Have you ever dreamed of a road trip across America, on the legendary Route 66? Imagine driving under the bright golden sun, passing through quaint small towns, and exploring magnificent natural landscapes. Arizona, with wonders like the Grand Canyon and historic stretches of Route 66, is an unmissable destination on this journey.
If you’re nurturing a plan to explore America on the legendary Route 66, then Arizona is definitely an indispensable stop. With breathtaking scenery, towns steeped in history and culture, Arizona promises you an unforgettable road trip experience. Let’s plan a detailed itinerary for exploring Route 66 in Arizona!
Arizona and the Legendary Route 66
Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” is one of the original highways in the United States. This route stretches nearly 4,000 km, connecting Chicago, Illinois, and Santa Monica, California, passing through 8 states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Arizona is one of the states that boasts the most beautiful and interesting stretches of Route 66. It not only features winding roads through deserts and majestic mountains but also ancient towns, unique attractions, and fascinating historical stories.
Detailed Itinerary for a Route 66 Road Trip in Arizona
To help you have a complete Route 66 road trip in Arizona, we suggest a detailed itinerary, including notable destinations, exciting activities, and helpful travel tips.
Day 1: Explore Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a beautiful city located in northern Arizona, an ideal starting point for exploring Route 66. It not only has a cool, fresh climate but also many attractive sights, such as:
- Lowell Observatory: The place where astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto in 1930.
Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Arizona. The discovery site of Pluto. - Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: A historic mansion built in 1904, featuring a unique Arts and Crafts architectural style.
- Downtown Flagstaff: The city center area with many restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and art galleries.
- Museum of Northern Arizona: Learn about the history, culture, and nature of the Colorado Plateau region.
Suggestion: Spend an evening in Flagstaff to enjoy local cuisine and explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 2: Admire the Majesty of the Grand Canyon
About a 1-hour drive from Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. This giant canyon was formed by the Colorado River, with a length of nearly 450 km, a width of 29 km, and a depth of over 1.5 km.
- South Rim: The most popular area to visit the Grand Canyon, with many stunning viewpoints, such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Grandview Point.
Panoramic view of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim. - Hiking: Participate in one of the many hiking trails at the Grand Canyon, from easy to difficult, to explore the canyon’s pristine beauty.
- Helicopter Tour: See the Grand Canyon from above by helicopter, an unforgettable experience.
- Sunset Watching: Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon, when the golden sunlight turns the entire canyon red.
Note: You should book Grand Canyon tours and activities in advance to avoid sold-out situations, especially during peak season.
Day 3: Winslow and Meteor Crater
Leaving the Grand Canyon, continue your journey on Route 66 to Winslow, a small town famous for The Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” Here, you can:
- “Standin’ on the Corner” Park: Take souvenir photos at the famous street corner mentioned in the song “Take It Easy.”
Standin' on the Corner park in Winslow, Arizona. - Meteor Crater: Visit the massive meteor crater formed 50,000 years ago.
Meteor Crater in Arizona.
Tip: Visit Joe & Aggie’s Cafe, a classic diner on Route 66, to enjoy a quintessential American lunch.
Day 4: Petrified Forest National Park and Holbrook
Continuing east, you’ll reach Petrified Forest National Park, a national park famous for its petrified trees millions of years old.
- Painted Desert: Admire the colorful hills formed from clay and sandstone.
- Giant Logs Trail: Hike the trail to explore giant petrified logs.
- Agate Bridge: A natural bridge formed from a petrified tree trunk.
After visiting Petrified Forest National Park, stop by Holbrook, a small town with many souvenir shops and historical museums.
Day 5: End the Journey at the Arizona Border
Continue your journey on Route 66 to experience other interesting destinations on this legendary road.
Travel Tips for Route 66 in Arizona
- Ideal time to visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to take a Route 66 road trip in Arizona, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
- Transportation: Rent a comfortable car suitable for desert terrain.
- Preparation: Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks.
- Accommodation booking: It is advisable to book hotels in advance, especially during peak season.
- Learn about history: Read books and learn about the history of Route 66 for a more meaningful trip.
Conclusion
A road trip along Route 66 in Arizona is an unforgettable experience, offering you the chance to explore magnificent natural beauty and learn about the unique history and culture of the American West. Plan your trip today and create memorable moments on this legendary road! Are you ready to “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”?