True Route 66 aficionados know that the heart and soul of the Mother Road stretches across Arizona. This is where the tide of history turned. After the old highway—once known as America’s Main Street—had been officially decertified it was brought back from the brink in Arizona. Here the preservation movement began, and continues.
Take the road trip of your dreams when you journey on Arizona’s Route 66. No other state can match the epic scenery of our distinctly western landscape. Travel through rugged mountains, sun-kissed desert, tall pine forests, and rolling grasslands where pronghorns graze alongside Burma Shave signs. Explore the small towns filled with mom-and-pop diners, vintage motor courts, blazing neon signs, and classic roadside attractions.
Slow down and savor the sights. Stop and chat with the people you meet along the way. Take plenty of photos and make lots of memories. Because you see, America still has a Main Street. You’re about to discover it.
Be sure to grab a Route 66 of Arizona Passport before you start out. There are nine unique stamps to collect, and many wild card locations across Arizona. Collect seven or more stamps to receive a certificate stating that you officially “Got Your Kicks on Route 66!” Passports do not have to be completed in one trip and there is no expiration date.
The only thing that makes a Route 66 adventure even better is getting out of the car and walking around a little.
A good hiking trail adds spice to any road trip. And Arizona’s landscape was absolutely built for hiking. The wild western scenery is raw and untamed with an incredible blend of mountains and deserts, forests and canyons. It pulls us from our vehicles. We stand beneath a sky clear and achingly blue, wrapped in a soothing silence. Then we walk gently into wild country.
The common misnomer is that we take a trail. In reality, the trail takes us. It snatches us from an artificial world and reconnects us to the natural one. Hiking provides numerous benefits, both healthy and spiritual. Everything slows down when we hike. Our senses are heightened. We learn how good it feels to breathe deeply once again.
So next time you’re traveling Route 66 across Arizona, add a few of these hiking trails to your itinerary. Walk into these wide-open spaces and create memories that will last a lifetime. And bonus: all those calories you walk off can easily be replaced with juicy burgers and homemade pie from our Route 66 mom and pop eateries
Hikes are arranged from east to west along the Route 66 corridor.
Where Route 66 crosses the rolling plains and vivid badlands of northern Arizona, it tells a story of when the world was young. Trees that once shaded dinosaurs now lie tumbled amid the gnawed badlands of Petrified Forest. To admire one of the best collections of a fossilized forest, start with the Giant Logs Trail. Walk out the back door of the Rainbow Forest Museum near the southern end of the park and onto this short loop that leads past some of the largest and most colorful logs. There are a few steps along the way, but the 0.4-mile trail is easy to manage and great for kids. The elevated hillside offers panoramas across the prairie and at the top of the trail you’ll find “Old Faithful.” Thought to be the largest tree in the park, it’s almost 10 feet wide at the base, 35 feet long and is estimated to weigh approximately 44 tons. 928-524-6228, www.nps.gov/pefo.
Situated on the eastern end of Flagstaff, this popular hike snakes up the slope of Mt. Elden through pinewoods and a garden of boulders. There are a few short steep segments but nothing strenuous. Views of Elden, the surrounding landscape and the town are really special on this 2-mile loop. Craggy rock formations serve as a reminder of Mt. Elden’s volcanic past. At one spot the trail makes a reasonably tight squeeze between boulders earning its name. Fatmans Loop begins at the Elden Lookout Trailhead along U.S. 89 in East Flag across from the mall. 928-526-0866, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino.
Experience a real high country escape on this forested path through dense groves of white-barked aspen trees. In summertime it’s a shady cathedral dotted with wildflowers and ferns. Then when the aspen leaves change in autumn, the slopes turn absolutely golden in a dazzling display. For 5 miles, the Kachina follows a gently rolling course across the midsection of the San Francisco Peaks dipping in and out of shallow drainages and skirting small cliffs. The trail stays mostly level as it passes through conifer groves and huddled aspens flanked by slanted meadows filled with waist-high bracken ferns. On the second half of the hike, the pastures widen exposing lovely views of mountaintops above and towns, buttes, and hills far below. 928-526-0866, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino.
Bill Williams was an itinerant preacher who set out to convert the Native Americans, but instead became enamored of their beliefs. He chucked his former life, lived among the Osage and became a trapper, guide, translator, and all-around colorful mountain man. A forested trail makes its way up the mountain that bears his name overlooking the town that does likewise. The trail crosses Cataract Creek and winds its way up the slope, first through oak and pine and finishing amid fir and aspen. Long straight stretches are interrupted by carved switchbacks. The climb will definitely get your attention but is not as grueling as some mountain treks. It’s 4 miles to the summit crowned with a bristling assortment of communication towers. Trailhead is located just east of the Williams District Ranger Station. 928-635-5600, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab.
