Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” is a historic route that holds a special place in the hearts of road trippers, history enthusiasts, and travelers who love quirky roadside attractions. In Arizona, the journey along Route 66 is filled with adventure and captivating sights that will leave you with lasting memories.
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Since the original Route 66 route in Arizona remains untouched, it means anybody who travels here can enjoy some tremendous attractions, many of which have been kicking around since the heyday of the Mother Road. As you travel along I-40 through Arizona, you will find access to stretches of the original Route 66 and many of its landmarks. Let’s hit the road and explore the must-see stops along this historic route!
Travel Tip: Arizona doesn’t observe Daylight Savings time except on the Navajo Nation, so your time on your cell phone may go a little wacky as you drive.
Lupton
As you travel through the Grand Canyon State on Route 66, your first stop is Lupton. One of the first things you’ll notice when you enter the town is the iconic “Welcome to Arizona” sign, a perfect spot for a fun family photo or a selfie to document your first stop through the state. Check out the nearby trading posts, including Chief Yellowhorse, a family-owned and operated gift shop with authentic Native American arts and crafts, souvenirs, and exciting finds. This distinctive shop, also called the “Hole in the Wall” is next to a giant cave. Just down the road is another roadside attraction, the Lupton Teepee Trading Post. This fun gift shop is shaped like a giant teepee and offers a variety of Native American goods, including jewelry, pottery, and other souvenirs to remember your visit to Arizona. It’s a great spot to snag your first keepsakes of the journey. We have stopped here numerous times, and I still love it!
Houck
Just a short three miles west of Allentown, Arizona, on Route 66, is the small town of Houck. This community of a little more than 1,000 people is called Ma’ii Tó by the Navajo, meaning Coyote Water, the name of a local spring. Houck is home to remnants of the historic Fort Courage Trading Post. Though much of it was lost to fire in 2020, the site remains a nostalgic stop. Visit Chee’s Indian Store and Ortega Indian City Arts for authentic Native American crafts and jewelry.
Just south of Houck is the old Allentown Bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also called the Puerco River Bridge, it was part of the National Old Trails Road in 1923. The single-span wooden timber bridge became part of Route 66 from 1926 to 1931. It is located south of I-40, exit 351, on Indian Route 9402/Allentown Road. It is now closed to both auto and pedestrian traffic, but you can get pretty close to take pictures.
Just past Houck, at the Pine Springs Exit #346, Route 66 travelers can follow an old alignment on the north frontage road. The road crosses a box canyon, passes by the ruins of the Old Querino Canyon Trading Post, and crosses the Querino Canyon Bridge. However, travelers should know that the north frontage road soon turns to dirt and can become impassable when it rains. The Querino Canyon Bridge crosses Querino Canyon 3.8 miles southwest of Houck, Arizona, as part of Old Highway 66.
Heading to Holbrook, Petrified Forest National Park invites travelers along Route 66 to stop at its awe-inspiring natural beauty. This gem boasts stunning red, purple, and pink geological formations, offering a breathtaking view. Petrified Forest National Park stands as an iconic landmark along Arizona’s Route 66 and the National Park system. Whether it is the vibrant hues or the ancient, petrified wood, this park promises a memorable experience. While in the park, stop at the Painted Desert Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you can take in the panoramic views of the desert, browse through the museum exhibits, and grab a bite to eat. While this Route 66 Arizona attraction no longer functions as an inn, it is an excellent spot to learn more about the history and geology of the park.
Just outside the park, the Painted Desert Trading Post is being restored to its former glory, standing alone amidst miles of open desert. Please refer to this website, to learn more about this restoration and how to get to the trading post. It is really situated in the middle of nowhere with miles of nothing around but if you are looking for historic sites, this is the place to go.
