Photographed near Oatman, Arizona, this image shows the steep, winding section of Route 66 known as Deadman’s Pass — a treacherous climb and descent through the Black Mountains once feared by early motorists. Long before pavement and guardrails, this road challenged travelers with sharp turns, narrow ledges, and drop-offs that tested both courage and machinery.
Captured using the wet plate collodion process, the photograph translates the stark desert landscape into rich tones and fine detail. The process’s long exposure brings depth to the rock faces, heat haze, and open sky — rendering a timeless portrait of one of Route 66’s wildest sections.
Part of the NomadType Route 66 series, Deadman’s Pass stands as a tribute to the untamed beauty of the highway’s western reaches — where every mile carried risk, reward, and the promise of the open road.
Photographed near Oatman, Arizona, this image shows the steep, winding section of Route 66 known as Deadman’s Pass — a treacherous climb and descent through the Black Mountains once feared by early motorists. Long before pavement and guardrails, this road challenged travelers with sharp turns, narrow ledges, and drop-offs that tested both courage and machinery.
Captured using the wet plate collodion process, the photograph translates the stark desert landscape into rich tones and fine detail. The process’s long exposure brings depth to the rock faces, heat haze, and open sky — rendering a timeless portrait of one of Route 66’s wildest sections.
Part of the NomadType Route 66 series, Deadman’s Pass stands as a tribute to the untamed beauty of the highway’s western reaches — where every mile carried risk, reward, and the promise of the open road.