This trail delivers a lot of bang for the buck, making a long loop through rippling grass prairie, pine forests, copses of twisted oaks, past tumbledown cabins, multiple ponds, and skirting the edge of sheer-walled Sycamore Canyon. The most accessible trailhead is Dow Spring. You’ll quickly spot the ruins of a century-old sawmill and the spring with several small pools that in summer are filled with water lily blossoms. And when was the last time you saw water lilies on an Arizona trail? Near the halfway point you’ll glimpse Sycamore Falls. Very occasionally there’s a waterfall tumbling, but it’s normally dry. You’ll see rock climbers making their ascent on perpendicular walls and hopefully, no tumbling is involved. 928-635-5600, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab.
Here’s an interesting tidbit: The first large steel dam in the world was built in Ash Fork. In 1898, the Ashfork Bainbridge Steel Dam was constructed in remote Johnson Canyon to supply water for the railroad. Less than a mile upstream stands another dam, this one constructed from precision cut stone blocks in 1911, also to supply water for the steam locomotives. Even though steel dams were not considered reliable, the one in Johnson Canyon still works just fine. Both Ash Fork dams back up small lakes, now managed as recreational reservoirs. An easy path (0.85 miles) connects them. Exit 1-40 at Welch Road east of Ash Fork. Travel northeast for 0.3 miles to an old Route 66 segment. Turn left and drive approximately 2 miles. Turn right and follow the good dirt road to the parking area. 928-635-5600, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab.
Not only is Kingman the anchor of the western end of Route 66 in Arizona, it also is a surprising hiking hotspot. The town has constructed a beautiful network of trails slashing across the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area. Monolith Garden Trail is the best of the bunch, a tangled route through dramatic boulder fields and crumbling ramparts of volcanic ash. Three different trailheads and multiple forks make Monolith Garden a bit of a maze, so grab a map at Kingman Visitor Center before you start. Even through you’re right on the doorstep of town, this trail turns you loose for a fast spin through a rolling landscape of low slanted hills, past stacked rock towers and hunched ridgelines toothy with columns. 866-427-7866, www.explorekingman.com.
The Badger Trail winds its way up the southern slopes of the Cerbat Mountains. A bristly array of yucca, cholla, ocotillo, and beavertail cactus lines the path along with clustered boulders adding visual interest. Even though the trail gains almost 1,100 feet in 3.2 miles it’s never strenuous, rising in a series of mild switchbacks. Trail markers appear every half-mile to chart your progress. Badger Trail ends atop a high saddle at the junction with the Castle Rock Trail, a 0.6-mile level path that swoops across a ridgeline to reach a dark basalt formation. Enjoy vistas of Kingman and desert basins along the way. Trailhead is north of Kingman off U.S. 93, just past the Arizona 68 junction. 866-427-7866, www.explorekingman.com.
This path starts from the shoulder of Route 66 directly across from Cool Springs, 20 miles west of Kingman. It slices through gaunt desert to the top of a stone-face promontory. Long lanky switchbacks make for a moderate climb amid these hills populated with bighorn sheep and wild burros. Although it sits on private property it is open to anyone. It was hand carved by the man who rebuilt Cool Springs, a Route 66 icon. The trail hugs the flank of the hill, curling around toward the back and then zigzagging through a seam in the rocky crown. Hikers are welcome to explore the mesa top where you’ll enjoy views of the Mother Road, Thimble Butte. and surrounding mountains. Just don’t lose track of your way back down. It’s a little over a mile round-trip. 928-768-8366, www.route66coolspringsaz.com.
Roger Naylor is an avid hiker, travel writer, and author of numerous books, including Arizona Kicks on Route 66.
Download National Parks Itinerary
The National Park Service and Route 66 have long shared a deep connection. For decades, travelers drove Route 66 on their way to explore the iconic national parks of the west. In Arizona, nothing has changed. That tradition continues today.
Route 66 serves as the key to unlock the scenic beauty, rich history, and wide-open spaces of this amazing state. It is the ultimate road trip for adventurers because in Arizona, more than a dozen national park units are located within a two-hour drive from the Mother Road. Let’s explore just a few of these special places so you can start planning your next journey.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
North of Sanders, near the town of Chinle, Canyon de Chelly National Monument preserves a network of spectacular canyons on the Navajo Nation. Within the towering sandstone walls are green pastures, groves of cottonwood trees, and remarkably preserved cliff dwellings, the remnants of ancient civilizations.
Two scenic drives trace the canyon rims, offering multiple viewpoints to peer within. Don’t be surprised if you see livestock grazing or gardens growing because several Navajo, or Diné, families still live here. Canyon de Chelly is one of North America’s longest continuously inhabited landscapes. To explore the inner canyon requires a Diné guide. You can choose a tour with private operators for horseback rides, jeep tours, and hiking outings. Explore the pastoral beauty of this peaceful canyon while learning more about Navajo culture. 928-674-5500, www.nps.gov/cach.
