Arizona Route 66 Attractions, Towns & Road Trip Guide
Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Arizona Route 66 Attractions Map
Historic Route 66 crosses northern Arizona through classic roadside towns, high-country forests, desert landscapes and some of the most recognizable stops on the Mother Road. Arizona's Route 66 corridor extends approximately 385 miles and connects destinations including Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, Seligman, Kingman and Oatman. Travelers can explore vintage motels, neon signs, museums, trading posts, natural landmarks and long surviving sections of historic highway on one of Arizona's most memorable road trips.
- Arizona Route 66 Map
- Why Drive Route 66
- Top Route 66 Attractions
- Historic Route 66 Towns
- 11-Stop Road Trip Itinerary
- Driving & Planning Tips
- Best Time To Visit
- Frequently Asked Questions
Arizona offers some of the most rewarding surviving sections of Historic Route 66, particularly between Seligman, Peach Springs and Kingman and along the winding Black Mountains drive toward Oatman. While Interstate 40 provides faster travel between major cities, following the historic highway leads through communities and roadside districts that freeway travelers often miss. The map above helps locate major attractions, and the numbered stops below provide an east-to-west road trip guide. Several destinations, including Meteor Crater, Walnut Canyon and Sedona, require detours from the historic highway.
Why Travelers Love Route 66 In Arizona
Traveling Route 66 through Arizona is more than a drive between destinations. Historic two-lane highway sections, small towns, vintage signs, roadside businesses and changing desert and mountain scenery create a travel experience that differs considerably from Interstate 40. Visitors can explore historic districts, photograph classic Americana, discover unusual roadside attractions and experience communities that helped preserve the Route 66 legacy for future generations.
Top Attractions Along Arizona Route 66
- Petrified Forest National Park: Discover colorful Painted Desert scenery, ancient petrified wood and a preserved reminder of the original Route 66 alignment.
- Meteor Crater: Visit a remarkable meteorite impact crater south of Interstate 40 between Winslow and Flagstaff.
- Walnut Canyon National Monument: Explore ancient cliff dwellings and scenic canyon trails east of Flagstaff.
- Flagstaff: Experience historic Route 66 landmarks, downtown restaurants, railroad history and mountain scenery.
- Williams: Enjoy vintage storefronts, classic Route 66 businesses and the Grand Canyon Railway.
- Seligman: Photograph colorful roadside attractions, historic businesses and landmarks associated with the Route 66 preservation movement.
- Grand Canyon Caverns: Explore an unusual underground attraction along the historic highway west of Seligman, subject to current tour availability.
- Kingman: Visit Route 66 museums, historic buildings and the visitor center before exploring western Arizona's scenic highway sections.
- Oatman: Experience an Old West mining-town streetscape, historic buildings, mountain scenery and free-roaming burros.
Best Arizona Route 66 Towns To Visit
Arizona has some of the most memorable towns on all of Historic Route 66, ranging from high-country railroad communities to desert trading posts and old mining towns. Each stop offers a different part of the Mother Road experience, from neon signs and vintage diners to museums, murals, gift shops, and classic roadside photo opportunities.
- Holbrook: A popular eastern Arizona stop near Petrified Forest National Park, known for classic Route 66 motels, roadside signs, and access to Painted Desert scenery.
- Winslow: Famous for Standin’ on the Corner Park, railroad history, murals, shops, and a walkable downtown Route 66 district.
- Flagstaff: The largest Arizona city on Route 66, offering historic hotels, restaurants, nightlife, mountain scenery, and nearby attractions like Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater.
- Williams: A lively Route 66 town and gateway to the Grand Canyon, with historic storefronts, diners, lodging, and the Grand Canyon Railway.
- Seligman: One of Arizona’s most iconic Route 66 towns, known for its nostalgic roadside stops, colorful signs, gift shops, and role in the Route 66 revival.
- Peach Springs: Located on the Hualapai Reservation, Peach Springs is the governmental and commercial center of the Hualapai Tribe and an important stop along the historic western Arizona Route 66 corridor.
