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Ash Fork is in Northern Arizona . It is in Yavapai County. The town is located at the junction of State Highway 89 and Interstate 40, along Historic Route 66. The high northern plateau is where Ash Fork sits. On the eastern horizon, Bill Williams Mountain and Humphrey’s Peak can be seen. The Kaibab National Forest is also to the east of town. Ash Fork is 150 miles north of Phoenix, 50 miles east of Flagstaff and 50 miles north of Prescott.
In 1882, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, later known as the Santa Fe, rolled into the area now known as Ash Fork. Ash Fork was chosen as a siding stop. Many of the freighters from Jerome wanted a location along the line, that would be easier for them to get to and Ash fork became that place. The name Ash Fork came from some ash trees at the fork in Ash Creek.
The railroad caused the town to grow. The cattle business started to bloom. The Ash Fork Livestock Company ran their cattle out on the ranges and then brought them in to be shipped off on rail. The post office was established a year later in 1883. Wells Fargo built a station in town in 1885. Then 1893, the original town of Ash Fork burned down. The town was relocated to the other side of the railroad tracks, where it still stands today. A rail line called the Peavine went between Ash Fork and Prescott and was completed in 1893. It wasn’t long after that, when the line connected Ash Fork to Phoenix. This connection occurred in 1895. The railroad was becoming more and more popular.
In 1907, the Escalante Hotel was built. It was a Harvey House named after a Franciscan friar and explorer. Harvey Houses were the idea of Fred Harvey, who saw the need for good food along the Santa Fe Railroad line. Harvey created a Harvey House approximately every 100 miles along the tracks. A Harvey House had outstanding chefs, who created delicious meals. Harvey Girls served the meals in a quick and orderly manner. Fred Harvey was able to lure young Eastern girls out west with good wages and free board. Many of the girls came with the thought that their lives would be filled the excitement. Harvey Houses became an instant success. When the train was on its way to a Harvey House, the brakeman would come by and take the orders. The orders would then be wired ahead. As the train neared the stop, it would send off a blast from its whistle. This would indicate to the Harvey Girls that they should be ready to serve the first course. The entire business was based on efficiency and good food. During the late 1920’s, the automobile became a popular means of transportation. Route 66 was constructed which connected Chicago to California. The road made Ash Fork a place where drivers stopped over for the night. Throughout the years, Route 66 was a boost to the town’s economy. Then the tides changed.
In the 1950’s, the railroad moved its main line north of town and the Escalante Hotel closed down. A fire destroyed many buildings in the 1970’s and finally in 1979 Interstate 40, replaced Route 66 and bypassed Ash Fork. All of these were hard on the town, but Ash Fork is still an exciting place to stop in and visit. Today, Ash Fork’s economic activities are tourism, mining and cattle ranching. Since Ash Fork is located near Interstate 40, the town’s still sees many people who need to make a stop to rest or rejuvenate. The town is a hub of services for those passing by and for local residents. Ash Fork is also known for it beautiful flagstone.
The town is sometimes referred to as the “Flagstone Capital of the United States.” There are five stone yards located in and around town. These yards ship and quarry the stone. This is a growing business. Ash Fork still reaps the benefits of its location at a major crossroads point in the state. It remains an unincorporated community. Overview: Ash Fork has a moderate climate and an excellent location. These two elements make it an ideal stopping point to see the surrounding area. Today Ash Fork’s population is 530. The town sits at an elevation of 5,140 feet. The climate is mild all year round with a winter low Temperature of 25 degrees and summer high Temperature of 90 degrees. Today Ash Fork is known as the “Flagstone Capital of the United States.” Community Features: One great attraction that you can’t miss when traveling through is the “Mother Road.” Old Route 66 runs the length of Ash Fork.
There are historic markers honoring this once great road that crossed the country from Chicago to California. Visitors will still see some businesses that have been in operation since the 1920’s. Outdoor fun is only minutes away. The town of Williams is only a short 17-mile drive to the east. Here, visitors will be able to enjoy four beautiful lakes located nearby. The Cataract Lake, Kaibab Lake, Dogtown Lake and White Horse Lake all offer fishing and camping. Events: Rolling Along Route 66 Days June Octoberfest October The “Main Street of America” was once the name of the historic Route 66. It was the first completely paved transcontinental highway in the country.
