ATVs Combined with Crossing Texas on Route 66
When crossing Texas on Route 66, west to east from Glenrio New Mexico, travel on I-40 to Exit 18 (Gruhlkey Road). Head east on the northern service road and continue through Adrian, Vega, Wildorado and Bushland. Turn left onto Business I-40 before entering Amarillo. Continue on Business I-40 to 9th Street; take a right turn on 9th Street, then a left turn onto Bushland. Continue on Bushland to South 6th Street, turn right, cross the railroad track bridge, and turn left onto Pierce Street. Continue on Pierce Street to the intersection with US-287.
While on US-287, the first ATV detour occurs. ATV enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore trails on more than 20,000 acres located along the Canadian River. Among these trails, riders will have rock climbing, sand drags, river bottoms, creeks and beautiful scenery to enjoy. To get to this riding location, follow US-287 north for about 16 miles to the Canadian River Bridge. Turn East at the bridge, the ORV area begins here and travels east and west. For more information, visit www.txmud.com. After spending time riding the Canadian River, return to Amarillo by US-287. Follow US-287 to Pierce Street and make a right turn onto Amarillo Boulevard. Continue on Amarillo Boulevard to the intersection of TX-136.
Turn left on TX-136 and follow it approximately 30 miles to the next ATV detour, Lake Meredith Federal Recreation Area. Here ATV enthusiasts will find two ORV areas. Blue Creek ORV is located in the northern portion of Lake Meredith Federal Recreation Area. ATV riders will find 275 acres of hills and cliffs along with many challenging trails, no fees and camping areas. Riders visiting here should bring food and water as well as any other items they may need, as this area is desolate. Rosita ORV is located in the southern part of Lake Meredith Federal Recreation Area. This area is smaller than Blue Creek, but offers just as much fun and excitement. For more information, call 806-857-3151.
After leaving Lake Meredith Federal Recreation Area, return south on TX-136 and continue onto Amarillo Boulevard then turn right onto County Road 1912. Follow County Road 1912 to Farm-to-Market Road 2575, take a left to get on the frontage road. Continue on the frontage road to the intersection of TX-207. Turn right on TX-207 and continue following it to Silverton, Texas for the next ATV detour, McKenzie Reservoir.
McKenzie Reservoir offers the ATV enthusiast the opportunity to enjoy 35 miles of trails that range from steep and rocky to fast and sandy with some muddy creek crossings thrown in. Camping is also available here, making this a perfect spot to take a break from the Route 66 adventure. To get here, leave Route 66 in Conway and travel north on Texas 207. For more information, call 806-633-4335.
After enjoying all that McKenzie Reservoir has to offer, follow TX-207 north to the I-40 frontage road. Cross to the southern frontage road at Exit 89. Stay on the frontage road through towns of Lark and Groom. Follow the frontage road to Jericho. At Exit 124 get back on I-40 and follow it to Alanreed. In Alanreed get off I-40 onto TX-271 Loop at the intersection of FM-291. Follow the frontage road east, cross I-40 to the northern frontage road. Stay on the frontage road to McLean. At Exit 146 cross I-40 to south frontage road and continue through Lela into Shamrock. The frontage road then becomes Business Loop-40 and continues through to Oklahoma.
When ATV riding on public lands in Texas all riders must have DOT approved helmets, eye protection, an ATV Safety Certification Card, the ATV must have a state registration, and lights if night riding. There can be no passengers on any ATV; there can be no reckless operation of the ATV and persons less than 14 years of age must be under direct supervision at all times. An offense of any ATV law is subject to a $500 fine.
