Symbodied by freedom, adventure and pursuit of the American Dream, Route 66 has been immortalized since its founding in 1926 with literary classics and blockbuster films. It spans more than 2,400 miles, created by the Public Roads Bureau, and stretches from Lake Michigan in the northeast to the west and the Pacific edge. Roadside diners, gas stations and motels ran out to serve drivers, but up until the 1950s and the birth of family road trips, the highways really found fame. However, in 1985, Route 66 literally fell off the map when it was discontinued and replaced by modern interstates. However, that Americana appeal has never stopped. Visitors are still attracted to 85% of roads that can be driven today.
In the southwestern Arizona state, the roads are 385 miles away from the painted cliffs of Lupton on the New Mexico border, over the retro charm of Kingman west. Among them is the longest, uninterrupted original stretch of John Steinbeck, the American author John Steinbeck, known as “Mother Road,” from Cruken Road east of Seligman to the nearest California State Line. This section can be explored as an eye-opening five-part East-West road trip. As deserts, rolling hills and wide open plains lead you, expect historic deal posts, preserved towns and must-see national parks.
1. Rapton to Petrified Forest National Park
It marks the beginning of Route 66 in Grand Canyon as a welcome sign to Arizona, the red sandstone cliff in Lapton, Navajo. Beneath the bluffs of monumental scales are a handful of residents and a colorful gift shop. Teepee Trading Poststock Native American arts and crafts.
From here, west Petrified Forest National Parka desolate, beautiful world with 200 million years old Triassic fossils, ancient petroglyphs, and majestic painted deserts – a few miles of rocky rocky rocks with red and pink stripes. The north and south of the park are connected by 28 miles of roads woven with 28 miles of roads, including a one-mile painted desert rim trail in a panoramic mile home to the large compounds occupied by the ancestral Pueblo people over 600 years ago, as well as half-mile walks and half-mile walks to Puer Cop Eblo.
Located near Winslow, Meteor Crater is 550 feet deep and nearly a mile wide. Photo by Kyle Hoover
Stop by Pueblo Revival Style Painted desert accommodation. This 1930s national historic landmark presents Route 66 memorabilia and hosts demonstrations by skilled indigenous silversmiths, beaders and artists. After the sun, after the staining of orange and lilac sky and night waterfalls, the old west frontier town runs west to the west and climbs in the Badlands.
2. Winslow to Flagstaff
Continue your journey west to downtown Winslow, immortalized by the Eagles hit. calm down. Located in Corner Park, featuring Cherry Redford trucks, the local landmark stand is a compulsory photo opportunity.
Meteor Crater Natural Landmark – 25 miles west of Winslow – Created 50,000 years ago when a met stone about 150 feet wide crashed with 150 times the force of an atomic bomb. The site was used as a training ground by the Apollo 11 team prior to the lunar landing in the 1960s. Wander the observation deck or take a guided tour along the rim to explore it.
For space-themed discoveries, visit the Journey to Flagstaff – the largest town on Route 66 in Arizona. Lowell Observatory – Where Pluton was discovered in 1930. Here we can understand the conditions of the perfect starry sky created by the town’s commitment to reducing light pollution. This made Flagstaff the world’s first dark sky city Dark Ski International 2001 – Awarded to the planet’s best starry sky immersion destination.
Downtown Heritage Square is full of live music and restaurants. Around the corner, he was award-winning Atria A detour from typical diner dishes on Route 66, featuring a 10-course tasting menu focusing on fresh regional ingredients on the farm. Meanwhile, national and western fans should polish cowboy boots for line dancing Museum Cluba music bar in 1931.
3. From Grand Canyon National Park to Williams
Leave Flagstaff and discover four seasons of outdoor adventure around you Coconino National Forest1.8 million acres of terrain tapestry allows you to ski, bike and hike.
Take a detour 70 miles north and when the summit of the forest disappears, Grand Canyon National Park It will appear. Hike through a portion of the rim trail, peering into the deep divisions of the Earth’s miles. Hermit Road features nine exceptional watches, including Mohave Point, with views of the Colorado River, Hopi Point and Abyss, offering almost vertical views of the canyon. Those with a more relaxed itinerary can consider a detour 51 miles east to explore Moenkopi Dinosaur Truck In the Navajo country, you can find traces of fossils and follow the real dinosaur trucks remaining under Hamblin Ridge.
