You Can Explore These Texas Ghost Towns On Old Route 66

No matter where you go, passing through or by a ghost town does something to you. You stare at the husks of what once was and wonder what life was like "back then."

There are plenty of ghost towns in the Texas Panhandle to explore. Some of the most famous ones exist on the remnants of the most famous road in the U.S. Here is a look at ghost towns on Route 66 in Texas that you can visit.

The Infamous And Treacherous Jericho Gap

The town formerly known as Jericho and the Jericho Gap are infamous in Route 66 history. Legend has it that this little slice of heaven was once hell for motorists.

READ MORE: The Efforts To Save A Route 66 Ghost Town In Texas

Supposedly, farmers in the area made a little extra dough whenever it would rain. The dirt roads around Jericho would grab hold of vehicles and not let them go. Luckily for these vacationing tourists, there were helpful locals more than ready to help out, allegedly for a small fee.

The treacherous mud around Jericho supposedly led to the decision to route the Mother Road around Jericho, and supposedly, that's what led to the eventual decline of Jericho.

Today, the Jericho Gap is celebrated and honored with annual events. The area has even been revitalized with a veggie farm.

Alanreed, Texas, Is A Still Living Ghost Town in Texas On Route 66

Alanreed is an interesting entry on the list simply because it isn't a full-blown ghost town yet. There is still a handful of people who call it home.

There are abandoned buildings that remain from the time when Route 66 brought travelers to Alanreed. You can even see the historic old church that still stands in Alanreed.

If you've ever driven on I-40 in the Texas panhandle, you've passed by the travel stop that still exists in Alanreed.

Glenrio, Texas: A Ghost Town Big Enough To Straddle The Border

Glenrio is one of my favorite places on Earth simply because of its history. Glenrio sits directly on the Texas and New Mexico border. This has always created interesting business opportunities in Glenrio.

READ MORE: Iconic Car In This Texas Ghost Town Is A Real-Life Love Story

During the days of prohibition in Texas, bars were located on the New Mexico side. Gas stations were on the Texas side because of cheaper taxes.

Today, the only business that exists in Glenrio is a cannabis dispensary. Of course, it exists on the New Mexico side.