Route 66 California-Arizona Itinerary
California-Arizona Route 66 Road Trip
Start / End
Santa Monica, California / Lupton, Arizona
States Covered
AZ
CA
National Parks
Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon & Petrified Forest National Parks
Suggested Days
7+ Days
Total Distance
271 miles (436 Kilometers)
Suggested Seasons
All Seasons, Spring & Fall
#ThisIsMyRoute
Overview
Route 66 is the epicenter of road trips, and the Mother Road has been ushering motorists across the United States for nearly 100 years. In celebration of its centennial year, plan the ultimate journey along one section, like this thoughtfully mapped out Route 66 California-Arizona itinerary, or piece each portion together for the ultimate road trip adventure.
At 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers) long, Route 66 crosses eight states from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California. While we suggest carving out at least a few weeks to really explore the whole thing from start to finish, this California-Arizona itinerary is a great way to experience the western most leg of the journey in just one week. This portion of the route can be completed in any season. Be sure to check out our other Route 66 content, listed at the bottom of this itinerary.
Lastly, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Route 66 is lined with dozens of quirky roadside attractions and photo ops, murals and more. You will stop more than you think and end your trip with more photos on your camera roll than you can imagine!
Route 66: the California-Arizona Section
Traditionally, most Route 66 traffic headed west, but you can in fact travel the road in either direction. For the purposes of this itinerary, you’ll begin in Santa Monica, California and travel east ending in Arizona. Fly into LAX or another southern California airport and pick up your rental car when you arrive. The most convenient departure airport for this itinerary is the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
DAY 1: SANTA MONICA TO SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
Next stop: Downtown LA’s Clifton’s Republic, a whimsical 1935 cafeteria-turned-cabinet-of-curiosities. They’re still serving up plates, so give their famous mac & cheese or pot roast a try if you’re feeling peckish.
Continue to Pasadena’s Colorado Street Bridge, often known as “Suicide Bridge” for its tragic history. Built in 1913, the concrete arch bridge offers spectacular views of the Arroyo Seco.
Just east in Claremont, the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden offers 86 acres of California native plants. Stroll through sage-scented paths and see the state’s iconic flora in this beautiful botanical garden.
Continue east to San Bernardino where the Original McDonald’s Museum and site of the first McDonald’s restaurant awaits. This free museum showcases vintage ads, equipment, and memorabilia from the chain’s humble beginnings.
For dinner, try Rosa Maria’s Mexican Food or Mitla Cafe. Both Route 66 institutions are famous for their tacos and burritos.
End your day at the Wigwam Motel, one of only three remaining wigwam villages in America. Book early – these concrete teepees fill up fast!
Optional Add-On Detour: Joshua Tree National Park
DAY 2: SAN BERNARDINO TO NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA
Just down the road, Emma Jean’s Hollandburger Cafe has been serving truckers, bikers, and weary travelers since 1947. Try the Trucker Special Sandwich, piled high with roast beef, bacon, Ortega chiles, Swiss cheese, and plenty of other fixings. This no-frills diner was even featured in Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
Continue east to Oro Grande, where you’ll find the iconic Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. Wander amongst thousands of glass bottles upcycled into a forest of artful tree-like installations. When the desert breeze catches the bottles, you’ll hear an otherworldly wind chime symphony. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
The real Mojave adventure begins as you head toward Amboy. Along the way, stop at the Barstow Station where you’ll find the Western America Railroad Museum. Carve out some time to check out the Calico Ghost Town, an abandoned community that will send a chill down your spine even in the desert heat.
Once you arrive in Amboy, Roy’s Motel and Cafe in Amboy is where you’ll find pure Route 66 photography gold. This restored 1938 landmark with its classic neon sign marks the halfway point between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Time and weather permitting, hike the nearby Amboy Crater, a 250-foot-high extinct volcanic cinder cone offering panoramic desert views.
Your final stopping point is the town of Needles, which is home to several budget-friendly chain hotels. Alternatively, book a night at Topock 66 Colorado River, just south of Needles over the California-Arizona state line. Located on the Topock Marina overlooking the Colorado River, this is a lively choice full of modern amenities.
Optional Add-on Detour: Mojave National Preserve
DAY 3: NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA TO KINGMAN, ARIZONA
Leave Needles early and stop by the mysterious Topock Maze on your way out of town. This ancient geoglyph, covering 50 acres of desert with intricate gravel patterns, has puzzled archeologists for generations. Though its true origin remains debated, local Mojave people consider it sacred ground.
Next, wind your way through the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, where the Colorado River creates an oasis in the desert. Keep your binoculars handy – there’s a lot of wildlife to be spotted like bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and hundreds of bird species.
As you continue on make a quick stop at the ghost town-like incorporated community of Yucca. There, you can snap a photo of the Truck-on-a-Pole (it’s exactly as it sounds) and the oddly out of place (and very deserted) Honolulu Club.
When you’re ready, keep on rolling to Kingman,the heart of Route 66 in Arizona. The Powerhouse Building houses both the Arizona Route 66 Museum and the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum. Through detailed dioramas and vintage cars, you’ll experience the Mother Road’s evolution from dusty trail to American icon.