Petrified Forest National Park
The world’s largest collection of petrified wood lies scattered across rolling plains and tucked in the folds of brilliantly colored badlands just outside of Holbrook. These are trees that once shaded dinosaurs. Imagine that. The park is split in two. The Painted Desert occupies the northern portion with rumpled, crumpled hills of eroded, colorful clay. Petrified Forest lies further south. A 28-mile scenic drive connects the two segments, with viewpoints, historic sites, and hiking trails along the way.
Petrified Forest is also the only national park that preserves a stretch of original historic Route 66. A poignant memorial with commemorative signage and a rusted 1932 Studebaker marks the spot where Route 66 once carried travelers across such a haunting expanse. A string of weathered telephone poles traces the old alignment, a silent reminder of what once existed while cars and semis hurtle past on Interstate 40. 928-524-6228, www.nps.gov/pefo.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Cut from the forested plateau east of Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon was once home to hundreds of Sinagua people who built homes beneath overhanging walls and in shallow alcoves. Protected by massive eaves of stone, the ancient cliff dwellings have survived for centuries. Some rooms, still darkened with soot from long ago fires, can be entered.
The steep Island Trail loops around a rock promontory jutting into the canyon where you’ll find a couple of dozen cliff houses that were built and occupied from 1125 to 1250. There’s also the easy, level Rim Trail that meanders atop the rim where the Sinagua once farmed, and past ancient field houses with views into the gorge. While you enjoy the history, don’t forget to admire the scenic beauty and diversity. Walnut Canyon is packed top to bottom with life zones and microhabitats. Cactus and agave are growing just footsteps from Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. 928-526-3367, www.nps.gov/waca.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Protecting Arizona’s youngest volcano north of Flagstaff, this pine forest conceals the haunting desolation of old lava flows that have transformed into twisted rock, porous black cliffs, spatter cones, and other intriguing formations that defy description.
Around 1085, Sunset Crater Volcano sprayed a fountain of lava hundreds of feet in the air. Ash and cinders followed. The cinders piled up around the volcano’s vent forming the 1,000-feet high cone-shaped mound. A final blast deposited red and yellow oxidized cinders onto the rim that seems to forever glow with the rays of a setting sun. The fiery hues led to the volcano’s name. The entire event may have lasted a few months or a few years. Visitors can experience short hiking trails probing the dark heart of this otherworldly landscape that still bears the scars of a long-ago cataclysm. 928-526-0502, www.nps.gov/sucr.
Wupatki National Monument
On the quiet prairie just north of Sunset Crater Volcano, the pueblos of Wupatki National Monument rise like red-boned ghosts above swaying grasses. The eruption of Sunset Crater covered the dry basin with volcanic ash and cinders creating arable terrain. Soon afterwards, the Ancestral Puebloan people moved in and built the free-standing dwellings that appear today almost as natural rock formations.
Short pathways lead to up-close encounters with a handful of these ancient structures. Behind the visitor center, a paved trail leads to Wupatki Pueblo, the largest dwelling in the park. The sprawling three-story ruin contains nearly 100 rooms and straddles an outcropping of sandstone. Admission fee covers both Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, connected by a 35-mile-long scenic road. 928-679-2365, www.nps.gov/wupa.
Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona is also the only state that harbors one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Just an hour north of Williams, the Earth’s most glorious wound continues to startle and astound millions of visitors each year. The Grand Canyon is why national parks were created. Stretching for 277 miles is sea of naked rock, an endless array of temples and terraces, castles and cathedrals, awash in reckless light. The eons are stacked in layers below, nearly two billion years of geology laid bare. You stand at the end of the world and gaze toward the beginning.
The Grand Canyon Village forms the commercial district of the South Rim, where you’ll find hotels, restaurants, and shops, many housed in historic buildings. Free shuttle buses run on an almost continuous loop. Campgrounds are available inside and outside the park. Hiking trails stretch along the rim, while others drop into the abyss. Mules still clip-clop along the trails. Ranger-led programs and cultural demonstrations occur daily. Scenic drives offer multiple viewpoints. There are no bad seats for sunrises and sunsets at the Grand Canyon. Just be aware, this is the park that changes lives. 928-638-7888, www.nps.gov/grca.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
In Arizona, Route 66 ends on the banks of the Colorado River, just south of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This startling contrast of water and desert, mingled with mountains and canyons, creates an epic playground. America’s first national recreation area, and its largest, includes picturesque Lake Mohave, which flows south from Hoover Dam.
