How To Experience Route 66 in Arizona

The History of Route 66 in Arizona

Arizona holds one of the richest and most iconic sections of historic Route 66. Stretching about 401 miles across the state from Lupton on the New Mexico border to Topock near California, Arizona’s segment of the “Mother Road” captures the spirit, struggles, and evolution of America’s love affair with the highway.

Early Development

When U.S. Route 66 was officially commissioned on November 11, 1926, much of the road in Arizona consisted of rough, unpaved tracks, many of which followed older trails used by Native Americans, early explorers, and settlers. The route generally mirrored the path of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, an important lifeline for towns across northern Arizona. Paving the road was slow and arduous; by the early 1930s, efforts were underway to improve and pave the entire Arizona section, finally completed by 1938.

Depression-Era Migration

During the Great Depression, particularly through the Dust Bowl years, Route 66 became the primary corridor for thousands of desperate families seeking a new life in California. Arizona towns like Holbrook, Winslow, and Flagstaff saw an influx of migrants. Many businesses sprang up along the route to serve these travelers—gas stations, motor courts, diners, and general stores—which would become permanent fixtures of Route 66 culture.

World War II and Post-War Boom

World War II further cemented Route 66’s importance. The military relied on the highway to transport personnel and equipment to bases across the Southwest, including Fort Huachuca and the Kingman Army Airfield. After the war, a booming American economy and the rise of car culture brought even more travelers to Route 66. Families loaded into automobiles to experience the adventure of cross-country travel, and Arizona’s stunning landscapes, from the Petrified Forest to the Painted Desert to the high country of Flagstaff and the rugged mountains near Oatman, became major tourist draws.

During this time, Arizona towns along Route 66 flourished. Unique attractions were built to capture travelers’ attention, including quirky roadside architecture, neon-lit motels, Indian trading posts, and curious museums. Seligman, Williams, and Kingman became especially lively hubs for motorists.

The Interstate Era and Decline

The beginning of Route 66’s decline in Arizona came with the passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, which funded a new national interstate system. I-40 would eventually replace large segments of Route 66 across northern Arizona. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, new bypasses left many towns isolated almost overnight. Williams, Arizona, was famously the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by I-40 on October 13, 1984. This bypass effectively decommissioned U.S. Route 66 as an official highway.

Many businesses along the route quickly closed, and sections of the road fell into disrepair. Some towns turned into near ghost towns, and the vibrant Route 66 culture faced extinction.

Preservation and Revival

Despite the decline, Route 66 remained deeply embedded in American memory. Efforts to preserve and promote the road began in the late 1980s and 1990s. Arizona was at the forefront of these efforts, with places like Seligman, led by barber and local hero Angel Delgadillo, forming historic Route 66 associations. These groups advocated for the road’s preservation, recognizing its cultural and economic significance.

Thanks to such efforts, several stretches of Route 66 in Arizona were designated as historic routes. Restored landmarks, revitalized motels, classic diners, and colorful murals now welcome a new generation of travelers. Arizona has become one of the best places to experience authentic Route 66 culture today, with celebrated attractions like Meteor Crater, Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow, the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, and the steep, twisty drive through the Black Mountains to Oatman, a town where wild burros roam the streets.

Legacy

Today, Arizona’s Route 66 embodies the nostalgic spirit of mid-20th-century America while celebrating the resilience of small-town communities. It’s not just a road; it’s a living, breathing piece of American history, offering a journey through scenic landscapes, roadside Americana, and a profound connection to the dreams of countless travelers who once chased the horizon along the Mother Road.