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We have traveled Historic Route 66 from New Mexico and into Arizona multiple times over the years, both eastbound and westbound.
Some of the journey is on I-40, which parallels the old Route 66 in many places.
We drive the segments of the Mother Road where it still remains. Exits to Route 66 are marked in many locales.
Included below are a few of our favorite places and scenes along the Mother Road from Holbrook through Winslow to Flagstaff.
Let's start the trip ... near the Arizona border ...
The drive from Gallup to Lupton, on the Arizona border, is only 24 miles on today's I-40. Continuing west, the old road passes through the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest, and then into Holbrook.
Map showing U.S. Route 66 from Lupton to Flagstaff, Arizona
Entering Arizona, The Grand Canyon State ![]() |
The Tepee Trading Post at the New Mexico - Arizona state line ![]() |
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Holbrook began as a town of railroaders and cattlemen, outlaws and rugged lawmen. Today it is a city steeped in Native American culture, Hispanic roots and pioneers from all walks of life.
Today, the city has a population of about 5,000 residents. In this community is the heart of Navajo County, nearby are the beautiful Painted Desert and Petrified National Park.
For those with an interest in geology, Jim Gray's Petrified Wood Company is a fun stop. The Navajo County Historical Museum is well worth a visit as well.
Winslow lies 34 miles to the west.
The Painted DesertShown here is signage at the Painted Desert marking the path of Route 66 through eight states, and through this area. It reads, in part ... "Gaze down the long road and listen. You may hear echoes of the past ... echoes of Route 66" |
The Painted Desert near Holbrook, Arizona, directly on the path of Historic Route 66
Remnants of Route 66 can be seen in this photo of the Painted Desert in Arizona, along with the rusted hulk of a 1930s Studebaker.![]() |
Vintage view of the Wigwam Village No. 6, 800 Hopi Drive on U.S. 66, Holbrook, Arizona |
Present day views of the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, one of the two remaining Wigwam Motels on Route 66
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Rainbow Rock Shop in Holbrook
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Crystal Forest Campground ![]() |
Jim Gray's Petrified Wood Company![]() |
Dinosaurs at Jim Gray's in Holbrook![]() |
Joseph City, ArizonaOpened in 1949, tourists on Route 66 have been drawn to stop and see what "HERE IT IS" was all about. The marketing campaign placed mileage signs along the highway counting down the distance to the gift shop and its oversized jackrabbit. Today, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post is "Still Hoppin on Route 66" and remains a popular stop with Route 66 travelers. The convenience store and curio shop is located at 3386 U.S. Route 66, about 5 miles west of Joseph City, AZ 86032 Be sure to take advantage of a photo op with the bigger than life-sized rabbit and the VW Rabbit! Read more at the Jack Rabbit Trading Post website |
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The next stop is at Winslow, and the famous "Standing on the Corner" made famous by the popular song by the Eagles. The sculpture, and the mural, is a "must see" attraction and photo op!
Winslow is also the location of Fred Harvey's La Posada Hotel, which remains a popular lodging experience today. In addition to La Posada, several other hotels are available in Winslow.
A railroad town, Winslow is somewhat linear, stretching mostly east-west along the tracks. It is located about 58 miles east of Flagstaff, and 128 miles west of Gallup, New Mexico.
Welcome to Winslow, Arizona, and Historic Route 66 |
The SongThe song "Take It Easy" was written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey and recorded by the Eagles. The Standin' on the Corner Park features a two-story mural and bronze statue. |
A new Glenn Frey tribute statue was dedicated and installed in the Corner Park on September 24, 2016. It is estimated 100,000 visitors stand on the corner each year! |
La Posada Hotel
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He named the hotel La Posada, "The Resting Place". It opened in 1930, and remains a popular lodging destination today, at 303 E. 2nd Street in Winslow. |
Outside view of the historic La Posada Hotel, in Winslow, Arizona
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The Barringer Crater This meteorite impact crater is located about 18 miles west of Winslow and 37 miles east of Flagstaff. It is 3,900ft in diameter and has a rim 148ft above the surrounding desert. Take I-40 Exit 233. |
The Meteor City Trading Post The Center of the Route 66 universe ... It's out of this world! Opened in 1938. Accessible from I-40 Exit 239 (Meteor City Road). Currently being renovated |
From Winslow, we travel west to Flagstaff, a great stopover with lots of lodging and dining options. Read details about Hotels in Flagstaff, Arizona
It is a convenient jumping off location for trips to the Grand Canyon, Sedona and other Arizona attractions.
Route 66 Visitors Center
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The Flagstaff Visitor Center is a great place to find out more about Route 66 in Arizona, area attractions like Sedona and the Grand Canyon, and lodging options. It is located at 1 E Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff. |
Flagstaff, ArizonaAll roads lead to Flagstaff ... or at least many do! Many highways pass through the city, including Route 66, I-40, I-17, and US Highway 180. |
Street scene in historic downtown Flagstaff![]() |
While in Flagstaff, visit nearby Sedona, only a few miles to the south!![]() |
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Arizona Route 66 Passport
The Arizona Route 66 Passport is your guide into the heart of America. Cruise along the Mother Road, collecting stamps at locations along the way. Each passport comes with a free Traveler's Guide. It is published by the The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, a non-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation, protection, and promotion of both the surface, and the memories along Arizona’s portion of Route 66. Proceeds from the sale of Passports benefit this cooperative marketing initiative. Purchase an Arizona Route 66 Passport online or pick one up at one of the locations where stamps are given. More information about the Arizona Route 66 Passport Order the Arizona Route 66 Passport online Arizona Digital Route 66 Passport: Rock the Route
The Arizona Office of Tourism launched in late August of 2022 the Digital Route 66 Passport. From Topock 66 on the Colorado River in the west to The Painted Desert Trading Post in the east plus miles of famous sights, shops, eats and towns in between, the free digital passport makes planning a Route 66-centric road trip easier than ever. There’s even the chance to win prizes by checking in and uploading photos through the passport. Access to the free digital map and passport is delivered instantly to phones and mobile devices after a quick sign-up. Read how the Passport works and how to get one: Arizona Digital Route 66 Passport Read the Press Release here: Arizona Office of Tourism Launches Digital Route 66 Passport |
More Popular Nearby Destinations on Our Other Website |
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