It is a remarkable experience to discover a sparkling lake wrapped in mountains and spread across this gaunt and boney landscape where three deserts—Sonoran, Mojave, and Great Basin—intersect. It feels like some sort of magic. Just minutes from Oatman, the crystal waters flow past secluded coves and sandy beaches. Boating, fishing, swimming, and camping are all popular activities here. 702-293-8990, www.nps.gov/lake.
Roger Naylor is an avid hiker, travel writer, and author of numerous books, including Arizona Kicks on Route 66.
There’s nothing quite like historic Route 66 within the great state of Arizona. Maybe it’s because AZ claims a whopping 385.2 miles of it. Or maybe it’s all the natural wonders, like national parks, petrified forests, caverns, and that bucket-list beauty called the Grand Canyon. Still, it could be all the eclectic Americana and history you can find within the prehistoric settlements, mom-and-pop motels, Instagrammable neon signs, and gold-mining sites that’ve since turned into ghost towns. Whatever it is, you can’t look away, and we can’t blame you.
Just remember, no matter how much fun you’re having on your Route 66 road trip, it’s always a good idea to make space for some retail therapy by supporting small businesses- the life force of Route 66! This is where our officially unofficial (and ever-growing!) Arizona Route 66 Shopping Guide comes in. Like the route itself, this list has a little something for every type of traveler. Choose your fit below.
Good news: You can window shop ‘til you drop around here without spending a dime. But with the items you can snag at these singular shops, you might just want to treat yourself. After all, that’s what vacation is for, right?
Historic Downtown Kingman
Select your customary souvenirs at the Route 66 Gift Shop in Kingman Visitor Center. Then walk down Beale Street to West of 3rd, where you’ll find locally made and fair trade gifts for everyone back home. And stay on trend wherever you roam thanks to this chic boutique known as Route 66 Desert Outfitters.
Downtown Flagstaff
The custom gifts, apparel, and crafts at Flagstaff General Store make it easy for everyone to walk away with mementos that instantly summon the picturesque views of Arizona’s Route 66. We all know shopping burns calories, so refuel in the best possible way at Flagstaff Chocolate Company. Plus, you don’t have to be a serious adventurer to look like one with the ‘fits at Sage Brush Trading Co.
The Heart of Williams
All aboard the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel Retail Shops, where you’ll see everything from railroad-themed trinkets to authentic local art. Then cowboy up at Buck’s Place, where the west is still wild. In case those stops don’t hold your attention, this next one will. The Poozeum is a free museum and gift shop dedicated to coprolites, otherwise known as fossilized poop.
Traveling along Route 66 is more than just a road trip—it's a journey through time, where every stop tells a story. From a quirky old gas station to a giant rabbit, these authentic gems along the Mother Road preserve the spirit of the past while offering an unforgettable experience. Each stop brings you closer to the heart of America's iconic highway.
Hackberry General Store - Hackberry, Arizona
Originally operated by famed Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire, this rustic storefront complete with nostalgic gas pumps and iconic signage is a photo-op waiting to happen.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post - Joseph City, Arizona
Home to original keepsakes and novelties since 1949, this is your chance to get something you truly can’t find anywhere else.
Standin’ on the Corner Gift Shop - Winslow, Arizona
Hosting an array of mugs, tees, totes, and guitars, this shop isn’t just for fans of The Eagles (but being into Glenn Frey certainly doesn’t hurt.)
Fourth Street Vintage - Flagstaff, Arizona
Whether you’re looking for the perfect mid-century modern chair or a signature accent piece, you might have to rent a trailer once you’re done browsing the rows here.
Forget the typical tourist traps. True road warriors like you aren’t satisfied until they’ve encountered the hidden idiosyncrasies that make Arizona what it is: a superior vacation destination. So buckle up, ‘cause we’ve got ‘em.
Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In - Seligman, Arizona
Sure, this drive-in has craveable burgers and fries, but it also has the commemorative Route 66 earrings, cups, and postcards you didn't know you needed. Open seasonally- closed during winter.
Gold Rush Candy Shoppe - Oatman, Arizona
Gold Rush will give you a sugar rush, and so much more. Swing by a quintessential mom-and-pop that’s the very definition of local flavor.
Addicted to Route 66 - Williams, Arizona
Pose with Elvis. Play hot sauce roulette. Try an American flag
button-down on for size. Do anything but miss this quirky joint fit for an expert shopper.
Jim Gray's Petrified Wood Co. - Holbrook, Arizona
Meet Wild Bill, a 2.9 million-year-old alligator. Plus, your fair share of gems, minerals, fossils, and—you guessed it—petrified wood.
They don’t make ‘em like they used to—except when they do. When it comes to various wares, at least you know you can trust handmade. And fortunately, there are plenty of Arizona artisans crafting exceptional goods all across the route.