Holbrook
Heading further west, you’ll encounter the town of Holbrook, a true relic of the past. With its historic buildings and neon signs, this small town is a perfect place to experience the nostalgia of the old Route 66. Make sure you spend time visiting Holbrook’s vintage landmarks. Do not miss the chance to visit the famous Wigwam Motel, a series of teepee-shaped cabins that provide an authentic and memorable overnight stay. Just down the road from the Wigwam Motel, you’ll find the permanently closed Joe & Aggie’s Cafe, but photo worthy of a Route 66 landmark. As you walk around you will see an array of vintage signs and decked-out Route 66 cafes and shops, such as the Pow Wow Trading Post, a souvenir shop, and Mr. Maestas, a Mexican eatery.
If you’re looking for souvenirs, Geronimo’s Trading Post is a great place to stop. There are teepees set up in the parking lot along with the largest piece of petrified rock you will probably ever see! Then go inside for all the great items for sale in the shop. Of course, I had to buy a few things here! How about a cute Dinosaur from the Painted Desert Indian Center. Besides a large collection of souvenirs, rugs, jewelry, pottery and sculptures, you will also find some cool dinosaurs and teepees. They also have a café and clean restrooms, making it a great stop on a long road trip. Ready for more shopping? Visit Jim Gray’s Petrified Wood Co. Here you will find hundreds of beautiful and unique pieces, carefully chosen and prepared for sale. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Rainbow Rocks Shop, home to a fun collection of large dinosaur statues that will delight visitors of all ages. These concrete statues are brightly colored, so snap a few pictures!
Lastly you must take a photo on Bucket of Blood Street. The story behind the creepy name goes like this: many years ago, Holbrook was a place where criminals would hang out, drink, gamble and of course, get involved in gunfights. In the year 1886 there was a gunfight that caused so many deaths that the floors of the Terrill’s Cottage Saloon were filled with blood. Soon after this tragic event, the bar changed its name into the “Bucket of Blood Saloon”. The bar stayed open for many years after that, but it eventually closed. Even though the bar is gone, the street still has this name, reminding everyone of the bloody past of this area. As you head out of town visit the remains of Ella’s Frontier Trading Post. What used to be a popular attraction of Route 66, is now a rotting building that is worth a quick stop. The place was originally built out of telephone poles making the architecture unique.
Joseph City
Feeling hungry? Esther’s Diner is a fantastic eatery located on your next stop of Joseph City. After filling up on the wonderful homemade food, make a pit stop at the infamous Jack Rabbit Trading Post for BBQ rubs, seasoning, Indian crafts, and classic Route 66 memorabilia. The Jack Rabbit Trading Post became known for the iconic black and yellow rabbit signs that marked the way to the gift shop. As you approach, the signs would gradually change in size, with the largest one standing proudly at the shop entrance. The large “Here It Is” sign is the only one left in the series, but it’s an iconic sign that is a great photo along with the giant Jack Rabbit perched in the shop’s front yard. It’s so big, you can “take a ride on it” for really fun pics. This iconic roadside stop is famous for its large fiberglass figures of a jackrabbit gesturing at travelers from afar. The Jack Rabbit Trading Post is a classic example of the unusual and fun roadside attractions that make Route 66 a truly unforgettable road trip experience!
Little Painted Desert County Park
A 15-minute detour leads to Little Painted Desert County Park, a quick little excursion. This park offers free access to its amazing terrain. Visitors can freely explore and hike within the park, although there are no designated trails. Be aware that this park offers no amenities, so make sure you have plenty of water with you. Unfortunately, this is a county park and is not well maintained, however, it is worth the trip for the spectacular views.
Winslow
Road trippers will find themselves “Standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona,” just as The Eagles’ iconic 1972 hit song “Take It Easy” describes. Located at Standin’ on the Corner Park, this quaint park occupies less than a block, sits at the intersection of Kinsey & 2nd street in Winslow. Capture the moment with the life-size bronze statue of Glenn Frey from The Eagles, installed in late 2016, pose against the backdrop of the vibrant mural and get a picture of the flatbed Ford! While there you can get a wide array of not only Route 66 souvenirs but also Eagles memorabilia at the shops on the corners around the park. There is a Route 66 emblem painted in the middle of the intersection. Just be aware of traffic when grabbing this pic! Before leaving Winslow, stop at the legendary La Posada Hotel built in 1930 to accommodate train travelers who stopped in Winslow. For more fun things to do near Winslow, read our blog. and check out our video here.
