5 Sites on the America's Western Back Roads

Bob Boze Bell has traveled the back roads of the American West since he was a child. If you love road trips as much as Bob Boze Bell, you will need to catch his back roads special-based on the True West Ultimate Travel Guide-on his top 5 sites to visit on the back roads of the American West! If you’re interested in Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Wild Bill Hickok, you won’t want to miss Bob Boze Bell take you through the historic towns of these western icons.
Bob Boze Bell is known as America's Western Storyteller. He is an artist, author, writer and serves as executive editor of True West magazine. Bell is a popular, sought-after figure in television documentaries about the Old West, appearing as an expert in dozens of Wild West history shows. Bell won an Emmy Award as Executive Producer of the PBS special, Outrageous Arizona, a zany look at the state's centennial, that he also wrote and helped direct. As an author, Bell has brought to life Billy the Kid, Geronimo, Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok in his best-selling Illustrated Life and Times series. His books Classic Gunfights I, II and III are must-reads about the most important Old West gunfights. Bell’s Bad Men is now in its fourth printing, while his illustrated autobiography, The 66 Kid: Raised on the Mother Road, gives personal insight into the passions that have driven him on his lifelong quest to interpret the history of the American West for audiences around the world.
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[@timh0722]

Bob, you are so right about radio stations... I remember when I was a kid in the 1950s, my dad would tune in in the late afternoon to hear gunsmoke on the radio as we drove home from our Sunday drive. Great memories even to this day.

[@johnbasalto4668]

Wonderful podcast. Thank you, Mr. Bell; I love listening to you. Can't wait for your next one!

[@KidYuma1880]

Sometimes those back roads can be great. Enjoyed video. I am Re-enactor in a group in Payson Az. Az Historian David Grosse & I had to go to Holbrook to Courthouse, went to historic cemetery saw the Belvins house & their cemetery plots (Pleasant Valley War) , took self tour of courthouse. Went to Butterfield Stage Co Steak House, thought great place & food

[@stevensmith1911]

Bob, I could listen to you all day! I hope you have a terrific time in Deadwood this weekend. Safe and happy trails.

[@garyogrady8304]

Did not know Bob Boze was from Arizona Cave Creek to be exact. I live in the east valley of Mesa az. love this guys stories, I'm a true fan. captivating stuff

[@jimcantino4353]

Driving east from Belle Fouche SD to Billings I saw a rock pillar standing on the top of a hill in the middle of no where. Couldn't figure what the heck it was until I came over the hill and saw what I thought was a creek and a entrance to a park. You may have guessed it was the Little Big Horn Battlefield. Bob I agree, you do start the tour at the wrong end at Custer hill and thats where most just stop. Forget almost all the movies made of this only two came close to getting it right, Son of Morning Star ( which left our Calhoun Hill) and Little Big Man which covered only Custer's Hill but got the terrain perfect. The park does not include Reno's Valley fight and flight which I think is either covered by I-25 or owned as private property.Sounds like you got the grand tour. I have been out there three times and it does not fail to intrigue each time. As I told a friend of mine who joined me out there. Somewhere in that column of troopers one guy had to have turned to buddy and said "what the ________ did the old man get us into?"

[@guysmith1946]

PieTown Cafe is open, I stopped there about 6 weeks ago... The Pies are Great!!!!!

[@stevemccoy8138]

Thanks Bob, I could listen to your stories all day. If you get old Tucson, I would consider working there for you.

[@robertcoffee9512]

Bell is a natural at narration.

[@dominicohea5624]

A brilliant narration thanks

[@justyngreniger993]

could listen to you talk about the old west and west for days on end probably one of my biggest passions since i was in middle school has been the study of the old "wild west" definitley will continue watching and reading your content.

[@Rasplata5]

Hey Bob, please tell us about Sheriff Mahoney,who came from Ireland, and became a sheriff here in Arizona. He later deputized Wyatt Earp, and fought the KKK. He was a fearless lawman .His son, William Mahoney,became ambassador to Ghana under President Kennedy.

[@audreysnyder6900]

I love road trips

[@paulross9287]

Just discovered these podcasts, Bob is a fantastic communicator. I'm sure I could enjoy listening to him talk about anything. (I've loved listening to local radio since I was a little kid).