The Gallery in Williams - Williams, Arizona
This artist cooperative contains freshly handcrafted pieces in the form of statement earrings, cutting boards, rugs, pottery—you name it, but it’s always bold and always relevant.
La Posada Hotel Gift Shop - Winslow, Arizona
From hand-woven Navajo rugs to Talavera-tile mirrors, you’ll be
culturally and aesthetically pleased with your options. Tour the grounds for bonus rounds at the hotel, garden, gallery, and museum.
Route 66 Motoporium - Seligman, Arizona
Featuring fine leatherwork and antique vehicles, the friendly folks at this establishment will remind you that art doesn’t have to be snooty to be quality.
However you get your kicks, the Mother Road contains the mother lode of treasures that speak to your style. Now all you need is this free, handy Arizona’s Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip Map. Happy treasure hunting!
One of the special joys of traveling is discovering great locally-owned eateries on the journey. Driving Route 66 across Arizona offers something for everyone. Along with plenty of classic roadside diners, sharp-eyed motorists can sample an international smorgasbord that includes spicy Mexican food, a charming French bistro, a traditional British chippy, and hearty German favorites. Enjoy big breakfasts, gourmet pizzas, smoky barbecue, lively Cajun recipes, homemade pie, and even exquisite fine dining. So bring your appetite on your Mother Road adventure. Here are just of the incredible array of restaurants you’ll find along Route 66 in Arizona.
Tucked away in La Posada Hotel, the Turquoise Room is one of the best restaurants on all of Route 66, including Chicago and Los Angeles. This gem dishes up world-class cuisine, often utilizing native and nearby ingredients. This is where you can sample the cuisine of the Four Corners area. Locally harvested squash blossoms stuffed with sweet corn, Oaxaca cheese, and fried crispy in a beer batter are always a favorite in season. 305 E. Second St., 928-289-2888, www.theturquoiseroom.com.
Romo’s Mexican Grill – This family-owned eatery specializes in New Mexican inspired dishes. They’re known for spicy mushroom tacos but everything hits the spot. With their surprising menu and fresh ingredients, Romo’s goes far beyond the typical Mexican restaurant. Sitting on the tarmac at Winslow’s historic airport, travelers may enjoy a few takeoffs and landings with their meal. 703 Airport Rd., 928-289-8226, www.romosmexicangrill.com.
Satchmo’s – Barbecue and Cajun food seems like such a natural fit, it’s a wonder there isn’t a Satchmo’s in every town. House specialties include a bold jambalaya and slow-smoked pork ribs. Mouthwatering sandwiches make up a big chunk of the menu. Pulled pork, chicken breast, and beef brisket represent the ‘cue. Or try the po’boys like Andouille sausage or catfish, blackened or fried, served on toasted bread with a perfect blend of tomatoes, slaw, and house-made remoulade. 2320 N. Fourth St., 928-774-7292, www.satchmosaz.com.
MartAnne’s Burrito Palace – If you want to see anyone in Flagstaff, just drop by MartAnne’s in the morning. This is where Flagstaff has breakfast. They are renowned for the chilaquiles, a skillet-full of toasted corn tortilla chips, eggs, cheese, green onions, and chorizo. Although their buckwheat pancakes are equally divine. Fortunately, they’re also open for lunch and dinner with creative fresh-made Mexican dishes. 112 E. Route 66, 928-773-4701, www.martannes.com.
Evans Fish and Chips – Flagstaff’s Southside is full of delicious surprises including a shotgun shack serving up a British classic. Each order of fish and chips is made fresh to order. The signature cod is wrapped in a golden batter, light and crispy, so every bite delivers a hot crunch with tender moistness underneath. Lightly seasoned thick cut Kennebec fries round out the dish. Other options include trout, shrimp, battered sausage or chicken tenders and chips. It’s mostly carryout at this traditional chippy with just a few patio tables. 113 S. San Francisco St., 928-774-5471, www.evansfishandchips.com.
Forêt Flg – There’s no mistaking the French bistro vibe when sitting outside at Forêt Flg munching on the caramelized sweetness of a canelé de Bordeaux a small crispy custard cake. Across the street, the Motel DuBeau sign adds an accidental touch of French authenticity. Forêt Flg, sits along the original Route 66 alignment through town. It specializes in fresh pastries, a breakfast/brunchy menu, and premium coffees. Options range from healthy to decadent. 2 S. Beaver St., #170, 928-214-7280, www.foretflagstaff.com.
Red Raven Restaurant – This culinary oasis makes a delicious sanctuary in downtown Williams. Red Raven offers casual fine dining in a long, narrow but stylish room. Serving dinner only, the menu ranges from grilled breast of duck to charbroiled portobello stuffed with sauteed vegetables. Don’t forget to take advantage of the impressive wine list. 135 W. Route 66, 928-635-4980, www.redravenrestaurant.com.