Meteor Crater
After departing Winslow and traveling east on Historic Route 66 (I-40), keep an eye out for the Meteor Crater exit. Not far off the highway, Meteor Crater boasts a fascinating history involving miners, geologists, and even astronauts who studied the impact site. Formed 50,000 years ago when a meteor crashed into Earth at 26,000 miles per hour, this crater remains remarkably preserved. At the visitor center, watch a 10-minute film before touring the awe-inspiring spectacle of this natural wonder. You can tour the area yourself or take a guided tour.
Two Guns
Two Guns is an obscure, intriguing roadside attraction nestled along Route 66. The Apache Death Cave is located near Canyon Diablo, an abandoned village. The history of the death of 42 Apache is sad reminder of our past. Rumors persist that Canyon Diablo was once home to Billy the Kid, who purportedly buried stolen money there after a train heist. Harry Miller promoted the Death Cave as a tourist spot, while Two Guns thrived as a trading post with the rise of Route 66. Visiting this village, reportedly haunted by spirits, evokes an unsettling atmosphere that’s hard to miss. If you’re a history buff, this is a must stop.
Winona
This is another tiny town along Route 66 where you should make it a point to stop. You may have heard the name of this town in the song “Get your Kicks on Route 66,” but it’s not the town it was when the song came out. The iconic Winona Trading Post, once outfitted with classic Texaco gas pumps, drive-up carport and a vintage garage, is all gone. A modern shell station now stands in its place. You can still see the Twin Arrows trading stop ruins. Although starting to fall into serious disrepair this is a photo opportunity you should stop for. The arrows once guided motorists off Route 66 to the diner, shopping and gas station. Although the Route 66 vibe is no longer here, you can still get some great views of the San Francisco peaks and there are some great photo opportunities. Before you leave Winona, check out Walnut Canyon Bridge. This is an old photogenic bridge in the town of Winona. It’s just off the main road so it’s not used and can be photographed safely.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is the largest city on the classic Route 66 in Arizona. When you get here, head to the Welcome Center to snap a picture with the iconic road shield painting on the ground. This historic symbol is a perfect spot to take a memorable photo in the largest city on this famous highway. While exploring this old railroad town, check out the beautiful mural near Lumberyard Brewing, which showcases a Route 66 theme with classic cars.
Before you leave, spend some time at The Museum Club a historic roadhouse that has entertained travelers and locals since 1931. Not only is this legendary venue a great place to enjoy live music, dance, and have a few drinks, but it also houses a fascinating collection of taxidermy and historical artifacts.
Williams
About 35 miles from Flagstaff, you will come to your next stop. Williams, AZ is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. As you stroll down the historic downtown area, you’ll be greeted by vibrant neon signs and charming eateries, including Goldies Route 66 Diner and Cruiser’s Route 66 Café. These iconic diners will throw you back to the 1950s – where you can soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of Route 66! Continue your stroll and stop by Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station, an old gas station that is now a gift shop and private museum. Williams also serves as the departure point for the Grand Canyon Railway, offering a unique train ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
This area is also filled with fun things to do like a short zipline, a mountain coaster, and Bearizona. Bearizona is a drive-thru wildlife park, but it also includes a walk-through wildlife viewing area, a petting zoo, and a train you can ride. It is home to over 80 animals from the American Southwest, including bears, wolves, bison, and mountain lions. You can easily spend a full day exploring this area.
If you decide you want to take a side trip to see the Grand Canyon, I mean why not since you’re so close, then you should stop at Bedrock. Ever wondered how the modern stone-age family really lived? Meet the Flintstones in this 3D page out of roadside history. The park, built along the highway leading to the Grand Canyon, features the hometown of TV’s original rock stars. You’ll find an original slate of prehistoric structures, including a police station, post office and homes of the most notable characters.
Ash Fork
As you come to this small town, stop by the fascinating Route 66 Museum. This small museum brings the history of the iconic highway to life. From vintage cars and trucks to old gas station memorabilia, the museum is filled with Americana that will transport you to the golden era of road travel. While in Ash Fork, take the time to explore the town’s charming streets and local establishments and diners.
