The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip: Route 66 Landmarks You Can’t Miss

Few road trips capture the romance of the American West like driving the legendary Route 66. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this iconic highway winds through the heart of Arizona, where timeless motels, red-rock deserts, and out-of-this-world attractions invite travelers to slow down and explore. Whether you’re a nostalgia lover, a family of explorers, or an adventure-seeker chasing scenic views, Arizona’s stretch of Route 66 offers a mix of classic Americana and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

In this guide, we’ll take you on the ultimate Route 66 Arizona landmarks road trip, highlighting the best places to visit on Route 66 with can’t-miss stops, local gems, and the one destination that quite literally feels like it came from another planet: Meteor Crater.

Route 66 Arizona Landmarks Road Trip

Arizona’s segment of Route 66 is one of the most photogenic and history-packed portions of the entire “Mother Road.” As you cruise westward across the state, you’ll experience a living museum of mid-century Americana, with neon diners, vintage gas stations, and roadside curiosities that have been delighting travelers since the 1920s.

Start your journey in Holbrook, home to the famous Wigwam Motel, where you can actually spend the night inside a concrete teepee. Nearby, Petrified Forest National Park showcases fossilized logs turned to multicolored stone. This is an easy side trip just off the highway.

Continue west toward Winslow, immortalized by the Eagles’ hit “Take It Easy.” The “Standin’ on the Corner Park” photo stop has become a rite of passage for Route 66 travelers. Just minutes beyond Winslow lies one of the state’s most spectacular natural landmarks, Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum, an essential highlight for any Arizona road trip.

What to See on Route 66 Through Arizona

As you roll along Route 66 through Arizona, the landscape transforms dramatically from high-desert plains to volcanic plateaus and pine forests. Here’s what to look forward to along the way:

• Petrified Forest National Park: The only national park that Route 66 once passed directly through, this surreal landscape is filled with colorful badlands and the remains of ancient forests.
• Meteor Crater: The best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth, this natural wonder spans nearly a mile across and more than 550 feet deep.
• Twin Arrows: Once a popular roadside trading post, its iconic double arrows remain a favorite photo op for history buffs and Instagram travelers alike.
• Flagstaff: A cool-climate mountain city known for its breweries, restaurants, and the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered.
• Williams: Dubbed the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” this charming town has kept its retro neon lights, vintage motels, and Route 66 museums alive.
• Seligman: Widely considered the birthplace of the Route 66 revival, Seligman’s main street is a time capsule of 1950s America, complete with soda fountains and antique cars parked out front.

Each stop offers something distinctly “Arizona,” whether it’s geology, stargazing, or pure nostalgic fun.

Route 66 Day Trip from Flagstaff

If you’re staying in Flagstaff, you’re perfectly positioned to experience one of the best day trips in Northern Arizona by visiting Meteor Crater, just 35 minutes east on I-40 (historic Route 66).

Begin your morning in downtown Flagstaff, grabbing coffee at Late for the Train or Lumberyard Brewing Co.. As you leave town, you’ll spot remnants of Route 66 motels and vintage signage before the desert opens up ahead.

Your first major stop: Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum. Formed 50,000 years ago when a massive iron meteorite struck the Earth, the crater is so immense that it was once used by NASA to train Apollo astronauts. The visitor complex features a Discovery Center with interactive exhibits, a short film on the impact, guided rim tours, and an outdoor observation deck with panoramic views of the crater.

After exploring Meteor Crater, continue east to Winslow for lunch and photos at Standin’ on the Corner Park. On your return trip, stop at Twin Arrows for a quick snapshot of the historic roadside arrows before heading back to Flagstaff for dinner and local craft beer.

It’s an easy round-trip that packs in history, science, and adventure. Perfect for families and couples alike.

Meteor Crater Route 66 Stop

If you’re driving the full length of Route 66 through Arizona, Meteor Crater is one of those once-in-a-lifetime landmarks that defines the spirit of exploration. Located just six miles south of I-40 (Old Route 66) near Winslow, it’s one of the few stops where you can stand at the site of a real cosmic impact and gaze into the remnants of an event that literally changed the face of the Earth.

At Meteor Crater, visitors can explore the main viewing platforms, join guided rim walks, and visit the Barringer Space Museum, complete with an actual Apollo test capsule and interactive exhibits that bring space science to life. The experience appeals to every age group: kids love the hands-on discovery zones, while adults appreciate the geological and astronomical context.

Pro tip: time your visit for late morning or early evening to catch the best lighting for photography. On clear days, the rim views stretch more than 40 miles across the high desert, with Humphreys Peak visible in the distance.

Driving Route 66 Arizona Itinerary Stops

Here’s a suggested 3-day itinerary to help you experience the best of Route 66 in Arizona, from east to west:

Day 1: Holbrook → Winslow → Meteor Crater

• Stay overnight at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook.
• Visit the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert Visitor Center.
• Stop for photos at Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow.
• Spend your afternoon exploring Meteor Crater and stay overnight in Flagstaff.

Day 2: Flagstaff → Williams → Seligman

• Enjoy breakfast in downtown Flagstaff and stroll through the historic district.
• Visit Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams or ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
• Continue to Seligman, where Route 66 enthusiasts can browse souvenirs at the Historic Route 66 General Store.

Day 3: Seligman → Kingman → Oatman

• Visit the Route 66 Museum in Kingman.
• End your trip in Oatman, a quirky mining town where wild burros roam freely and shopkeepers still stage mock gunfights on Main Street.

This classic itinerary captures the nostalgic soul of Route 66 while ensuring your Meteor Crater stop remains the centerpiece of the trip.

Planning Tips for Your Arizona Route 66 Adventure

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–November) offer ideal temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Entrance Fees: Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum charges a modest entry fee, which includes access to the museum, viewing decks, film and guided rim tour.
• Travel Apps: Download offline maps and Route 66 travel apps, as cell service can be spotty between towns.
• Where to Stay: Route 66 is known for vintage motels and modern boutique stays; Flagstaff and Williams both make convenient overnight bases.
• Pro Tip: Pack layers! Arizona’s high elevation can bring cool mornings and warm afternoons even in summer.

Plan Your Route 66 Traveler Bucket List

Whether you’re chasing neon nostalgia, geological wonders, or small-town Americana, Arizona’s stretch of Route 66 delivers something unforgettable at every mile marker. From the petrified forests of Holbrook to the quirky charm of Seligman, each stop tells a story about exploration, resilience, and the open road.

Take your time, pull over often, and let the spirit of the “Mother Road” guide you toward the experiences that make travel truly timeless. Because on Route 66, the journey isn’t just about where you go, it’s about what you discover along the way.