Spend the rest of the day meandering through quirky Kingman. For lunch, try Floyd & Company Real Pit BBQ for smokehouse favorites. D’z Route 66 Diner or Rutherford’s 66 Diner are great options for classic burgers and shakes in a nostalgic setting. Dambar’s Steakhouse is where you’ll find Wild West aesthetics, while Kingman Craft House is the perfect spot for a tipple at the end of a long day.
Rest your road-weary bones at the historic El Trovatore Motel, famous for its restored neon sign and western inspired rooms. Closer into town near the I-40 junction lie familiar big-name hotel brands, as well.
Optional Add-On Detour: Hualapai Peak
DAY 4: KINGMAN TO WILLIAMS, ARIZONA
Start early from Kingman and head north to Grand Canyon West. The star attraction here is the Skywalk – a glass-bottomed walkway suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. Enjoy lunch at Sa’ Nyu Wa restaurant, offering Native American fusion cuisine with canyon views.
Backtrack to Route 66 and stop at Grand Canyon Caverns in Peach Springs. Take the elevator 210 feet down to explore one of America’s largest dry caverns. Adventure seekers can book the underground “Cavern Suite” – reportedly America’s darkest hotel room.
Don’t miss Dante’s Descent, a treacherous stretch of original Route 66 roadbed featuring steep grades and hairpin turns. While you can’t drive it anymore, the viewpoint offers spectacular photo opportunities.
Arrive in Williams, the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” For dinner, choose between Goldie’s Route 66 Diner for classic road food, Cruiser’s for burgers and shakes, or Grand Canyon Brewing Company for craft beers and elevated pub fare.
Stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel located in a historic train depot or the Buffalo Pointe Inn where 100 years of history welcome road-worn wanderers.
DAY 5: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Williams, Arizona, is the official gateway to the Grand Canyon. Spend a full day based in the nostalgic town to give yourself plenty of time to see the natural wonder in all its glory.
You can drive yourself to the South Rim, of course, or consider the Grand Canyon Railway, a locomotive journey ushering visitors to the site. There are endless ways to experience the Grand Canyon beyond just snapping a photo from the scenic overlook. Rafting trips down the Colorado River; Jeep, ATV and helicopter tours; mountain biking excursions; and skydiving adventures are all just a few of the ways to elevate your Grand Canyon perspective.
Most of these experiences will require almost a fully dedicated day. If you do have any spare time, we highly recommend checking out Poozeum back in Williams. One of America’s most unique museums, it’s fun for the whole family! Smells not included.
Other popular activities and attractions in Williams include Bearizona Wildlife Park, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, and the Wild West Junction.
DAY 6: WILLIAMS TO WINSLOW, ARIZONA
Leave Williams early and cruise east to funky Flagstaff. Take a break from diner fare for fresh options in Flagstaff, where espresso bars and trendy brunch cafes are on almost every corner.
Then hit the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered, for a guided tour full of information about Arizona’s Dark Sky legacy.
Wind down through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona’s red rock wonderland. Stop at Airport Mesa for panoramic views or take a quick hike at Bell Rock. The Chapel of the Holy Cross offers stunning architecture against vermillion cliffs.
Don’t miss Meteor Crater Natural Landmark – the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. There’s even a guided rim tour where you can learn more about the scientific history of this gargantuan marvel.
End in Winslow at La Posada Hotel, a restored 1929 masterpiece of renowned architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter. For dinner, try the hotel’s Turquoise Room for refined flavors or head to the Winslow Frybread House for authentic regional dishes. If you’re one who imbibes, Relic Road Brewing Company is worth a stop, or swing by the Root Beer Stand.
Optional Add-On Detour: Coconino National Forest
DAY 7: WINSLOW TO PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK & LUPTON, ARIZONA
Wake up early and grab breakfast at Flatbed Ford Cafe, which opens bright and early. Then snap an obligatory photo at Winslow’s “Standing on the Corner” Park, made famous by the Eagles. Pro tip: getting there early reduces the chances of people or traffic ruining your shot.
If you were lucky enough to get your photo the day before, time your journey so that you arrive at your next destination, Painted Desert, at sunrise. That’s when the colors are most spectacular, so it’s worth the early wake up call.
Continue to Petrified Forest National Park. Take the 28-mile park road through the painted desert badlands to the Rainbow Forest Museum. Stop at Newspaper Rock to see ancient petroglyphs and Crystal Forest for the best displays of crystallized logs.
For lunch, Mother Road in Chambers serves up hefty portions of authentic southwestern Indigenous cuisine from an unassuming roadside joint.
Heading east through the Navajo Nation you drive onward to Lupton, watching for trading posts along the way. The Tee Pee Trading Post marks your final Arizona photo op before crossing into New Mexico.
Congratulations, you completed the California-Arizona section of Route 66! From here you can continue your journey east or return back towards your departure city.
Want to learn more about Route 66? Check out more related content:
Everything You Need to Know About Route 66
Route 66: From Chicago Through America’s Heartland