This highway linked many towns and cities together. Route 66 has had many nicknames “The Wire Road” and “The Will Rogers Highway” to name just a few. This piece of highway still remains one of the most well know highways in America The highway began in prehistoric times with Indian trails that crossed the area. Much later, during the Mexican War, Navy Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale made several journeys along these Indian trails as a scout and messenger. Following his treks across the land, gold was discovered in California. Many people decided to head west. So in 1857, Beale was appointed by the Secretary of War to construct a safe wagon road from Fort Defiance to the mouth of the Mohave River. Lieutenant Beale used camels to survey the road. The idea of using camels for this task was suggested by then Secretary of State Jefferson Davis. The camels were imported from the Mideast. Beale once again used the centuries old Indian trails as a guide for the road. The construction of the Atlantic and Pacific railroad came along much later and used the most logical route. The railroad ran alongside the same route Beale had laid out. The National Old Trails Highway was completed in 1914,once again this highway used the same route. Then in 1916, the Colorado River was bridged at Topock. It wasn’t until 1926, when the route was officially named Route 66. During this time only 800 of the 2,200 miles were paved. As a matter of fact, the entire route in Arizona was dirt and gravel. The paving of Route 66 did not occur until the mid-1930’s.
Route 66 enjoyed its hay day in the 40’s, with families traveling to California to start their lives after World War II. The fall of Route 66 began in the 1950’s, with the increase in traffic and accidents on the nation’s roads. President Eisenhower decided to put into effect the National Interstate Highway System. This new home Highway System created Interstate Highway 40, which parallels Route 66 in some spots and covers it in others. Needless to say, this change ended some communities along Route 66. Due to the lack of traffic many perished and yet it created new home communities in other places. The Dogtown Lake Trail gives visitors a pleasant path for a stroll around the lake. The trail also serves another purpose, to prevent damage to the lakeshore. The trail covers two miles and will take you less than an hour to travel.
The Dogtown Lake Trail begins just west of the picnic area at the lake. The best time to make your visit is during the early spring or early winter. You can get to Dogtown Lake by heading east out to Ashfork to the town of Williams. Then head south on Fourth Street for approximately 3 and a half miles. Once you are at County Road 140 turn left and continue on for three miles. When you get to County Road 132 turn left and follow the road to Dogwood Lake. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson take Interstate 17 north out of town up to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff, take Interstate 40 west out of town to Williams. When you are in Williams take Fourth Street south for three and a half miles. Then take a left onto County Road 140 and continue for three miles. When you get to County Road 132 turn left and follow the road to Dogwood Lake.
Cataract Lake is just east of Ashfork near the town of Williams. The lake is four miles west of Williams. You can get to the lake from Williams by exiting north on Interstate 40 at exit 161 and head east on golf Course Drive or Country Club Drive. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson take Interstate 17 north out of town up to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff, take Interstate 40 west out of town to Williams. Then take exit 161 north and head east on golf Course Drive to the lake. White Horse Lake is a man made lake, built in 1935. The lake has many things to offer those who love the outdoors. White Horse Lake is open May 15 through October 31. The lake has solar powered composting toilets, paved roads and camp pads. There are no dumping stations available. The water is limited during the winter months. Pets are permitted, as long as they are restrained.
White Horse Lake is an extremely popular fishing lake. The lake requires only boats that have single electric motors or 1 horsepower or less. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout and channel catfish. Another great place to fish is Kaibab Lake. It is a very popular outdoor site. The lake’s location makes it a perfect spot to use as a starting point for trips in the area. The Grand Canyon is only 60 miles away and Williams is just 4 miles from Kaibab Lake. Visitors will find 70 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Two campsites are handicapped accessible. There is a 14-day stay limit. A fee is charged per night. Tents, trailers and small motor new homes are welcome. There are pit toilets, garbage bins, a free dump station and water available at the campground. However, fresh water is not available during the winter. There are no utility hook ups. Kaibab Lake Campground offers its visitors a unique look at nature. The campground hosts offer evening interpretive programs at the campground amphitheater.