[@terriejohnston8801]

SO excited to have rode/ "stumbled" upon this chanel. Looking forward to some REALLY thrilling stories from America's colorful @ too often...bloody history. Happy Trails to You, Mr. Bell . 🐎 🐎 🐎

[@MelbourneShorts11]

I'm so glad i found your channel. an old west road trip is on my bucket list for sure.

[@stretmediq]

I'm a paramedic and I have been watching your videos when I'm not responding to emergencies. I've been to several of the sites you recommend

[@johannesbeute2553]

Amazing channel and podcasts. I watch one a day I have even went back over a few of these. You provide very valuable information. You are a lenend in your own right my good man. Have a great day.

[@lesleyewen-foster3629]

Years ago when I had to travel for my job, my company used to send me to small towns because they knew I loved to poke around little, old places. In Silver City, NM I checked into a hotel that was decorated in an 'old west' way. No elevator. I bumped my case up the stairs. The hallway was narrow and I thought this was a pretty old hotel. When I got into my room I saw a basin with a small mirror hung on the wall above it. Maybe 4"X6", this mirror was way too high for me use (I'm 5'2") and I realized I had stumbled on an old cattlemen's hotel. What a thrill!! I LOVED the place. Sadly, I didn't have time to explore the area, but next time I will.

[@KowboyUSA]

Arizona backroads are the best.

[@midnightrambler3583]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge of old West history.

[@audreysnyder6900]

I heard that Tom Nix was a pallbearer at Wyat Earps funeral.

[@KidYuma1880]

That is true, also Tom Mix wept at funeral. What a lucky actor to be part of that history Wyatt Earp.

[@norencenelson8111]

I believe that Tom Mix actually died in a Cord convertible. It was a 1937 model with front wheel drive. Cord, Duesenberg and Auburn were made in Auburn, Indiana in the same factory. Mix was a real cowboy and was famous for setting up his stunts so that he and others never got hurt. His failure to secure his luggage resulted in his death. My Norwegian dad won a full scholarship to St. Olaf's College in Northfield in 1929. He didn't take it because he didn't know if he could make spending money. Dad didn't speak English until he went to school. My Norwegian grandma made the best sugar cookies. She and I were great buddies. Norskis are famous for holding on to their money, and making damned sure that it is secure. I'd never get into a fight with one over money. Old Norske

[@iceblue6971]

Love to listen....thanks

[@jeff9104]

Great stories !

[@derweibhai]

Coffeville is awesome. The bank and hardware store people love to show you around.

[@stevenrafters7817]

Bob, a trip to John Ringo's grave with you commentating would be outstanding. It's one of my favorite places here in Arizona. Beautiful spot and historically controversial. Love your sense of humor keep up the good keep up the good work ol pard

[@reneeratliff1937]

I got it ordered. Can't wait!!!!

[@JT-py9lv]

Amen ! Another fun day trip in AZ is to go out and see The Lost Grave Of Mattie Earp. Stop in Superior for some good eats.

[@chuckpalmer284]

Went to Circleville Utah and stopped at Butch Cassidys Hideout. A small diner. Great experience.

[@Erik_m509]

In 2001 a friend of mine and I did a trip through AZ, NM and CO. Loved Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly and the Silverton/Ouray area of CO. Best food on the trip was a little restaurant in Silverton called The Handlebar.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I'm glad you don't tell us to walk that 12 miles of track carrying a heavy shotgun from Tucson! in the middle of the night! I would have to draw the line there. 🤠

[@aussiejoker2031]

Well done mate!

[@azjt101]

They announce next month who get control of Old Tucson as a 25 year old Tucsonan when a deep love for history I hope you guys get picked I always love going to Old Tucson I went nearly every year I want to be able to share the same experiences i had with my young sons so they can find a love for history and for westerns

[@mikedesil23]

I'm a huge fan of Oatman 🤠🐴🌵

[@ericsimpson1176]

Highwat 74 "the carefree highway " is the same "carefree highway " in the gorden Lightfoot song ,according to a interview I saw.

[@Ron-tk5zj]

Love your show maybe someday I can meet you my name is Ron from Tucson keep up the good work I will try to get in touch

[@Maintenance63]

You're the very best!!

[@reiserstreasurehuntingempo8993]

Church Street Cafe in Old Albuquerque

[@parkstreetbridge6960]

Love your Podcasts!

