Discover the best things to see on Historic Route 66 in Arizona
Get your kicks on Route 66 in Arizona! If you’re looking for the perfect road trip, then look no further than the historic and iconic route that runs through Arizona. This guide will provide you with all the best sites to see and things to do along the way. From the Colorado River, Oatman, Kingman, Hackberry, Truxton, Peach Springs, Seligman, Ash Fork, Williams, Flagstaff, Winslow, Holbrook to the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert plus some of the best Route 66 motels and diners – this road trip has it all!
Colorado River: The Colorado River marks the beginning of a true adventure. Here you’ll find plenty of activities such as fishing or jet skiing on Lake Havasu or simply relax on its shores. Explore some of the surrounding areas by taking a hike or by visiting Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Also don’t forget to check out London Bridge which was brought from England in 1968 and rebuilt here.
Oatman: Moving eastward down Route 66 is Oatman – an old mining town rich in history with buildings that are over 100 years old. It has become well-known for its wild burros that roam freely throughout the town and can often be seen wandering around near shops or even begging for food from tourists.
Kingman
Not far away from Oatman is Kingman – a city known for its vintage car collections and dinosaur tracks which were discovered nearby at Hualapai Mountain Park. It also has The Powerhouse which houses the Arizona Route 66 Museum (one of the best on the Route) and Locomotive Park.
Hackberry
If you continue eastward down Route 66 you’ll come across Hackberry – an abandoned mining village where many believe outlaws used to hide out during their escape from law enforcement back in the Wild West days. There is also the Hackberry General Store, a former general store and gas station that is a must see stop on this original section of Route 66
The History or the Hackberry General Store
Truxton
Truxton & Peach Springs: Further still is Truxton – a small community located along Historic US Highway 66 that has almost become a ghost town. There are only a couple of operating service stations now where once there were many. A few historic buildings remain and the foundations and ruins of a couple of others. The Frontier Hotel sign is a must see in Truxton.
Just north is Peach Springs where travelers can explore Grand Canyon Caverns – one of America’s largest dry caverns located 220 feet underground!
Seligman: Make your way eastward towards Seligman – referred as “the Birthplace of Historic Route 66” due to its role in helping preserve this legendary highway during tough times when other states had given up on it altogether. There are several sites to see including the Snow Cap, Angel & Vilma Delgadillo Gift Shop, Motoporium, the Supai Motel and more. Be sure to stop at the Road Kill Cafe for a nice meal.
Heading East is Ash Fork – another small town along Route 66 that was bypassed by the Interstate. Known for its flagstone quaries, it’s called the “Flagstone Capital of the World”. It’s also home to the Ash Fork Museum, Desoto’s Salon, and several original motels. It was once home to a large Harvey House Hotel called the Escalante Hotel.
Continuing east you’ll make your way to Williams which calls itself the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”. It’s a fun town and a wonderful place to stop on Route 66. It’s the oldest town on Route 66 to have been bypassed by Interstate 40. The old downtown area has a lot to see, dozens of eateries and bars and several cool gift stores with lots of Route 66 and Grand Canyon souvenirs.
Standin’ On the Corner in Winslow, Arizona… a popular stop in downtown Winslow made famous by the song of that name by the Eagles. Check out the bronze statues, the Route 66 painted on the pavement, and the red pickup truck parked nearby. Also check out the La Posada Inn, a former Harvey House Hotel that now also serves as the local Amtrak station.
Holbrook is a little further east and also has some old hotels, restaurants, and abandoned service stations. One of the coolest places is one of the original Wigwam motels right on Old Route 66 in town.
Petrified Forest National Park – home to some ancient petrified wood fossils estimated to be over 200 million years old! If you enter the Painted Desert National Park at the South Entrance, you’ll head north through the park and eventually come to the Painted Desert – an area filled with colorful desert landscapes created by millions of years worth of erosion caused by winds and rains! All along your journey also stop by some classic Route 66 motels & diners for great food & fun experiences as well as unique souvenirs that will remind you forever about this amazing journey down memory lane!
