Exploring “The Mother Road” in Arizona

After living around the US, I can say Arizona is definitely one of the most interesting states in the country. During my 4+ years living here, I enjoyed exploring the many unusual sites including historic pueblo ruins, ghost towns, ancient pictographs, and mesmerizing natural wonders. For history buffs, there is no better destination in the Southwest. Arizona is home to a lengthy stretch of Rt. 66 aka “The Mother Road.” The iconic road (which spans 2400 miles from Illinois to Santa Monica) is to this day still beloved by many. Long gone are the days when people took their time to travel, exploring every oddball attraction that once lined the famous road. Fortunately, there are still large stretches of the nostalgic road to explore and a number of interesting places still left untouched.

You can no longer drive the entire route continuously, however, long stretches can still be enjoyed. Adventurous and nostalgic travelers can look forward to a roadtrip where you take your time to enjoy the sights rather than rushing on the highway to get to your final destination as quickly as possible. Interestingly, Arizona is home to the longest remaining stretch of Rt 66, a 385 mile portion running from Lupton to Kingman. It is also home to the longest continuous stretch (158 miles) between Ash Fork and the Colorado River.

I loved exploring all these quirky pieces of history, which were easily accessible via daytrips from my home in Flagstaff. Check out a few of my favorite Rt. 66 stops throughout Arizona

Standin’ on a Corner Park

Location: Corner of Kinsley &, E 2nd St, Winslow

Significance: Made famous by the Eagles in the classic song “Take It Easy”

I am sure most of us have heard the Eagle’s classic “Take It Easy” whether or not we grew up in the 70’s. The iconic lyrics “Well, I’m Standin’ on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona” forever lives on in this catchy classic rock tune. I am not a huge fan of 70’s music, but really who doesn’t like the Eagles? The actual spot mentioned in the song can be visited via a memorial park in Williams. A fun photo opp where you can take your pic at the exact site mentioned in the song is amongst various Rt 66 memorabilia lining this downtown area. This small town is packed with Rt. 66 gift shops.

La Posada Hotel

Location:  303 E. Second St./Route 66 in Winslow,

Significance: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

La Posada is nicknamed “the Last Great Railroad Hotel.” This beautiful historic property was built for a whopping 1 million back in 1929. Not surprisingly, it has won numerous awards including a spot on Conde Nast’s prestigious “World’s Best Places to Stay.” You can explore the beautiful architecture both inside and out, stroll the lovely gardens, and dine at the award winning Turquoise Room. This restaurant serves authentic Southwestern fare in a gorgeous dining room. It’s a great stop in between exploring other attractions around Winslow or Flagstaff.

Learn more about the history of this property

Two Guns Ghost Town

Location: 30 miles east of Flagstaff on I-40

Significance: Home to the remains of an abandoned zoo

I have explored numerous Arizona ghost towns and Two Guns is my favorite. This town used to be home to a popular roadside zoo. Today, you can still see a few of the worn down mountain lion cages. The zoo opened in 1925 and was a popular Rt 66 tourist attraction until the new highway was built. This ghost town is an easy daytrip from Flagstaff (located about a half hour east of the city). Other sites of interest here include: the Abandoned Canyon Diablo bridge which was used to carry Rt 66 over Canyon Diablo, as well as old Rt 66 water tank, and an abandoned KOA campground and gas station.

Read more about the history of Two Guns

Monte Vista

Location: Downtown Flagstaff

Significance: One of the most haunted towns in the US

Flagstaff’s most historic and haunted hotel is located just off Rt. 66. I love downtown Flagstaff – you will find so many great independent businesses to enjoy a drink or bite to eat. Monte Vista hotel opened in 1927, making it one of the city’s oldest. Today, you can enjoy a drink at the Rendezvous Coffee shop and Wine Bar. Many famous people have stayed here over the years including Bob Hope, Michael J. Fox, and Bing Crosby. Famous people aside, ghosts are the more commonly sighted residents. There are so many ghostly legends here which you can read all about when you visit this beautiful historic property. Or dare to stay in Room 305 where a ghostly apparition of a women in a rocking chair haunted many guests over the years even John Wayne! As a big fan of anything supernatural, I would love to stay at this hotel, but then again I would be really spooked to run into a real ghost!

Learn more about the history of this haunted hotel

Santa Claus, Arizona

Location: U.S. Route 93 between mile markers 57 and 58

Significance: Once a popular Santa themed town on Rt 66, now a ghost town

Santa Claus, Arizona (not to be confused with the tourist hotspot Santa Claus, Indiana) is a small now ghost town located about 14 miles north of Kingman. While the abandoned buildings today are covered with graffiti, it was once a thriving Christmas themed tourist stop. Kids could even send out postcards with an official Santa stamp! Read more about the history.