If you’re looking for a unique and memorable stop while traveling along the iconic Route 66, look no further than DeSoto’s Salon in Ash Fork, Arizona. This former Texaco gas station was built in 1957 and has become an iconic landmark due to the early 1960s model DeSoto car parked atop its roof. Although the salon closed around 2011, this vintage roadside attraction still stands as a reminder of America’s rich highway history.
The building was transformed into DeSoto’s Salon in 2001 by Joe and Edie DeSoto who ran it until the salon closed down a decade later. Despite the name, it is not named after the car but rather after Joe and Edie themselves. They drove around town when they first opened in an old 1949 DeSoto to promote their business—a curious marketing tactic that worked!
The car itself has quite a fascinating backstory as well. It is rumored that Elvis Presley once drove this very vehicle but truth be told, there is no proof of this claim other than local folklore. Regardless of its former driver, it remains an amazing roadside attraction and a must-see for any traveler along Route 66. Even though the salon is no longer open for business, visitors can still get up close to snap some photos of this unique sight.
In addition to being a popular tourist attraction, DeSoto’s Salon was operating as an Airbnb rental location as late as 2021 so visitors could have actually spent some time there if they choose to. Unfortunately, it appears that it is no longer available as an AirBnB rental. The building has been renovated since its original construction in 1957 and offers all modern conveniences today while still retaining its vintage charm from yesteryear.
Desoto’s Salon in Ash Fork Today
Address: 327 Lewis Ave, Ash Fork, AZ 86320
Below is what DeSoto’s Salon looks like today. The DeSoto automobile still sits on the rooftop, but the DeSoto’s Salon sign is gone and the property is now fenced off and appears to be used as a storage yard of some kind with a few old signs around.
While most iconic roadside attractions are tucked away off beaten paths or hidden deep within rural communities, DeSoto’s Salon sits right along America’s most famous highway—Route 66—providing travelers with an easy access point to check out this legendary spot during their journey.
It seems the Desoto’s Salon AirBnB rental is no longer operating, but if you want to take some photos or just look around at this historic building, it’s sure to provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience that won’t soon be forgotten! So don’t miss out on your chance to visit this intriguing landmark located between Flagstaff and Kingman on Route 66!
Desoto’s Salon in Aah Fork had been turned into and AirBnB for awhile where you could spend the night in the refurbished gas station. The last time I looked, however, it was no longer advertised on AirBnB.