Located 55 miles south of the Grand Canyon, Williams is filled with food and shops filled with classic road signs and souvenirs that enchant nostalgia. Don’t miss it Canyon Coaster Adventure Parka roller coaster is built into the sides of the mountains of a mile long truck.
Delgadillo family’s Snowcap Drive-In has served travelers along the Seligman Stretch on Route 66 for 72 years. Photo by Julian Smith
4. From Seligman to Kingman
Set GPS to West and stop at Ash Folk Route 66 Museum On the way to the small town of Seligman – the beginning of the oldest section of Route 66. Arizona recognized the original road from Seligman to Kingman as historic Route 66 in 1987.
Both Seligman and Kingman are prepared for Americana lovers, and are caught up in classic neon signs and early to mid-20th century architecture, evoking a bygone era. I’ll be visiting at Seligman Angel & Vilma Delgadillo’s original route 66 gift shop For products. Then it stops Delgadillo’s Snowcap Drive-InIt opened in 1953 for burgers and malt shakes.
Pass through the small town of Peach Springs and continue west 37 miles. The rugged scenery here inspired Radiator Springs, a fictional town in animated films. Please stop by Hackberry General Storefull of vintage discoveries before arriving at Kingman, known as the heart of the historic Route 66.
I’ll swing with Route 66 Museum To learn about the 100-year history of the road before stretching out on a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Story. Over 40 sites dotted National registration of historic locationsa growing collection of vibrant murals by local artists, celebrating the place on Kingman and Route 66. Craft beer is waiting for it. Ratty cricket brewingmeanwhile Mr. D’Z Route 66 Diner Transport you in the 1950s using a root beer float next to the jukebox.
5. From topok to topok
The final leg of Arizona’s Route 66 runs 28 miles southwest to Gold Rush Town of Automan. This is the steepest and narrowest part of the road. The eight-mile section through Black Mountain is called the Arizona Sidewinder thanks to the curves and turns of the 191. However, the views across the desert landscape are worth it.
Set at a gas station in the 1930s, D’Z Route 66 Diner is known for his homemade route beer. Photo by Fam
At Oatman, you will find all the typical features of a wild west town, including wooden sidewalks and wild burros that roam the main street. These small donkeys descend from what miners used when gold was attacked in the early 20th century. Also, you Auto Mango Srider Gun Fighter. Visit the historic thing while you’re here Automan Hotel – Previously darling – to place dollar bills on the walls or ceiling of a saloon by local tradition.
The nearby border town of Topok marks the end of Arizona Route 66 when the railroad stops and the steamship lands. Finish your trip on an old trail bridge. It connected Arizona to California, carrying Route 66 traffic across the Colorado River until 1948, appearing in the film classics Easy rider and Angry Grapes.
Three Indigenous Cultural Detours on Route 66
1. Montezuma Castle
South of Flagstaff is Montezuma Castle National Monument, an impressive cliff residence built by the Sinaguan people around AD 1100. Follow a short trail loop to observe well-preserved ruins and set it on a 100-foot limestone cliff. The castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and resilience of the people who lived here, leaving behind a legacy that resonates today.
2. Havasu Falls
Hidden deep within the lands of Havaspee tribes, Havas Falls in the Grand Canyon have been sacred to the Havaspee people for centuries. The permit provides access to the turquoise sea and cascade waterfalls. That number will be sold annually on February 1st, but these are included in the guided tour. You will also need to stay in the evening and book at the campsite or Haba Spy Lodge.
3. Walnut Canyon
A short drive from Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument features preserved cliff residences of ancestral Pueblo people who lived in the area more than 800 years ago. Follow the steep miles long island trails to view 25 rooms built into the canyon walls. The easier rim trail offers fantastic views across the canyon and the residences below.
This paid content article was created for visiting Arizona. It does not necessarily reflect National Geographic’s views; National Geographic Traveler (UK) or its editorial staff.
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveler (UK) MagazineClick here. (Only available in certain countries).
