This Is The Best Stretch Of Route 66 To Experience

Abstract

• Route 66 is full of historical past and Americana allure, providing vacationers a style of the American Dream.
• Arizona’s stretch of Route 66 is filled with iconic stops, resembling Winslow and Holbrook, with gorgeous surroundings.
• New Mexico is one other Route 66 gem, boasting lovely surroundings and in style locations like Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Route 66 is among the most iconic and historic routes in the US and is ingrained within the nation’s tradition and historical past. The freeway was initially inbuilt 1926 (making it practically 100 years previous) to hyperlink Chicago to Los Angeles for the migration of farmworkers, and was one of many first highways inbuilt the US. Route 66 later turned an icon and image of the American Dream.

In the present day, it’s nonetheless attainable to journey down historic Route 66 and get a very good style of its lingering remnants. Because the freeway makes its means into the Southwest, it goes straight by means of New Mexico, and on by means of Arizona. The stretch of Route 66 that goes through Arizona offers some of the most iconic stops and gorgeous surroundings of the entire route. There’s one stretch specifically that should not be missed.

Which Components of Arizona Does Route 66 Move By means of?

Following I-40 by means of scenic northern Arizona

Beginning in Chicago, Route 66 runs down by means of Missouri, into Oklahoma, throughout the highest of Texas, straight by means of New Mexico and Arizona and eventually by means of southern California, ending in Los Angeles.

• From the stretch between Oklahoma and California, the route runs alongside current day I-40, which is the primary freeway that runs by means of the central United States.

The portion of Route 66 operating by means of Arizona follows I-40 the entire means, with occasional indicators that point out “Outdated Route 66.” Fortunately, for vacationers chasing after the Route 66 American Dream, the stretch of freeway by means of Arizona is in no way mundane or missing in surroundings.

Route 66 apart, northern Arizona has some of the state’s most iconic destinations to stop on any road trip. It is also residence to a number of the must-visit locations within the Southwest, resembling the spiritual weekend getaway of Sedona, and Flagstaff, a city with plenty to do, and likewise makes for a fantastic place to begin for in style locations just like the Grand Canyon.

Hold a watch out for the Outdated Route 66 indicators. Usually instances, there might be indications of the place to exit I-40 to take a detour and journey down the genuine Route 66.

Probably The Most Iconic Stretch of Route 66 In Arizona (& What To See)

Journey from Flagstaff to Winslow, and thru the Petrified Forest

With regards to probably the most iconic and unmissable stretch of Arizona’s Route 66, it is actually all concerning the jap into the central leg of the journey. With all the long-lasting locations inside arms attain of Flagstaff like Sedona and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument, it is simple to see why this is among the greatest spots alongside the route.

Heading east to the following iconic cease is when all ‘The Eagles’ followers will know precisely the place to go. Winslow, Arizona. Changing into notorious due to the basic tune “Takin’ it Straightforward,” Winslow has develop into some of the iconic stops alongside all of Route 66.

Winslow is a small metropolis in Navajo Nation that oozes historical past and is usually occupied by teams of motorcyclists. It is a excellent spot to spend the night time and have the prospect to go to Homolovi State Park, a sacred and vital web site for the Hopi Indians.

32 minutes east from Winslow is the long-lasting Holbrook, Arizona. Holbrook is taken into account to be one in every of the most iconic stops alongside Route 66, for its basic Americana attraction and character. It would not be a visit down Route 66 with out admiring the Tepees and classic vehicles parked out entrance of the Wigwam Motel, one other basic resting place alongside the best way.

What additionally makes Holbrook an iconic cease alongside the route is its proximity to the Painted Desert, residence to Arizona’s colourful badlands. It is also the cease proper earlier than the final iconic vacation spot alongside this stretch of the route, Petrified Forest National Park.

The Petrified Forest is residence to the sprawling geological surprise of historical timber which have fossilized into nearly quartz. Whereas it looks as if it could not get any higher, guests might be shocked by the epic backdrop of the Painted Desert.

Different Iconic Stops Alongside Route 66

New Mexico might be thought of the center of Route 66

One other stretch of Route 66 that can also be stuffed with iconic stops, is the state of New Mexico. New Mexico is residence to a number of the most lovely surroundings in the US and stuffed with tradition, good meals and pleasant individuals.

Route 66 runs by means of a number of the hottest locations within the state, resembling Santa Fe, the oldest and highest capital within the nation, in addition to Albuquerque, which is bursting with classic allure.

Santa Fe was one of many largest cities on the unique Route 66, passing proper by means of the historic plaza. Nevertheless, in 1938, the freeway was rerouted for a faster path to Albuquerque (current day I-40), eliminating the necessity to move by means of the capital.

Nevertheless, it is nonetheless well worth the fast facet journey to visit Santa Fe and experience its charm and attractions.

Albuquerque may get a bad rap, but it’s a city that is worth visiting, particularly for the “Route 66 fanatics.” Cruising down Central Ave, (Route 66) with the Sandia Mountains as a backdrop, down into Outdated City Albuquerque, whereas passing retro motels and diners might be a Route 66 time warp. Extending the Arizona stretch into New Mexico is a spotlight.

Route 66 is undoubtedly one of many United States’ most iconic and scenic highway journeys. Whereas touring the entire route could be a dream journey, not everybody has the time or the means to make such a visit occur. Nevertheless, discovering epic stretches alongside the route might be the proper method to expertise this historic and integral a part of Americana.

If a visit to Arizona is within the works, this explicit stretch of Route 66 is iconic and needs to be on the high of the listing when planning the highway journey itinerary.