Pine Country Restaurant – Plan your meals from dessert and work backwards at Pine Country. First thing you see when walking through the door is the pie case—shelves stacked with an array of artistic creations. Luscious cream pies, golden-crusted fruit pies, and specialty numbers crowned with slabs of chocolate and plump berries. The staff whips up these culinary masterpieces each day. The home-style cooking focuses on comfort food. Dig in, just save room for pie. 107 Grand Canyon Blvd. 928-635-9718, www.pinecountryrestaurant.com.
Cruiser’s Route 66 Café – You’ll almost always find ribs slow-cooking on a custom-made wood burning smoker in front of this former gas station. Cruiser’s Café opened in 1988 and is filled with neon signs, antique pumps, and vintage signs. Sit inside or better still, on the patio where they have live music almost daily through the summer. They also offer a full slate of burgers, local craft beers, and a guy with a guitar playing the soundtrack of your youth. 233 W. Route 66, 928-635-2445, www.cruisers66.com.
Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In – Since 1953 the Snow Cap has been a beacon for hungry travelers, delivering great road food and plenty of laughs. Juan Delgadillo was known for mischievous gags—like squirting patrons with mustard that was actually colored string and offering comically undersized and oversized servings—all done with wide-eyed innocence. Everyone wanted to visit the “Clown Prince of Route 66.” Juan’s spirit is kept alive as his family continues serving up jokes, memories, and burgers, tacos, chicken sandwiches, and shakes. The Snow Cap closes during winter. 22235 Historic Route 66, 928-422-3291.
Westside Lilo’s – This little restaurant perched on the high plains of Northern Arizona feeds the world. German-born Lilo Russell opened the restaurant in 1996 aided by her husband and daughters. It quickly developed a reputation for scratch-made food in plate-draping portions. Along with several German specialties, Lilo’s features cinnamon rolls as big as hubcaps, sinfully-rich carrot cake, and cream pies made with mascarpone cheese. You can always diet tomorrow. 22855 Historic Route 66, 928-422-5456, www.westsideliloscafe.com.
Roadkill Café – No seasoned traveler can resist a place known for the slogan “You kill it, we grill it.” The Roadkill Café is just one part of a family-run complex that includes the O.K. Saloon, Historic Route 66 Motel, Route 66 General Store, and more. Despite the quirky menu offerings, they’re not actually cooking “fender tenders” or “swirl of squirrel.” This is where you’ll find heaping portions of tasty comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect piles of pancakes and big, juicy burgers, including their popular bison burger. 22830 Historic Route 66, 928-422-3554, www.route66seligmanarizona.com.
Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner – The eye-catching pink and turquoise color scheme and retro vibe pulls in the crowds at Mr. D’z. Even Oprah Winfrey once stopped for lunch and loved the house-made root beer so much, she gave cases of it away on her show. Plenty of classic diner dishes and pizza are on the menu. Root beer comes in frosted mugs and teases the tongue with a creamy caramel note. 105 E. Andy Devine Ave., 928-718-0066.
Floyd & Co. – Diners have a couple of wonderful options in this family-owned eatery. One side is Floyd & Co. Real Pit BBQ, serving down-home pulled pork, slow-cooked ribs and hearty sides. This was the original business. In 2016, they purchased the building next door and began making artisan wood-fired pizzas with hand-pulled mozzarella and Arizona ingredients perched on a light chewy crust. They also offer wood-fired sandwiches, calzones, and creamy gelato. Let your stomach decide which side to order from. 420 E. Beale Street, 928-757-8227 for BBQ, 928-753-3626 for Pizza, www.floydandcompany.com.
Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Saloon – You can no longer spend the night in the historic hotel rooms, but you can revel in good food and drink. The restaurant is wallpapered with dollar bills, a tradition dating back to the boomtown era when miners would post signed dollars so they would have drinking money later on. They serve tasty pub grub with a side of history. Try the buffalo burgers with a side of burro ears, which are their seasoned homemade potato chips cooked fresh daily. 181 Main St., 928-768-4408.
Topock 66 – At Arizona’s western terminus for the Mother Road you can dine at water’s edge. Topock 66 includes a popular pool while also overlooking the wide Colorado River. It’s a welcome sight after crossing rugged desert. But just as impressive is the food served. Big traditional breakfasts, followed by smoked meats, burgers, dogs, wraps, and salads. Unwind with a beach party and then remind yourself you’re still in Arizona. 14999 Historic Route 66, 928-768-2325, www.topock66.com.
Roger Naylor is an avid hiker, travel writer, and author of numerous books, including Arizona Kicks on Route 66.
