Every October, as the nights creep longer and a chill wraps the air, whispers about Route 666—once dubbed The Devil’s Highway—return from the shadows. Drivers share tales of ghostly semi-trucks with flame-lit cabs, faceless hitchhikers that vanish in mirrors, and eerie presences that linger just beyond the headlights. But what separates myth from history on this infamous stretch of road?
The Curse Born of a Number
In 1926, a nondescript numbering decision by the AASHO designated a 193-mile stretch through New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah as U.S. Route 666—a mere branch of legendary Route 66. But folklore soon seized on it. With 666 being the “Number of the Beast,” locals dubbed it the Devil’s Highway, a title that grew in power as fatal crashes and eerie stories spread.
Legends That Haunt the Asphalt
Fiery Phantom Trucks
Numerous drivers report being forced off-course by a terrifying apparition—a blazing 18-wheeler barreling at them from the opposite lane, surrounded by flickering, unnatural flames. Some even describe hearing a chilling laugh echo from the cab before it vanishes into the night.
The Faceless Hitchhiker
Others tell of pulling over for a stranded girl—only to be stunned by the absence of facial features. She drifts into the car like mist, then disappears, leaving nothing but a hollow memory.
Demon Dogs and Skinwalkers
Even darker tales surface: huge, demonic dogs with glowing yellow eyes attacking tires, and Navajo lore whispers of Skinwalkers—shape-shifting entities stalking the desert night, sometimes appearing as old men draped in animal skins.
Name Change: Myth or Medicine?
By 2003, the highway had been officially rebranded as U.S. Route 491. While many thought it was to wipe away its cursed reputation, the actual driving force was public pressure over sign theft and a desire to improve both safety and image.
What’s Real and What Isn’t?
Why This Legend Still Grips Us
-
It delivers suspense and scale. A flaming ghost truck on a midnight desert road? Instantly cinematic and terrifying.
-
It blends cultural mythologies. Skinwalkers, Navajo storytelling, roadside apparitions—these give depth and authenticity.
-
It’s perfect for Halloween. Stories like these keep drivers alert, engaged, and connected through shared folklore.
Ready for the Next Chapter in Your Driving Career?
The haunted highways are full of legends—but your career doesn’t need to be uncertain. If you’re a truck driver looking for better opportunities, visit elitehrcareers.com/careers. Our job board is updated every single day with fresh driving positions across the country.
Your next stop could be the best one yet.