Seligman
This charming town screams classic Route 66. As you enter Seligman, you won’t be able to miss the Historic Route 66 Sign, located at the intersection of I-40 and old Route 66. There’s room to pull over and create your own memories at this iconic landmark. The town proudly embraces its historic roots and offers visitors a wonderful journey through time. Taking a stroll along Seligman’s historic downtown streets, you will come upon vintage neon signs and quirky souvenir shops. This town is often referred to as the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66” due to its significant role in the preservation and promotion of the iconic road. Here you will find the iconic Route 66 shield painted along a stretch of open road. Among the highlighted establishments is the Roadkill Café & O.K. Saloon, a fun eatery serving hearty American food and showcasing plenty of taxidermy.
On September 22, 1978, Interstate 40 bypassed the town, disrupting the local economy and once-successful businesses. Resident, Angel Delgadillo, fought to keep Seligman on the highway signs when I-40 replaced Route 66 and, as a result, came up with the idea to bring back Route 66 as a historic highway. His efforts helped the forgotten town get business back. As a result, Delgadillo is now known as the “guardian angel” of Route 66. Be sure to visit the guardian angel at his store – Angel and Vilma Delgadillo’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop. The store is in a former pool hall and offers a wide variety of Route 66 memorabilia and locally crafted items. Another must-visit spot is Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive In, a former gas station turned classic diner serving burgers, shakes, and malts since 1953. Known for its neon signs, unique decor, and friendly atmosphere, this main attraction is an essential stop on any Route 66 road trip. All of this adds up to why Seligman is known as a town that helps to save Route 66 for enthusiasts to enjoy.
As you journey along historic Route 66 towards Kingman, you’ll hit a stretch of empty road in Yavapai County, where the historic Burma-Shave signs will pop out of nowhere. Burma-Shave used to have shaving cream advertisements lining the highways in over 40 states, but this series of red and white signs with humorous poems in Yavapai County are the only ones left.
Grand Canyon Caverns
As you continue your journey, you will come to these caverns that are full of history and adventure. Grand Canyon Tavern tours begin with an elevator ride that takes you about 200 ft underground into the tour is about 3/4 mile long and takes about 45 minutes to explore. These bunkers still contain food rations stored by the US government during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, sufficient to support 2,000 people for up to two weeks. For the adventurous, overnight stays are available in rooms situated over 22 stories below the surface, offering a unique and daring experience under the Grand Canyon.
Peach Springs
While in the area, you may want to drive through this small town that got its name from the peach trees growing by the river. As the capital of the Hualapai tribal community, Peach Springs offers visitors a gateway to epic outdoor adventures. Although there isn’t a lot of Route 66 landmarks left there are still things to explore here. There are only a handful of attractions open to visitors in Peach Springs, but Hualapai Lodge packs four visitor attractions under one roof. The hotel, restaurant, trading post and Hualapai River Runners who cater to visitors intent on exploring remote sections of the Grand Canyon. Within walking distance of the lodge, visit the Hualapai Cultural Center to see exhibits on the tribal community’s heritage.
Valentine
For a more interactive experience, stop by Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals where you can get up close and personal with the bears and lions. You can explore on your own or take a guided safari tour. If you love animals, this is worth stopping for.
Hackberry
Onwards towards Kingman you’ll arrive at one of the best Route 66 Arizona attractions, the wacky yet charming Hackberry General Store, a 1930s-era gem dubbed “the mother of all museums.” You’ll find an eclectic mix of memorabilia, vintage cars, and even an old-fashioned gas pump here. With only 15 residents in the town and 75 in the surrounding area, this charming pitstop is a testament to the resilience of the Route 66 spirit. Be sure to get a picture of the iconic mural featuring a Route 66 roadrunner and a Cadillac convertible.
