urgent need for a more robust and modern crossing.
Recognizing the growing demands of Route 66 traffic, engineers began exploring alternative solutions for crossing the Colorado River. In 1945, the Santa Fe Railroad completed a new bridge for their trains, freeing up the old Red Rock Bridge for potential conversion. The rails were removed, the bridge was reinforced, and in 1947, the Red Rock Bridge was officially opened for automobile traffic, providing a much-needed upgrade for Route 66 travelers.
The construction of Interstate-40 in 1966 marked a turning point for Route 66. The new interstate bypassed much of the original Mother Road, including the crossings at Topock. A new four-lane steel girder bridge was built to accommodate I-40 traffic, and the old Red Rock Bridge was decommissioned. After 22 years of standing idle, exposed to the elements, the Red Rock Bridge was finally dismantled in 1988, marking the end of an era.
Despite its abandonment in 1947, the Trails Arch Bridge remains a visible landmark, a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of its time. Its gleaming white girders now serve as support structures for gas and utility lines crossing the river. The Old Trails Arch Bridge, also known as the Topock Bridge or the Needles Bridge, holds a special place in cinematic history, having been featured in the iconic film The Grapes of Wrath. Recognizing its historical significance, the Trails Arch Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Today, Historic Route 66 diverges from Interstate-40 at the Topock exit (Mile Marker #1) and heads north. The original town of Topock, as it once existed, is no longer visible, its remnants lost to time and progress. The small resort-style town of Golden Shores, located about five miles north, offers a range of recreational opportunities and serves as a reminder of the area’s enduring appeal.
Interestingly, the community’s post office continues to bear the name "Topock," even though the area is commonly referred to as Golden Shores. The population of this vibrant community hovers around 2,000 residents but experiences a significant increase during the winter months as "snowbirds" flock to the area, seeking the warmth and sunshine of the Arizona desert.
The journey along Route 66 across the beautiful state of Arizona culminates in this fascinating region. As travelers prepare to cross the long and dusty Mojave Desert into California, filling up their water bottles and gas tanks becomes a necessary ritual, a final act of preparation for the next leg of their adventure along the Mother Road. The memories and experiences gathered in Golden Shores & Topock – End of Arizona 66 will undoubtedly linger, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of stories woven along this iconic American highway.