If Route 66 had a capital, it might be Arizona.
More than any other state, Arizona preserves the atmosphere, scenery, and spirit that travelers imagine when they dream about the Mother Road. Stretching nearly 400 miles from New Mexico to California, Arizona connects a remarkable collection of historic towns, roadside attractions, diners, motels, and trading posts that continue to welcome travelers nearly a century after the highway was established.
The state’s Route 66 journey is remarkably diverse. Travelers cross the Painted Desert of the Petrified Forest, pass through high-desert grasslands and pine forests near Flagstaff, roll through volcanic landscapes around Williams, and eventually descend into the rugged mountains and desert terrain of western Arizona. Few Route 66 states offer such a dramatic variety of scenery within a single stretch of highway.
Arizona also played a pivotal role in preserving Route 66 itself. When Interstate 40 bypassed communities across the state in the late 1970s and early 1980s, many feared the Mother Road would disappear forever. In Seligman, barber Angel Delgadillo refused to let that happen. You can read more about Delgadillo’s efforts on page X. Today, Seligman remains one of the most authentic Route 66 destinations anywhere, packed with vintage signs, classic cars, quirky gift shops, and reminders of the highway’s golden age.
The state is filled with legendary stops. Holbrook’s Wigwam Motel invites travelers to spend the night in a concrete “tipi.” Winslow draws visitors eager to stand on the corner made famous by the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” The Hackberry General Store overflows with Route 66 memorabilia, while Kingman serves as a major hub for exploring the highway’s history. Farther west, Oatman offers one of the most unique experiences on the route, where descendants of miners’ burros still roam the streets of the old mining town.
Arizona is also home to one of the most thrilling sections of the entire Mother Road. The historic Oatman Highway climbs through the Black Mountains and over Sitgreaves Pass, a twisting ribbon of pavement filled with sharp curves, steep grades, and spectacular desert views. It remains one of the most memorable drives on Route 66. You can read more about this section of highway on page X.
For many travelers, Arizona represents the Route 66 they’ve been picturing all along. If any state captures the western magic of the Mother Road, it’s Arizona.
Arizona Route 66 Travel Resources
At a Glance
Location:
Distance: 385 miles
Ride Time: 3+ days
Best Direction to Ride: East to West for the true Route 66 experience
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Bike Type: Touring, ADV, cruiser, sport-touring, dual-sport
Maps & Routes
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1CdsDApxSytTmuBvzZjRIBw9n-77eb0g&ehbc=2E312F&noprof=1" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Click to view Arizona Route 66 on REVER
Click here to download the GPS files
Road Conditions
Arizona offers some of the best-preserved and most enjoyable riding on all of Route 66. Riders encounter a mix of modern highway, historic alignments, mountain roads, and long desert stretches. Pavement is generally good, though some original sections show age with cracks, patches, and rough surfaces. The route includes gentle curves through ponderosa forests near Flagstaff, sweeping desert roads west of Seligman, and moderate elevation changes around Williams and Ash Fork. Watch for wildlife in higher elevations, strong crosswinds in open desert areas, and occasional tourist traffic near major attractions and towns.
Best Time to Travel
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions across Arizona’s diverse landscapes. Summer can be pleasant in higher elevations around Flagstaff and Williams but brutally hot in lower desert sections, where temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees. Winter riding is possible but can bring snow and freezing temperatures to northern Arizona, particularly near Flagstaff, which sits at nearly 7,000 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer monsoon season. Cell service is generally reliable near towns but can be spotty along remote stretches. Pack layers, as temperature swings of 30 degrees or more in a single day are common.
Road Food
Arizona’s Route 66 food scene is packed with classic diners, historic cafes, and roadside institutions. Seligman remains one of the route’s culinary highlights, with old-school burger joints and cafes that celebrate the highway’s heyday. In Winslow, travelers can enjoy Southwestern flavors. Flagstaff offers the widest variety of dining options, from craft breweries to local cafes. Throughout the state, expect hearty comfort food, southwestern dishes, Navajo influences, and plenty of pie, burgers, and milkshakes served with a side of Route 66 nostalgia.
Nearby Lodging
Arizona offers some of the most memorable overnight stops on the entire route. Historic motels in Williams, Winslow, and Seligman provide an authentic Route 66 experience, while Flagstaff offers everything from chain hotels to boutique properties in a lively mountain-town setting. For riders seeking something unique, several restored neon-era motor courts still operate along the route. Check out the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook if you’d like to sleep in a concrete tipi. Camping opportunities are plentiful near Flagstaff, Williams, and the surrounding national forests, providing cooler temperatures and scenic settings during warmer months.
Points of Interest
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Painted Desert
- Standin’ on the Corner Park
- Meteor Crater
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Lowell Observatory
- Historic Downtown Williams
- Grand Canyon Railway
- Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In
- Hackberry General Store
- Grand Canyon Caverns
- Oatman Historic District
- Burros roaming the streets of Oatman
- Historic Route 66 alignments between Seligman and Kingman
- Sitgreaves Pass scenic overlooks
For the list of 100+ best roadside attractions along Route 66, click here.
If You Have More Time
Arizona is packed with world-class side trips that can easily turn a Route 66 ride into a weeklong adventure. Williams serves as a gateway to the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the most iconic destinations in America. North of Flagstaff, riders can explore the volcanic landscapes surrounding Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monument. South of the route, the red rock scenery of Sedona offers spectacular riding through twisting canyon roads. West of Kingman, the historic climb over Sitgreaves Pass to Oatman is one of the most memorable motorcycle roads on the entire Mother Road, combining mountain scenery, mining history, and classic Route 66 character.
