I still remember the moment we left behind Gallup and Manuelito, crossing the border from New Mexico into Arizona—one of those places you start dreaming about the moment you decide to travel Route 66. The landscape had already shifted from Oklahoma’s green fields to the dry plains of Texas and the sunburned stretches of New Mexico, but entering Arizona felt like stepping into a postcard: the heat, the colors, the silence of the desert. It was real now.
First Footprints in Arizona: Lupton’s Desert Embrace
Not long after crossing the state line, we had to pull over in Lupton. The desert sand was calling. The heat? Far beyond my expectations 😅—to this day, whenever I look at those pictures we took there, I swear I can feel that wave of dry, pulsing warmth spreading across my skin. There’s something powerful about standing still in the Arizona desert with Route 66 humming nearby, as if the road itself were exhaling stories into the air.
Standin’ on the Corner in Winslow - Watch for Traffic!
One of my favorite stops was Winslow—yes, that Winslow, immortalized in the Eagles’ song. The town fully embraces its fame, and the giant Route 66 shield painted at the intersection of N. Williamson Avenue and Old Highway 66 is a must for a photo. But here’s a tip: watch out for the traffic! This is still an active street, and while you’re trying to capture the perfect selfie, a school bus or a pickup truck might be rolling through. Still, that photo? Totally worth it.
Don’t miss a stop at Sipp Shoppe, right on the famous “Standin’ on the Corner” intersection. We grabbed giant ice creams there to escape the early September heat, the kind of day when the sun doesn’t just shine—it radiates. Inside, you’ll find old-school vibes, cheerful staff, and souvenirs that blend music, nostalgia, and Route 66 flair — and yes, you’ll be humming that Eagles tune in your head, “Take it easy...”.
Even if you’re not into sweets, sit down with a coffee and soak in the scene.
From Desert to Pines in few miles
Just a few miles past Winslow, everything began to shift. The dry desert air gave way to something crisp and refreshing. Wait... was that the smell of pine trees? Suddenly, we were climbing in elevation, and there it was—Flagstaff, nestled among real forests. I had read about Flagstaff before, but nothing prepared me for the contrast: within minutes, the scenery had morphed from sun-scorched desert to a cool, mountainous retreat.
Flagstaff felt like a frontier town reimagined. It’s the perfect base for exploring both the Grand Canyon and the spectacular red rocks of Sedona—a place so visually unique that even McDonald’s had to change the color of its iconic “M” from yellow to turquoise to respect the surrounding landscape.
📍Between Bellemont and Williams, there's a lesser-known stretch of the original Route 66—part paved, part dirt—passing by the Grand Canyon Deer Farm and the cozy Parks In the Pines General Store. A hidden gem for true Route 66 lovers.
Winona and the Walnut Canyon Bridge
Don’t forget Winona—yes, even the Nat King Cole song reminds us: “Don’t forget Winona.” Just east of Flagstaff, this tiny dot on the map is home to the old Walnut Canyon Bridge, a piece of Route 66 history that once carried hopeful travelers westward. Stop for a moment and imagine those early days—the dust-covered Model Ts, the hopeful glances toward California.
Ash Fork to Seligman: Where the Road Feels Alive
In Ash Fork, make time to visit the local Route 66 Museum—small, heartfelt, and filled with artifacts that breathe life into the old road. Here’s where you’ll face a choice: take the fast I-40 (Purple Heart Trail), or the real Route 66.
Take the long road.
From Ash Fork, follow the original Route 66 north to Seligman, then wind your way through Peach Springs and Antares, all the way to Kingman (check out the route of old route 66 from Flagstaff to Oatman). This is one of the most beautiful, untouched stretches of the Mother Road, where the pavement may be rough, but the stories feel sharper.
Seligman is more than a town—it’s a living tribute to Route 66’s heyday. Be sure to stop at Angel’s Barber Shop Museum, and browse the quirky shops. These aren’t just souvenir stops—they're mini-museums packed with Route 66 memorabilia and Americana charm.
Where Locals and Travelers Dance to Country Music
We arrived in Kingman on a day we’ll never forget—by pure luck, there was a local event with live country music, food stands, and crowds of both tourists and residents. As the sun set, the scent of grilled meat and fried dough filled the air. We danced a little, laughed a lot, and dined shoulder-to-shoulder with people who call Kingman home. It felt like stepping into a small-town movie scene, complete with twinkling lights and the strum of acoustic guitars.
Donkeys, Shootouts, and the Wild West
After Kingman, make sure to head to Oatman—yes, it’s a bit of a detour, but one you’ll never regret. This old mining town is a wild mix of souvenir shops, saloons, staged Old West shootouts, and the real stars: wild burros that roam freely and aren’t shy about asking for snacks or scratches.
We spent almost a whole day there without realizing how quickly time had flown. The atmosphere is unlike any other: fun, chaotic, and oddly touching. The road down from Oatman toward Topock offers scenic views and more burros roaming the edges.
The End of Arizona, the Threshold to California
Topock marks the bittersweet moment where you leave Arizona behind and approach the Colorado River—the final border before California. We pulled over one last time, rolled down the windows, and stared west. The sun was lower now, casting long shadows on the blacktop. Nostalgia and anticipation mixed in a strange emotional cocktail. You realize that Arizona, the state you’d anticipated for so long, is now behind you. But the road continues. 🛣️
Final Thoughts: Arizona, the Road That Changes You
Arizona is heat and pine, old diners and new discoveries, red rock cathedrals and neon-lit nights. It’s the part of Route 66 where the contrasts hit hardest—and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
If you're planning your journey, here’s my advice:
- Walk the desert sand in Lupton, even if just for a moment. Let the sun remind you where you are.
- Don’t skip Winslow—just mind the traffic when you’re on that famous corner.
- Grab a giant ice cream at Sipp Shoppe—because some memories are made of sugar and sunshine.
- Let Flagstaff surprise you. Pine forests in Arizona? You’ll be grateful for the change in air.
- Take the long road through Seligman and Peach Springs. That’s where the stories live.
- Pause at the Antares “Giganticus Headicus”—a quirky green head sculpture in the middle of nowhere. It’s weird, unexpected, and perfectly Route 66.
- Visit the Route 66 Museum in Kingman—small but rich in stories and vintage treasures.
- Talk to locals in Kingman. You might end up at a block party you didn’t expect.
- Feed the burros in Oatman. They’re part of the legend now.
- Buy something silly from a souvenir shop—a Route 66 snow globe, a tin sign, or a mug. It might end up being your favorite keepsake.
- Stop often. Wander. Linger. The beauty of this stretch is in the slow unraveling of scenes.
- Hike a short trail in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff—yes, real hiking in Arizona’s pines.
- Watch the sunset over the desert from a roadside pullout, just past Hackberry or near Golden Shores. It’s pure gold—literally.
- Get a milkshake at a 50s diner, anywhere along the route. It’s not just a drink, it’s a time machine.
- When you reach Topock, breathe deep. You’re not at the end—you’re at the edge of something new.
Arizona isn’t just a state—it’s a chapter of Route 66 that will stay with you long after you’ve moved on ❤️.
