biglanphoto/iStockphoto.com
244.7 miles:
5 hours,
37 minutes
One of the quintessential Route 66 states, Arizona boasts the longest stretch of the Mother Road still in use today. On this trip you'll drive across the northern half of the Grand Canyon state, alternating between speedy I-40 and old, two-lane sections of Route 66. So slow your roll and get your kicks in this land of high-desert beauty and classic roadside kitsch.
flickr/Vincent X
1
Needles, CA to Kingman, AZ
69.3 miles:
1 hours,
51 minutes
Just east of the California border, old Route 66 takes you on a steep, scenic roller-coaster-of-a-drive to the touristy Old West town of Oatman, set high in the Black Mountains. Wild burros roam freely about town. Costumed desperados stage mock gunfights on Main Street. In Kingman, you'll find vestiges of the Mother Road's glory days in the historic downtown area.
studioraffi/iStockphoto.com
2
Kingman, AZ to Williams, AZ
131.5 miles:
2 hours,
25 minutes
Departing Kingman, Route 66 travels through high-desert landscapes and the Hualapai Indian Reservation, rejoining I-40 just east of tiny Seligman. Packed with vintage diners, motels and gift shops, Seligman inspired the fictional town of Radiator Springs from the movie “Cars.” Further along the blacktop lies Williams, another bastion of Route 66 roadside relics.
flickr/Gil Griffin
3
Williams, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ
43.9 miles:
1 hours,
19 minutes
From Williams, desert brush gives way to ponderosa pines and soon you arrive in Flagstaff, perched at the highest elevation (6,903 feet) along the entire Mother Road. Home to several attractions and a wonderful, historic downtown district, “Flag” warrants a full day of exploration.
