This Is The Best Stretch Of Route 66 To Experience

Abstract

• Route 66 is filled with historical past and Americana attraction, providing vacationers a style of the American Dream.
• Arizona’s stretch of Route 66 is filled with iconic stops, reminiscent of Winslow and Holbrook, with beautiful surroundings.
• New Mexico is one other Route 66 gem, boasting stunning surroundings and standard locations like Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Route 66 is without doubt one of the most iconic and historic routes in america and is ingrained within the nation’s tradition and historical past. The freeway was initially in-built 1926 (making it practically 100 years outdated) to hyperlink Chicago to Los Angeles for the migration of farmworkers, and was one of many first highways in-built america. Route 66 later grew to become an icon and image of the American Dream.

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

Which Elements of Arizona Does Route 66 Cross By way of?

Following I-40 by way of scenic northern Arizona

Beginning in Chicago, Route 66 runs down by way of Missouri, into Oklahoma, throughout the highest of Texas, straight by way of New Mexico and Arizona and at last by way 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 principle freeway that runs by way of the central United States.

The portion of Route 66 working by way of Arizona follows I-40 the entire means, with occasional indicators that point out “Outdated Route 66.”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 way of Arizona is not at all 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 dwelling to a few of the must-visit locations within the Southwest, reminiscent of the spiritual weekend getaway of Sedona, and Flagstaff, a city with plenty to do, and likewise makes for an excellent start line for standard locations just like the Grand Canyon.

Maintain an eye fixed out for the Outdated Route 66 indicators. Typically occasions, there can be indications of the place to exit I-40 to take a detour and journey down the genuine Route 66.

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

Journey from Flagstaff to Winslow, and thru the Petrified Forest

In the case of essentially the most iconic and unmissable stretch of Arizona’s Route 66, it is actually all in regards to the jap into the central leg of the journey. With all the enduring locations inside arms attain of Flagstaff like Sedona and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument, it is easy to see why this is without doubt one of the finest 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 music “Takin’ it Simple,” Winslow has change into probably the most 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 good spot to spend the night time and have the prospect to go to Homolovi State Park, a sacred and necessary website for the Hopi Indians.

32 minutes east from Winslow is the enduring Holbrook, Arizona. Holbrook is taken into account to be one in all the most iconic stops alongside Route 66, for its basic Americana enchantment 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 way in which.

What additionally makes Holbrook an iconic cease alongside the route is its proximity to the Painted Desert, dwelling 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 dwelling to the sprawling geological marvel of historic timber which have fossilized into virtually quartz. Whereas it looks as if it could not get any higher, guests can be surprised by the epic backdrop of the Painted Desert.

Different Iconic Stops Alongside Route 66

New Mexico might be thought of the guts of Route 66

One other stretch of Route 66 that can be filled with iconic stops, is the state of New Mexico. New Mexico is dwelling to a few of the most stunning surroundings in america and filled with tradition, good meals and pleasant individuals.

Route 66 runs by way of a few of the hottest locations within the state, reminiscent of Santa Fe, the oldest and highest capital within the nation, in addition to Albuquerque, which is bursting with classic attraction.

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

Nonetheless, it is nonetheless definitely 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 lovers.” Cruising down Central Ave, (Route 66) with the Sandia Mountains as a backdrop, down into Outdated City Albuquerque, whereas passing retro motels and diners can 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 street journeys. Whereas touring the entire route can be a dream journey, not everybody has the time or the means to make such a visit occur. Nonetheless, discovering epic stretches alongside the route might be the proper strategy to expertise this historic and integral a part of Americana.

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