Download Three-Day Road Trip Itinerary
TOPOCK
Let’s begin on the western edge of Arizona’s Route 66. Before you even start, stop! Pull over at Topock66, a beautiful restaurant on the banks of the Colorado River, where you can take a swim, eat, and raise a glass to toast the remarkable journey that is lies ahead. Live music skips across the water as boats travel up and down the river. You’re having a party and you haven’t gone anywhere yet. That’s the beauty of two-lane travel. Set your own pace. Stop and explore whatever you want. Create the adventure you’ve dreamed about.
OATMAN
The road flashes across gaunt desert and you’re already part of something special. You’re traveling the longest unbroken stretch of Route 66 still in existence, 158 miles of sweet winding pavement. A former gold mining town, Oatman sags in happy repose. Historic buildings fronted by wooden sidewalks are strung along the highway. Gunfights are daily occurrences in the street and a herd of wild burros will be right in the middle of everything. They’ll hold up traffic, stick their head in shops and car windows while seeking handouts of alfalfa cubes. (Please don’t feed them anything other than alfalfa sold in stores. It’s for their own health.) The burros are descendants of animals used by miners and abandoned when the ore played out. They’ve become furry ambassadors of Route 66, known and loved around the world.
Grab a cold beer or an ice cream cone. Browse the shops. Visit the Oatman Hotel where the restaurant is wallpapered with dollar bills. Before you leave, take a last look around. There’s no place else like Oatman on all of Route 66.
DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
Heading out of town prepare for some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the Mother Road. The old highway curls through rocky hills that go shambling off in all directions. At Sitgreaves Pass you’re gazing into three states — Arizona, California, and Nevada. From there the road slithers down the mountain in a series of sharp twists and turns. Stop at any of the designated pullouts to admire the views and let the blood rush back to your knuckles.
Just past milepost 30, watch for the pullout on your right with ghostly steps cut into the rock. These lead up to Shaffer Fishbowl Spring. This tiny desert waterhole, crucial for wild burros and bighorn sheep, is also home to a few goldfish. Not exactly what you expected to find in the Mojave Desert, is it? Now you know you’re having a road trip. At the bottom of the hill, grab a cold drink and some old fashioned candies at Cool Springs.
KINGMAN
Make your first stop in Kingman at the Kingman Visitor Center. Tour the Arizona Route 66 Museum and the intriguing Electric Vehicle Museum. Shop till you drop in our Route 66 store and then hit the town for dinner and drinks. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from in Kingman’s walkable and vibrant downtown.
Go retro with burgers and homemade root beer at colorful Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner. Or try an artisan creation at Floyd & Co. Wood Fired Pizza. Cap off your evening with specialty craft brews at Rickety Cricket and Black Bridge. The breweries have turned Kingman into a hotspot for beer lovers.
THE KICKER…
If you’ve got an extra day or two to spend on your journey, take advantage of all Kingman has to offer. More museums, more restaurants, and an excellent network of hiking trails carved from the desert foothills. If warm temperatures discourage desert hiking, just drive into the high ramparts of the Hualapai Mountains. Rising to an elevation of 8,000 feet and topped with shady forests of ponderosa pine, white fir, and aspen, they make a delicious oasis, just minutes from downtown Kingman.
OPEN ROAD
Pull out of Kingman but you won’t go far before you’re tapping the brake. Stop for a photo with Giganticus Headicus. He’s hard to miss—a 14-foot tall green tiki head is the stoic guardian of Route 66. Just a few miles beyond, pull into Hackberry General Store. Also hard to miss, the iconic spot is a treasure trove of memorabilia, overflowing with old cars, gas pumps and vintage signs.
Another worthwhile stop is Keepers of the Wild, a non-profit rescue sanctuary for abused, neglected, and abandoned exotic animals. Tigers, lions, leopards, monkeys, and more relax in spacious enclosures spread across boulder-strewn hillsides. Take a tour to see these beautiful creatures or just make a donation. And then ramble on down Route 66. A big part of this day is savoring the wide-open spaces of Arizona. Here the horizons are swept back wide. Open country is all around and an endless blue sky presses down from above. Roll your windows down and crank up the music. You’re cruising on Route 66!
GRAND CANYON CAVERNS
Explore a vast hidden world when you tour Grand Canyon Caverns. It all starts with an elevator ride dropping 200 feet underground. When you emerge, you step out into the largest dry caverns in the United States with soaring chambers and walls twinkling with selenite crystals. But don’t worry, dry caverns support no life so you’ll encounter no bats or bugs just lighted paths that meander through this ancient cave network. The guided tours at Grand Canyon Caverns last 45 minutes.
SELIGMAN
Strings of Burma Shave signs provide roadside poetry as you motor into Seligman, the birthplace of Historic Route 66. This is where it all began; the preservation movement that saved a highway was spearheaded by the town barber, Angel Delgadillo. Don’t be surprised to find tour busses lining the street. They come to pay homage to Angel, who holds court from his old barbershop, now Route 66 Gift Shop and Visitor Center.