- Kingman: A major Route 66 hub with museums, historic buildings, murals, and access to one of the most scenic western stretches of Route 66.
- Oatman: A former mining town famous for wooden sidewalks, Old West character, souvenir shops, and wild burros roaming the streets.
Suggested Arizona Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary
Petrified Forest National Park
Located within the colorful Painted Desert region, Petrified Forest National Park protects extensive deposits of petrified wood, archaeological sites, historic structures and landscapes closely associated with Arizona's Route 66 corridor.
Meteor Crater, also known as Barringer Crater, is one of the world's best-preserved meteorite impact sites. Located south of Interstate 40 between Winslow and Flagstaff, this remarkable natural landmark features an enormous impact crater, observation areas and exhibits explaining the meteorite collision that occurred approximately 50,000 years ago.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument, east of Flagstaff, preserves ancient cliff dwellings built into sheltered limestone ledges by the Sinagua people. Visitors can enjoy dramatic canyon views and explore designated trails, including the Island Trail, which provides a closer look at the historic dwelling sites.
Historic Route 66 passes directly through Flagstaff, a high-country city surrounded by ponderosa pine forests and the San Francisco Peaks. Downtown Flagstaff offers historic buildings, restaurants, lodging and Route 66 landmarks, while nearby mountain and national monument attractions make it an excellent overnight stop.
A popular side trip from Route 66 in Flagstaff leads south through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. Although Sedona is not directly on Historic Route 66, its red-rock scenery makes it a worthwhile detour for travelers with additional time.
Williams combines a preserved Route 66 downtown with restaurants, shops, historic lodging and access to the Grand Canyon. The community is also the departure point for the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim.
Seligman, Arizona
Seligman is one of Arizona's best-known Route 66 communities, with vintage signs, historic roadside businesses and colorful reminders of the Mother Road era. The town also played an important role in the movement to preserve and promote Historic Route 66 after Interstate 40 bypassed the community.
Grand Canyon Caverns is a historic Route 66 roadside attraction west of Seligman near Peach Springs. Known for its extensive underground chambers and unusual geological formations, the caverns have long been a memorable stop for Mother Road travelers. Confirm current operating status, tour availability and access arrangements before planning your visit.
Peach Springs, Arizona
Peach Springs is located along Historic Route 66 and serves as the governmental and commercial center of the Hualapai Tribe. The community has deep transportation history extending from Indigenous travel routes and wagon roads to the railroad and Route 66. Visitors interested in tribal lands, Colorado River access or other Hualapai experiences should check current access requirements and official Hualapai visitor information before traveling beyond public highways.
Kingman is one of western Arizona's major Route 66 destinations, with museums, historic buildings, murals and roadside attractions. It also provides access to the preserved Historic Route 66 corridor toward Peach Springs and Seligman and the scenic mountain drive toward Oatman.
Oatman, Arizona
Oatman is a former gold-mining community along Historic Route 66, famous for its Old West storefronts, historic Oatman Hotel, souvenir shops and free-roaming burros. The winding highway through the Black Mountains between Kingman and Oatman includes steep grades, sharp curves and spectacular desert scenery. Drive carefully, allow extra time for sightseeing and watch for burros near the roadway.
Historic Route 66 Versus Interstate 40 In Arizona
Interstate 40 follows much of the original Route 66 corridor across northern Arizona, but the historic highway frequently leaves the freeway to pass through older downtown districts and scenic rural areas. Travelers who remain on Interstate 40 can reach major destinations more quickly, while those following Historic Route 66 discover vintage roadside attractions, small communities and preserved sections of the Mother Road.
Where To Experience Historic Route 66
- Holbrook and Winslow: Explore historic downtown districts, roadside architecture and classic highway landmarks.
- Flagstaff and Williams: Visit walkable Route 66 districts with historic hotels, restaurants, shops and railroad attractions.
- Seligman to Kingman: Follow a particularly rewarding surviving highway section through Seligman, Peach Springs and the Hualapai Reservation.
- Kingman to Oatman: Experience a scenic, winding historic highway through the Black Mountains, including the Sitgreaves Pass area.