[@allenantonio4389]

Fair Rules...Lets GO !!!!

[@elenadarrigo2528]

If only I would’ve seen more of it. Oh well. Wonderful Livestream by the way! I would love to try these road-trips someday

[@AlexLightGiver]

Cool

[@robsim4692]

I hope Bob is still alive!

[@kurtgoar519]

Thank you sir

[@bradploof9796]

Been the back way from Patagonia to tombstone nice ride alot of grasslands cattle

[@mikehagan4320]

Have you ever been to the " Range Riders museum " in Miles city Montana? Its like Montana's attick. One of the Best Kept Secrets for people who like History. Best Wishes! M.H.

[@charlesdilworth7760]

A great old west town is cimmiron new mexico.theres a great old hotel which was built in the 1850s .it has a great restaurant.the hotel has a bar which has a roullet wheel original to the hotel.the town is on highway 64.across from the hotel is an original wells fargo building also built in the 1850s.coming into town theres photos of judges intertainers lawmen and outlaws from that time period.also east of town theres a historic cemetery.

[@patriciawarner1274]

I believe it’s the St. James Hotel. Stayed there twice during my road trips. A few great historical people stayed there also.

[@asamcbrez4930]

What a hoot! This channel is a great find. I wonder when/if the wild west will extend into the 1930's?

[@douggoss4855]

Awesome posts!

[@madhistory]

Bob , You need to go to Independence mo , It has it ALL . I will take you ! jss

[@larryhurth3261]

Might like to listen to Cheyenne Chief Two Moons account of Last Stand Hill fight. He was there and told the story as he remembered it.

[@paulmadmanlee5065]

Hi Bob wow you're knowledgable! Would you ever do a special on Bloody Bill Anderson and the Missouri Bushwackers I'd like to know more about them? Thanks Bob

[@buddylobos5277]

The James Gang Northfield robbery occurred on the weekend before the deer season opener. Everybody was getting their rifles checked out, sighted & adjusted. And then a day light robbery attempt happened.

[@markgreathouse6968]

I would love to take this trip man ! If I could only take about a month off from work. ..

[@stevegrooms1142]

Teddy Blue Abbott wrote a fascinating book about the old longhorn cattle drives (We Pointed Them North). In it he describes the average cowboy as a tough and remarkably courageous character. But he mentioned two things that terrified cowboys. They knew it was possible to become unhorsed, and that was terrifying for them . . . the prospect of being on foot in those vast, empty lands. The second terrifying thing? A decent woman. Cowboys knew dance hall girls, prostitutes and other rough women, but a proper lady was so far beyond their experience they could barely say hello.

[@dks13827]

Everyone............go to the Little Big Horn !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I was there in 1976.

[@charlieswearingen500]

You're right! I went to the Little Big Horn in the early 1970s when there were very few tourists there and it was a spiritual experience... your senses will go wild. The only other place I have had the same spiritual experience to match the Litle Big Horn is the Vietnam Wall...

[@jeffreygraf3358]

Great talk. You need to put a link to your book in the descripter section.

[@Cary543]

Bob...have you ever been to the Gene Autry Museum in Los Angeles? I went a few years ago before all the Coronaphobes took over. That was one of the greatest museums I've ever been to. You have got to sew it. Wait until this Corona freak out ends but I'm interested in what you'll think about it.

[@brazosteinway5924]

Bob. there is a town in SE Oklahoma, named after Rough Rider, Teddy Roosevelt. Roosevelt ok is today a ghost town. Teddy hunted wolves near there. He had an Okie who caught wolves barehanded. Gen Tommie Franks has a ranch near. There is a marker that it was near the first meeting of Plains Indians with the U.S. Military. Several famous celebrities were with that group. Just a small forgotten place of history.

[@maureengill6031]

Bob, your road trip was fantastic! You made it so interesting and not a bit tiring! I’ll bet it would be a wonderful experience to go on an actual road trip with you! At no point would I say...”Are we there yet?”. The whole journey was interesting and educational! I’m ready to “get back on the road again”! Thanks, Bob!

[@janmead5896]

Maybe these are not back road enough for this video, but what about Rock Springs Cafe', in AZ. Full of history in this 100 years + weight station. Wonderful food. Tom Mix and Jean Harlow stayed there + many other famous people Known for pies also. What about Pinos Altos just North of Silver City and the Buckhorn Saloon?

