diff --git a/jupyterhub/proxy.py b/jupyterhub/proxy.py
index 2e719997..94357e33 100644
--- a/jupyterhub/proxy.py
+++ b/jupyterhub/proxy.py
@@ -311,7 +311,10 @@ class Proxy(LoggingConfigurable):
                                 spec, route['target'], spawner.server,
                             )
                             futures.append(self.add_user(user, name))
-                elif spawner._spawn_pending:
+                elif spawner.pending:
+                    # don't consider routes stale if the spawner is in any pending event
+                    # wait until after the pending state clears before taking any actions
+                    # they could be pending deletion from the proxy!
                     good_routes.add(spawner.proxy_spec)
 
         # check service routes