Route 66 highway stretches through a desert landscape, marked by road signs and white painted road symbols.

Historic Route 66 Day Trip

Route 66 in Arizona offers one of the most iconic and scenic stretches of the historic Mother Road. Classic Americana meets dramatic desert landscapes that bring to mind images of the golden age of car travel. As you follow this legendary route, you’ll pass retro neon motels, nostalgic diners, and small towns that still celebrate the spirit of mid-century road travel. 


With its blend of history, interesting roadside attractions, and sweeping views of the high desert, Route 66 in Arizona captures the magic of the American road trip in a way few places can. Below are some of our favorite stops along the Mother Road. 

Tepee-shaped motel units with vintage cars parked outside, set against a blue sky.

1. Holbrook and the Wigwam Motel

One of the most famous Route 66 landmarks sits in Holbrook. Here you’ll find the classic Wigwam Motel, where guests sleep in concrete teepees beneath retro neon. Nearby, the town’s streets are filled with vintage cars, old trading posts, and quirky dinosaur statues. 



Its proximity to the Petrified Forest–just 20 minutes away–make it the perfect place to stay before checking out the national park. For anyone looking to step straight into mid-century travel nostalgia, the Wigwam Motel is an essential stop.

Along the eastern edge of Arizona, Route 66 passes directly through the Petrified Forest National Park. The visually striking, and geologically fascinating, landscape make this one of the most unique national parks in the country. It contains huge fields of colorful fossilized trees, ancient petroglyphs, and open desert vistas. 


On the north side of the park is the Painted Desert, where beautiful layers of pink, lavender, red, and sandstone yellow create a dreamlike panorama. Inside the park, you can even see the remains of the original Route 66 roadbed marked by a replica of a rusted-out 1932 Studebaker. The site is a perfect photo op for history lovers.

2. The Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert

3. Winslow and “Standin’ on the Corner” Park

Well, I'm a standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona

Such a fine sight to see

It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford

Slowin' down to take a look at me


The Eagles’ famous lyrics from their song “Take It Easy” have made Winslow a popular stop on Route 66 in Arizona. Standin’ on the Corner Park features a mural, bronze statues, and a photo-ready vintage red flatbed truck. 


The town is also home to the beautifully restored La Posada Hotel. It’s one of the last great Fred Harvey railroad hotels and a stunning blend of Spanish Revival architecture and desert hospitality.

A wide panoramic view of a large, circular crater under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

A short drive from Route 66 is Meteor Crater, one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth. Nearly a mile wide and more than 500 feet deep, it’s a jaw-dropping natural wonder formed roughly 50,000 years ago. 


The visitor center offers a Gift & Mineral Shop, guided rim tours, and panoramic viewpoints. There is also the Discovery Center & Space Museum onsite which provides education and information on earth and space science. Meteor Crater is an unforgettable detour for both science enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

4. Meteor Crater

The mountain town of Flagstaff blends Route 66 charm with a lively modern atmosphere. Along the old highway, you’ll find retro motels with glowing neon, classic diners, and storefronts that have preserved their historic feel. 


One of the best things to do in Flagstaff is to visit the Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered. It offers visitors nighttime stargazing programs and rich scientific history. With its cool pine forests and outdoorsy culture, Flagstaff provides a refreshing contrast to the desert stretches of the route.

5. Flagstaff’s Downtown and Lowell Observatory

As one of the larger towns along Arizona’s Route 66, Kingman offers a deep dive into the road’s history. The Arizona Route 66 Museum traces the evolution of travel across the state including Native American trade routes, Dust Bowl migrations, and modern tourism. 


Classic signs, murals, and restaurants line the downtown streets making Kingman a great place to learn, refuel, and soak up a bit of mid-century ambiance.

6. Kingman: Museums, Murals, and Desert Vibes

Donkey standing on a street in front of western-style buildings and parked cars.

The westernmost stretch of Route 66 leads into the Black Mountains and arrives at Oatman, AZ. This quirky former mining town is known for its wild burros that wander the streets, greeting visitors and nudging people for treats. 


Wooden boardwalks, mock gunfights, and rustic saloons give the town an Old West flavor. The twisting mountain road to reach it is one of the most scenic and adventurous drives on the entire route, making this a must-see destination. 

7. Oatman: Wild Burros and Old West Every Day

Known as the “last town bypassed by I-40,” Williams, AZ holds tightly to its Route 66 identity. Here you’ll find vintage soda fountains, saloons, classic cars parked along the main drag, and nightly Wild West shootout reenactments in the summer. 



Williams is also the starting point for the Grand Canyon Railway, a historic train ride that chugs north to the South Rim. It’s an unforgettable way to pair Route 66 nostalgia with one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

8. Williams: Gateway to the Grand Canyon

Silver Creek Luxury RV Resort

Located in Taylor, AZ, the Silver Creek Luxury RV Resort is the perfect place to start–and end–your Route 66 adventures. Our spacious RV sites feature full hook-ups, room to park your vehicle, and plenty of space for outdoor living. We’re also dog friendly, with an off-leash dog park your pup is sure to love!


Book your stay with us today and find out what Route 66 has in store for you!