The following morning, embark on an outdoor adventure within Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert. Begin at the visitor center, only 25 minutes from Holbrook, where you can get your bearings and decide on a destination within the park. Opt for Blue Mesa, a one-mile (.7-kilometer) loop that takes you through scenic badlands with scattered petrified wood. Or, head to the .4-mile (.6-kilometer) Giant Logs Trail to see the largest and most colorful fossilized trees in the park. You won’t want to miss Newspaper Rock, either. This notable sandstone landmark is where ancestral Puebloan peoples left messages in the form of over 650 ancient petroglyphs.

Make sure you take time to visit Tawa Point on the north side of the park, where views of the Painted Desert stretching off into the distance are best photographed at dawn or dusk!  

That evening, journey 30 minutes west to legendary Winslow, Arizona. Cure rumbling stomachs at The Turquoise Room, where bison steak, stuffed squash blossoms, and crunchy salads await. After dessert, mosey upstairs to your room at La Posada Hotel where each suite is a work of southwestern art and flair.

On day three, take it easy in downtown Winslow at Standing on the Corner Park. One of the most famous sights along Route 66, this is where the Eagles’ made history with their hit song, “Take It Easy.” Capture your photo with the mural, then head to the east side of town where a new interactive, musical art installation awaits. Simply point your tires for the rumble strips with your windows down and listen carefully as your car does its best impression of Glenn Frey.

Afterward, take your pick from the area’s many archaeological and historic wonders. Homolovi State Park is home to over 300 ancestral Puebloan and Hopi archaeological sites, including an astounding 1,200-room ancestral pueblo. To the south, Meteor Crater Natural Landmark is recognized as one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sights on the planet. Don’t miss their guided, one-of-a-kind “floor tour” previously reserved only for NASA and scientific teams. This advanced hike descends 550 feet to the bottom of the impact zone for an immersive and educational experience.

Finally, consider a stop at Apache Death Cave, a storied location said to be haunted to this day.

Later that afternoon, continue west to Flagstaff. Then, kick up your heels after a day on the road. The Americana Motor Hotel or High Country Motor Lodge are two of our favorites for retro-66 vibes and loads of boutique charm.

Flagstaff makes it easy to fuel your fun, too. Try MartAnne’s Burrito Palace, where chilaquiles served Christmas-style are always a great choice. Alternatively, stop by Atria for an upscale dinner perfect for celebrating a special occasion—like the Mother Road’s 100th birthday, for example.

Either return to Phoenix on day six, or carry on to Seligman and Kingman. The stretch of road that connects these two communities is the longest contiguous pavement of Route 66 still in use today, and it’s famous for nostalgic landmarks and flair. Stop for a milkshake at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In and be sure to get your photo taken with Giganticus Headicus!  

Then, turn south to Hualapai Mountain Park where 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) of diverse hiking and biking trails await. For those who make it to the top of Pine Lake Overlook, views back to the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff provide an awesome sense of scale and accomplishment after an inspirational week on the Mother Road.

Reluctantly, spend today driving back to Phoenix from Kingman and on home.