Hackberry is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 103 as of the 2020 census, up from 68 in 2010. Located along Arizona State Route 66, the former U.S. Route 66, Hackberry is 23 miles northeast of Kingman and 30 miles southwest of Peach Springs. Known for the Hackberry General Store, a Route 66 landmark, this tiny desert hamlet offers a glimpse into Arizona’s mining past and the allure of America’s Mother Road.

Hackberry was founded in 1874 following the discovery of silver in the Cerbat Mountains, named after the hackberry trees growing along nearby Truxton Wash. The community thrived as a mining hub, with the Hackberry Mine producing significant silver and lead until the early 20th century. The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in the 1880s and Route 66 in the 1920s brought travelers and commerce. After Route 66 was bypassed by Interstate 40 in the 1970s, Hackberry declined, but the General Store, established in 1934 and revitalized in the 1990s, has kept its legacy alive as a tourist draw.

Located at 35°22′10″N 113°43′25″W, Hackberry spans 17.6 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 3,583 feet. Situated in a desert valley with the Peacock Mountains to the north and Cerbat Mountains to the west, it features rugged terrain and sparse vegetation. The semi-arid climate includes hot summers, mild winters, and minimal precipitation, with clear skies ideal for stargazing. The area has a moderate earthquake risk, high UV exposure, and occasional flash flood risks along washes, but air quality is generally excellent.

Hackberry has a median household income of approximately $35,000 and a median home value of $110,000, among the most affordable in Arizona. Housing consists of scattered mobile homes, cabins, and RVs, with most residents owning their properties. The median age is 61.2, reflecting a retiree-heavy population, with 92.3% White (Non-Hispanic) and small percentages of Hispanic and Native American residents. The economy is minimal, centered on tourism via the Hackberry General Store, with many residents commuting to Kingman (23 miles southwest) for work in retail or services.

Did You Know? The Hackberry General Store, filled with Route 66 memorabilia, vintage cars, and quirky decor, is a favorite photo stop for travelers and has appeared in numerous travel guides and media.

Hackberry has no schools, with students attending the Valentine Elementary School District in Truxton (15 miles east) for K-8 or Kingman Unified School District schools in Kingman for higher grades. Emergency services are provided by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and Golden Valley Fire Department, with the nearest medical facilities in Kingman, including Kingman Regional Medical Center. The Hackberry General Store serves as the community’s sole amenity, offering snacks, souvenirs, and a glimpse of Route 66 nostalgia.

Hackberry General Store: A Route 66 icon with vintage gas pumps, classic cars, and memorabilia, perfect for photos and souvenirs.

Historic Route 66: The stretch through Hackberry offers scenic drives, with nearby stops like the Valentine Gift Shop (15 miles east) and Kingman’s Route 66 Museum (23 miles southwest).

Peacock Mountains: Nearby BLM land provides hiking, off-roading, and rockhounding, with views of the surrounding desert and mountains.

Grand Canyon Skywalk: 50 miles northeast, accessible via U.S. Route 93, offering stunning views at Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai Reservation.

Hackberry offers a rural, minimalist lifestyle with a population density of 6 people per square mile, ideal for those seeking solitude and Route 66 nostalgia. The average commute to Kingman is 25–35 minutes, with many residents retired or working remotely. The community is small and tight-knit, with no formal events but a shared appreciation for the General Store’s role in preserving Hackberry’s identity. The area’s low crime rate and affordability are appealing, though summer heat and remote access require preparation.

Reach Hackberry via Arizona State Route 66 from Kingman (23 miles southwest) or Peach Springs (30 miles northeast). Stop at the Hackberry General Store for Route 66 memorabilia, explore nearby Peacock Mountains trails, or visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk for a day trip. Kingman’s Route 66 Museum and Valentine’s historic sites are short drives away. For extended trips, Las Vegas is 115 miles northwest, and Lake Havasu City is 90 miles south. Hackberry is a charming stop for Route 66 enthusiasts and desert explorers.

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