Get Your Kicks on Arizona’s Route 66!

Arizona holds a special place in Route 66 history, with a total of 385 miles of the Mother Road winding through the state. It boasts the longest unbroken stretch of the original highway still drivable today — a 158-mile section from just west of Ash Fork to the California state line. This iconic route, established in 1926, once carried travelers from Chicago to Los Angeles. Today, its spirit of adventure and Americana is alive and well in the Grand Canyon State. Get ready to cruise through charming towns, stunning landscapes, and quirky roadside attractions as we explore Arizona’s Route 66 – a journey back in time!

Our Route 66 Adventure: A Whimsical Journey Through Arizona

Our Route 66 adventure begins with a glimpse of the past as we cross the California border and encounter the Old Trails Bridge in Topock, a reminder of the early days of travel along the Colorado River. Though we can’t cross it, this historic bridge, immortalized in films like The Grapes of Wrath, paints a vivid picture of bygone journeys. Topock itself, a historic town nestled right on the riverbank, welcomes us to the Grand Canyon State. You might want to grab a bite at the Topock Marina and watch the boats go by before we head into town.

From Topock, we’ll head east to Oatman, where wild burros roam the streets and the spirit of the Wild West endures. This old mining town was once a bustling gold rush boomtown, and you can still see remnants of its past in the saloons and shops that line the main street. Keep your eyes peeled for a gunfight or two – they like to put on a show for the tourists! Further down the road, we’ll encounter Cool Springs-Golden Valley, once a welcome oasis for travelers, where you can imagine weary travelers stopping for a cool drink and a bit of shade.

Next, we’ll arrive in Kingman, a bustling town with a rich Route 66 heritage. Be sure to check out the Route 66 Museum and learn about the history of the Mother Road. Kingman also boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and motels, making it a great place to spend the night. And don’t forget to snap a photo with the iconic “Route 66” shield painted on the side of the Powerhouse Visitor Center. Just outside of Kingman, you’ll find the Antares Point Visitor Center and the quirky Giganticus Headicus statue – a must-see for any roadside attraction enthusiast!

Continuing our journey, we’ll discover Hackberry, a charming ghost town that seems frozen in time. Its old general store is a treasure trove of Route 66 memorabilia, and you can almost hear the echoes of travelers from days gone by. Next, we’ll pass through Valentine, a small town with a big heart, where friendly locals will welcome you with open arms. Truxton boasts a classic Route 66 diner, perfect for a hearty meal and a slice of pie. Then, we’ll venture to Peach Springs, where you can explore the Hualapai Indian Reservation and experience their rich culture. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a detour to the Grand Canyon Caverns, a hidden world of underground wonders.

Finally, we’ll roll into Seligman, a town that feels like stepping right into Radiator Springs from the movie Cars. Be sure to stop by Route 66 Road Relics and say howdy! I’m Big Mike, the owner, and I’ve filled this place with all sorts of treasures from the Mother Road – vintage signs, neon lights, old gas pumps, and a whole lot more. I’ve got stories for days about the folks who’ve passed through here over the years, so pull up a chair and let’s chat.

After Seligman, we’ll pass through Ash Fork and then arrive in Williams, known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” From here, we can take a detour to experience the majestic South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After that breathtaking experience, we’ll cruise through Parks, Bellemont, and Flagstaff, a vibrant city with a Route 66 past. Flagstaff offers a variety of attractions, including Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered, and the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Eastward, we’ll encounter Winona, and we’ll be sure to heed the advice from Bobby Troup’s classic tune: “Don’t forget Winona!” Then it’s on to Twin Arrows, the eerie ghost town of Two Guns, and the awe-inspiring Meteor Crater. After a stop in Meteor City, we’ll reach Winslow, where the Eagles’ “Take It Easy” will be playing in our heads: “Well, I was standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see. It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford, slowin’ down to take a look at me.

From Winslow, we’ll continue east to Holbrook, home of the iconic Wigwam Motel. This quirky motel is a must-see for any Route 66 enthusiast. You can actually sleep in a tepee! It’s a fun and unique experience that adds a touch of whimsy to our road trip. And just outside of Holbrook, we can’t miss the Petrified Forest National Park, where we’ll explore a world of colorful, ancient trees turned to stone and the breathtaking Painted Desert, a vibrant landscape of badlands that stretches as far as the eye can see.

After Holbrook, we’ll make our way to Houck, where we’ll take a step back in time and explore the ruins of Fort Courage, an abandoned trading post that whispers tales of the Wild West. Then, we’ll press on to Joseph City, Chambers, and finally, Lupton, as we complete our journey along this Historic Highway.