Arizona Route 66 Attractions, Towns & Road Trip Guide
Reviewed and 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
- Best Route 66 Towns
- Top Attractions
- Road Trip Itinerary
- Road Trip Planning Tips
- Best Time To Drive Route 66
- FAQ
Traveling Historic Route 66 across northern Arizona combines highway history with dramatic changes in landscape, from high desert and painted badlands to ponderosa pine forests and rugged western mountains. Interstate 40 parallels or replaces portions of the old highway, while preserved Route 66 alignments allow travelers to leave the freeway and experience historic towns, roadside businesses and classic sections of the Mother Road. The numbers on the map correspond with the attraction stops listed below.
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: Painted Desert scenery, petrified wood and historic Route 66 connections.
- Meteor Crater: A major natural landmark south of the historic highway corridor near Winslow.
- Walnut Canyon National Monument: Cliff dwellings, canyon scenery and hiking near Flagstaff.
- Flagstaff: Historic Route 66, downtown attractions and mountain scenery.
- Williams: Preserved Route 66 downtown and a popular gateway to the Grand Canyon.
- Seligman: Vintage roadside businesses and an important community in the Route 66 preservation movement.
- Grand Canyon Caverns: A classic roadside attraction west of Seligman.
- Kingman: Route 66 museums, historic buildings and access to the western Arizona highway.
- Oatman: Old mining-town scenery, historic buildings 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.
- 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
Visit one of the world's best-preserved meteorite impact sites, located south of Interstate 40 between Winslow and Flagstaff.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Explore ancient cliff dwellings, canyon scenery and hiking trails at Walnut Canyon National Monument east of Flagstaff.
Flagstaff, Arizona
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.
Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon
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, Arizona
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
Grand Canyon Caverns is a long-established Route 66 roadside attraction west of Seligman where visitors can descend underground to explore limestone cavern formations. Check current tour schedules and availability before visiting.
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, Arizona
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 mining community along Historic Route 66 known for its Old West streetscape, historic buildings, souvenir shops and free-roaming burros. The winding Route 66 drive through the Black Mountains between Kingman and Oatman is one of the most distinctive sections of the Arizona road trip.
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.
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.
Related Route 66 Interest
Historic Route 66 Through Arizona
Route 66 History & The Mother Road
Flagstaff Arizona
Williams Arizona
Kingman Arizona
Most Popular Things To Do In AZ
Additional Arizona Activities
