The “super-highway” of America, the gateway to the Grand Canyon—Williams, Arizona goes by many names. Stop into this road tripper bucket list destination for a great weekend retreat. Enjoy the classic cars and classic views. Williams, Arizona is pure Americana.
Arizona is known as the Grand Canyon State, and with good reason. Grand Canyon National Park is a world-renowned geographical wonder. But Arizona isn’t just the Grand Canyon, there is so much more to this remarkable state, and this itinerary is going to show you where to find these untraveled gems.
New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment for good reason. It is a land of Rocky Mountain heights and vast desert expanses. New Mexico is home to 23 tribes including 19 Pueblos, three Apache tribes, and the Navajo Nation. It has astounding Hispanic culture and modern-day metropolises. This itinerary is going to take you through all of it.
Descending from Flagstaff to Winslow, Arizona on the historic Route 66 is a slow and beautiful transition into the desert. Once you take the exit into Winslow, you just have to snap a selfie on the Standin’ on the Corner Park. Afterward, cruise out to the lake–that’s right, the lake! Clear Creek Reservoir is less than 10 minutes from town, and unless a fellow traveler told you about it, you might not even know it was there. The deep blue lake carves through beautiful Coconino Sandstone cliffs and McHood Park. Some even refer to the lake as a miniature Lake Powell.
Sweeping vistas. Miles of open road. Kingman is a place to turn up the tunes, roll down the window, and drive. But it’s also an oasis within the desert. A quirky town that’s part of the longest unbroken stretch of Route 66, Kingman is a must for road trip enthusiasts and a look back at classic Americana. Here are a few suggestions for things to do in Kingman, AZ.
Grants is a vibrant New Mexico community. Roughly an hour west of Albuquerque, the town is full of hidden gems that make it a stop that no Southwestern traveler would want to miss. Recently I spent some time exploring Grants, and I found something new around every corner. Had I not made this trip, I would have never known about this uncommon destination. Though there is more to do in Grants than I had time for, I’m excited to tell you about just a few of my favorite areas to experience and things to do in Grants, NM.
Home to the tallest peak in Arizona in the world; Flagstaff is a mountain playground for everyone from geologists to adventurers. Flanked by the San Francisco Peaks, the entire area was once volcanic, which blessed the high desert with canyons and crazy rock formations, transforming it into the most geographically diverse region in the world.
One of two national parks with its own zip codes, the Grand Canyon is one of the most impressive natural marvels on Earth. Layers of colored rock as far as the eye can see, its formation is one of the world’s greatest mysteries, which is partially what makes it so jaw-dropping.
Place yourself in the setting of one of the most famous Eagle’s songs— Winslow, Arizona. While standing on this corner is totally picture-worthy and almost a right of passage along the historic Route 66, you’ll soon find more to this charming Arizona town.
Grants is a small town in northwestern New Mexico, and is part of Cibola county, a county that boasts of a whopping 86 miles of Route 66 – the largest slice any county can offer of the 2,448 miles of tarmac immortalized as a rhythm ‘n’ blues classic by Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones and John Mayer.