[@TheEst72]

Sir, I love your Wranglers shirt. May i ask where you bought it?

[@craigwarner6156]

Great podcast. I'm an English British man and I'm think I've found my new obsession with your channel.I.E. the old west. WOW. I keep finding my next obsession to learn about and collect and read and bone up on facts and look deep into myths and search for truth. My first was the Beatles, the next was Buddy Holly and now The Old Wild West. And don't worry guys I don't just drop the old thing for the new thing. It just becomes another subject I'm a collector of and little bit of an "amateur expert" in. So tell me can I get this True West magazine in England? And is it still a physical format? Thank you very much.

[@BizAutomation]

Curious if you've been to Columbia near Fresno... beautifully preserved town from the 1800s. Guess you'd call it a Gold Rush town. Maybe you can do a video on your favorite Gold rush towns in California.

[@jimbailey7997]

In Cole younger biography he said the James Brothers was not in Northfield Minnesota .🧐

[@danielcopeland3031]

Where all in Missouri did erp family live .

[@JFreeze714]

Have you been to the Tom Mix homestead in PA?

[@kenhill3986]

Pietown pies are terrible. I have thrown out pies from Pietown. So sad. But a beautiful area.

[@oldfogey4679]

I love the climate in Arizona! Lived in Tucson a few months we had snow that Jan! I'm thinking of returning to Arizona but not Tucson! As my states climate is painful to me and the voters made the mistake of decriminalizing small amts of hard drugs making the state dangerous!

[@phoebehill953]

The pies in Pietown are so horrible, my husband and I threw pie away. A first for me: throwing out pie!

[@alan30189]

Green chili burgers? 🤢 😂🤣 Great discussion, though!

[@larryclark4791]

I thought they all started out at Wichita and Dodge City

[@isaiahfronning5157]

Southerners really do think us Minnesotans are wussy. Make no mistake, we're quiet and polite, but most rural people here pack heat and are willing to use it.

[@Cactusflattmedia]

My God I had the exact same experience at the Tucson train depot museum only a month ago BBB! Literally...I'm there for Earp, Holiday,Stillwell...and I get ambushed buy a railroad flatware aficionado...almost 25 excruciating mins. I BLURT were is the tiolet?? I just drove from Mesa! Like Stillwell.. I ran for my life.. but I .made it to my steel 🐎 and slapped leather to Tombstone. 😂😂,

[@oldfogey4679]

I'd like to know more about the history of the black cowboys in Arizona! Did earp or the cowboys ever interact with them?

[@audreysnyder6900]

I've been to Tombstone Arizona and the whole town didn't seem like it was original. but then someone there told me that that was not the real tombstone. They said the real town was about 10 miles down the road. I was never able to see if that was the truth but I would love to see if that is true. Bob Boze , would you know anything about this?

[@dks13827]

Tombstone location is real. The fire station is original and the Bird Cage. Town was burned down 2 times but rebuilt each time. The streets are original. The swimming pool is in the original location.

[@HootOwl513]

''Boot Hill'' is not in the original location. In the 1950s a road going North was built at the West end of town and was built over the original Boot Hill. The ''Boot Hill'' that's there now, with the corny wooden head markers is a fake tourist operation. There is also a cemetary on the west side of Tombstone that was for the local ''decent people'' and it's still there. Boot Hills in any Western town were for recently-deceased vagrants, drifters and gunslingers. People who had no family to care for their remains.

[@keiththomas3141]

Audrey, Tombstone is the real Tombstone. They were talking about Mescal where the built a Tombstone movie set to film the movie. You were in the real Tombstone.

[@woodennickel6148]

"Miss Kitty's Coffeyville Counter: Don't get out like you just turned up." There you go, Boothill Bell. Help 'em bring back there business. You, Sir, are well on your way to being a Proprietor.⛏ Have the lovliest of Summers.

[@flaco5581]

Oh no there's a test?

[@robsim4692]

Everyone should leave something where Tom Died, he left his head there after all! (With all due respect)

[@calken546]

Former Cowboys can't drive!

[@COWBAYOUBADASS]

Don't ever ride anywhere with this guy.