Take your time exploring the small town that many consider the beating heart of Route 66. Grab a burger or ice cream at the Snow Cap Drive In, opened by the beloved Juan Delgadillo and still run by his family. And don’t be surprised if you have a few laughs while you’re there. Or try the hearty international fare at Westside Lilo’s Cafe. Just don’t leave without sampling their luscious carrot cake.
WILLIAMS
When the road climbs into the pine forest surrounding Williams, it all may seem familiar somehow. That’s just because Williams exudes the kind of charm that reminds almost everyone of the town they grew up in, or at least dreamed about. Downtown bustles with shops, restaurants, and bars as music spills from every open door. Ride the Route 66 Zipline, and then head for Bearizona. This drive-thru wildlife park offers visitors a close encounter with animals, big and small, amid the ponderosa pines. Bus tours, keeper talks, and birds of prey shows make Bearizona an educational, as well as entertaining, experience.
THE KICKER…
Williams is also the gateway to a little gulley we like to call Grand Canyon. You’re an hour away from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. That’s the very definition of can’t miss. You can drive to the park on your own. Or better still, treat yourself to a historic train ride. Grand Canyon Railway departs from Williams each morning and returns by evening, following a three-hour layover at the South Rim where you can get your heart thoroughly squeezed by views that you have to see to believe.
METEOR CRATER
It may just be a giant hole in the ground to some folks, but Meteor Crater is one of the most fascinating and scientifically significant sights on Route 66. It’s the best-preserved impact crater on earth and has been studied for decades. When NASA planned their first moon landing, this is where they brought the astronauts to train, on Route 66. How cool is that?
WINSLOW
Don’t miss La Posada Hotel, last of the great Santa Fe Railway hotels, and famed architect, Mary Colter’s masterpiece of graceful design. The airy, romantic, hacienda-style building is filled with artistic flourishes. Walk the grounds, peruse the galleries, and then dine in the Turquoise Room, one of the finest restaurants on the Mother Road.
Afterwards, be part of musical history. Visiting Winslow and NOT standing on a corner is like going to the Grand Canyon without looking down. Just down the street from La Posada you’ll see the most famous corner on all of Route 66. Standin’ on the Corner Park captures all the elements from the Eagles’ hit song “Take it Easy.” There’s even a girl in a flatbed Ford. Folks travel from all over the world to stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona. Such a fine sight to see. And if that song gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day, well, there are a lot worse tunes you could be humming. Go ahead and belt out a verse if you feel like it.
JACKRABBIT TRADING POST
This Route 66 classic has catered to generations of travelers. Signs for this Joseph City trading post once stretched across the country ending with a big bright yellow “Here It Is” billboard. After you’ve done your shopping inside, be sure to climb in the saddle of the giant jackrabbit out front for another great photo op. Notice the hint of a smile the rabbit seems to be wearing. He’s the Mona Lisa of overgrown bunnies. Makes you wonder what secrets he knows.
HOLBROOK
With the teepees of the Wigwam Motel and giant dinosaur sculptures lining the street, Holbrook just feels like a Route 66 town. Visit the old courthouse that houses the visitor center. They’ve also got an excellent museum there that includes information on the Old West era. Back in the day, Holbrook was a wilder town than Tombstone and you can learn all about a famous gunfight that took place just a short walk from where you’re standing.
PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Make one final stop before you head for home. The rolling prairie suddenly breaks apart against a cluster of vivid badlands that define the Painted Desert, marking the northern edge of Petrified Forest National Park. Here trees that have turned to colorful stone—trees that once shaded dinosaurs—lie tumbled amid gnawed hills and hoodoos. Welcome to Triassic Park. The fossils of the plants and animals unearthed here tell the story of a time when the world was young. A scenic road travels north-to-south through the park offering viewpoints, historic sites, and a Route 66 memorial. Short hiking trails lead to large deposits of petrified wood, the Arizona state fossil.
FLAGSTAFF
Nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona’s highest mountains, Flagstaff is one of the most picturesque towns on all of Route 66. A thriving downtown is only enhanced by energy from the adjacent college campus. Try the Walk the Talk self-guided walking tour to learn about almost forgotten chapters of Route 66 history. When the tour takes you past Mother Road Brewery, don’t try to resist. Enjoy a cold beverage on their patio. Then dive into Flagstaff’s nightlife scene, which will entertain you throughout the evening.
Roger Naylor is an avid hiker, travel writer, and author of numerous books, including Arizona Kicks on Route 66.
They’re going to have a blast! Route 66 across Arizona is a family-friendly adventure. There’s plenty to see and do for all ages. Here are a few tips on places and activities the backseat munchkins will especially enjoy.