Not every original section of Route 66 remains open or suitable for ordinary passenger vehicles. Follow current road signs, check conditions before entering remote areas and allow additional time when choosing historic alignments instead of Interstate 40.
Planning An Arizona Route 66 Road Trip
Arizona Route 66 combines preserved historic highway, modern local roads and portions of Interstate 40, so travelers should review their route before leaving. Some attractions are directly on Historic Route 66, while others require short side trips from the main corridor.
- Allow enough time: Two or more days provides a much better experience than trying to cross northern Arizona without stopping.
- Fuel before remote stretches: Services become less frequent on portions of western Route 66.
- Check road conditions: Winter weather can affect Flagstaff and Williams, while summer heat can be extreme in western Arizona.
- Download directions: Mobile coverage may be inconsistent along more remote stretches of the historic highway.
- Respect tribal lands: Follow posted regulations and obtain any required permission before entering areas outside public roads.
- Verify attraction hours: Museums, tours, restaurants and roadside businesses may have seasonal schedules.
- Use caution near Oatman: The historic highway through the Black Mountains has steep grades, narrow curves and limited passing opportunities. Drive slowly and watch for wildlife and free-roaming burros.
Best Time To Drive Route 66 In Arizona
- Spring: One of the best seasons for an Arizona Route 66 road trip, with mild temperatures, longer daylight, and comfortable conditions for walking through historic towns and roadside attractions.
- Summer: Summer can be warm, especially west of Seligman and Kingman, but Flagstaff and Williams offer cooler high-country weather. Start early and carry extra water if driving desert stretches.
- Fall: Another excellent season for Route 66 travel, with cooler temperatures, colorful high-country scenery near Flagstaff and Williams, and good conditions for photography and sightseeing.
- Winter: Winter is quieter and less crowded, but snow and icy conditions are possible around Flagstaff and Williams. Check road conditions before traveling through higher elevations.
Arizona Route 66 FAQ
How Long Is Route 66 In Arizona?
Arizona's Historic Route 66 corridor extends approximately 385 miles across northern Arizona and includes historic road segments, communities, landmarks and roadside attractions.
What Are The Best Route 66 Towns In Arizona?
Popular Arizona Route 66 towns include Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, Seligman, Kingman and Oatman. Each offers a different combination of highway history, roadside attractions and classic Americana.
What Is The Longest Drivable Stretch Of Route 66 In Arizona?
One of Arizona's most significant continuous Historic Route 66 drives extends through western Arizona between the Ash Fork area and Topock, passing communities such as Seligman, Peach Springs and Kingman.
Is Seligman Worth Visiting On Route 66?
Yes. Seligman is one of Arizona's best-known Route 66 communities, with historic roadside businesses, vintage signs and an important role in the modern preservation and promotion of Historic Route 66.
Can You Still Drive Old Route 66 In Arizona?
Yes. Many portions of Historic Route 66 remain drivable as state highways and local roads, although other sections were replaced, bypassed or incorporated into later transportation routes.
What Is The Most Scenic Part Of Route 66 In Arizona?
The western section between Kingman and Oatman is especially scenic as the historic highway winds through the rugged Black Mountains. The high-country sections near Flagstaff and Williams offer a very different landscape of forests and mountain scenery.
Is Sedona On Route 66?
No. Sedona is not directly on Historic Route 66, but it is a popular side trip from Flagstaff via scenic Oak Creek Canyon.
How Many Days Do You Need For Arizona Route 66?
Two to three days allows time to visit several historic towns and attractions without rushing, while travelers who want to explore museums, national parks and side trips may prefer additional time.
When Is The Best Time To Drive Route 66 In Arizona?
Spring and fall generally provide the most comfortable conditions across the entire route. Summer can be hot in western Arizona, while winter may bring snow and icy roads around Flagstaff and Williams.
Does Interstate 40 Follow Route 66 In Arizona?
Interstate 40 parallels or replaced many portions of former Route 66, but surviving historic alignments frequently leave the Interstate and pass through towns, scenic areas and roadside districts that the modern freeway bypasses.
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