Giganticus Headicus
A 14-foot tiki head reminiscent of Easter Island warmly greets travelers along Historic Route 66, offering a unique sight that is hard not to appreciate. Situated between Kingman and Seligman at the Antares Visitor Center, Giganticus Headicus stands tall. Originally a sign for the now-closed Kozy Corner Trailer Court, it then moved to the front of a gift shop, which closed in 2021. As of this writing, the gift shop is set to re-open soon. Somehow, we missed this when we were in Kingman, but I’m going to search it out on our next trip!
Kingman
One of the must-visit spots is the Powerhouse Visitor’s Center. This historic building from the early 1900s used to be an electric power plant. This center is a great starting point for your Kingman adventure, where you can pick up maps, brochures, and local tips on what to see and do in the area. The Route 66 Museum, located in the Powerhouse, offers lots of history and replicas about Kingman and the Mother Road. Don’t forget to snap a few photos with the historic Route 66 signs and drive through the Welcome to Kingman sign in the parking lot. After visiting the Powerhouse Visitor Center, cross the street to Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner. This classic American diner, located near the visitor center, offers pastel booths, checkered floors and a jukebox. It definitely screams diner! Be sure to check out the neon signs at El Trovatore Motel. Each room is themed after a famous Route 66 landmark or Hollywood celebrity. Don’t miss the murals painted across the property—they tell the story of Route 66.
Sitgreaves Pass
The road to Oatman along Sitgreaves Pass (aka Oatman Road) is a must-do. This winding road in the Black Mountains offers incredible panoramic views of the desert landscape. A perfect spot for photographers and thrill seekers, Sitgreaves Pass, is an ideal place to take a scenic drive to the summit. This route is not for the faint hearted as this is winding, narrow road with many curves and few guardrails.
The very first part of the Oatman Highway takes you through McConnio. As you reach the edge of town, you are greeted with a stretch of desert, heading straight for the mountains. This is where you start your journey! As you reach the mountains, you’ll come to ‘Cool Springs Cabins ‘. This is a classic Route 66 gas station built in the early 1920’s. There is nowhere to buy supplies along the road to Oatman after the historic Cool Spring Service Station, so be sure you have plenty of water and some munchies.
This original Cool Springs gas station has been beautifully restored. This historic site serves as a reminder of the town’s past and the golden days of Route 66. Here, you can take a step back in time as you explore the store and vintage gas pumps or relax with a cold drink and a snack. Cool Springs also has a gift shop where you can pick up fun souvenirs to take home, making it a perfect pit stop heading to your Oatman adventure.
Oatman
One of the most iconic spots on Arizona’s Route 66 is Oatman, where the wild burros that wander the streets of the tiny town are a local attraction. Burros have been strolling the streets of this wild west town for a long time; some are even so tame that they can be fed by hand. They will even come up to your car looking for a handout. Please only feed them the food that you can buy in town. Carrots and pellets for them can be bought in a few stores in town. Legend has it that these burros are descendants of those used by miners in the late 1800s. The burros have a habit of heading to the hills just before dusk, only to return the next day to roam around the town again. You can’t help but want to pet them! We always have fun in Oatman and usually discover something we didn’t see the previous visit. But Oatman is not only the burros! The townspeople have shops where you can buy items from local artists, souvenirs, candy or antiques. History buffs can learn all about Oatman’s mining boom days at the Oatman Hotel (formerly the Durlin). The historic hotel today houses a bar and restaurant on the ground level, where patrons have placed one-dollar bills on the saloon’s walls and ceiling for decades, a tradition that continues today. There is a museum on the second floor which has the infamous Clark Gable/Carole Lombard honeymoon suite. To learn more about Oatman read our blog here. Oatman is truly emblematic of an old town on Route 66!
Conclusion
Traveling Arizona’s Route 66 offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and nostalgic Americana that brings the Mother Road to life. From ghost towns and trading posts to neon-lit diners and breathtaking landscapes, this road trip through Arizona is packed with unforgettable memories. So, grab your camera, hit the open road, and experience the magic of Route 66!
We hope to help you with planning their travels with tips and information we’ve learned in our travels so that your adventure is as stress-free as possible. We hope to inspire people to find their adventures, even if it’s a day trip near home, you will always find something new to discover. Happy travels!
