Historic Route 66
Places to Visit
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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (AZ)
The Sitgreaves National Forest was named for Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, a government topographical engineer who conducted the first scientific expedition across Arizona in the early 1850s.
Location: In east-central Arizona.
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The Arizona Snowbowl, with its spectacular views, offers visitors an opportunity to ski in the winter and take a scenic skyride all summer through the changing of the leaves in the fall. On a clear day, you can even get a glimpse of the Grand Canyon.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: From the historic train station on Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff, go west 2 lights. Turn right US 180. Stay on US 180 until you see the turnoff for Snowbowl Road on your right. Follow Snowbowl Road to the lodge.
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This small community, like so many others, rose to the occasion reinventing itself for survival when I-40 bypassed Route 66.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Ash Fork’s section of Route 66 runs from mile marker 146 to mile marker 144.
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Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge (AZ)
The Bill Williams River NWR is home to wide range of wildlife. From species of migratory birds, to bobcats and mountain lions, this 6,105-acre refuge seeks to preserve and protect land near the lower Colorado River. It holds one of the last stands of natural cottonwood-willow forests along the lower Colorado River.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: From Golden Shores, AZ take AZ-95 40 miles south.
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Canyon de Chelly National Monument (AZ)
Canyon de Chelly is one of the longest continuously inhabited places in North America.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: From Lupton's Welcome Center, travel west to US 191. Take US 191 north, passing the Hubbell Trading Post and continue another 30 miles north to the National Monument.
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This high desert and alpine forest is over 1.8 acres of stunning scenery, going from 2,600 feet elevation up to 12,633 feet. Coconino is also home to the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The Forest is just south of the byway.
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The Deer Farm is one of the best preserved road attraction along Rt 66. Still a viable attraction today, the Deer Farm has actually expanded without losing any of its original character. The farm is home to animals such as reindeer, axis deer, wallabies, and coatimundi.
Distance from byway: 8 mi / 12.9 km Travel time: 12 minutes Directions: From Williams, travel east and take exit 171 (Deer Farm Road), turn left onto Deer Farm Road. From the west, take the same exit, but turn right.
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Flagstaff is not only a place to relive the '50s and '60s, it is an ideal hub to experience the Grand Canyon and the three national monuments.
Location: Located where I-40 and I-17 meet in central Arizona
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The Grand Canyon Caverns provides an excellent underworld adventure right next to Historic Route 66.
Location: The GCC is 16 miles from Seligman at mile marker 115. Considered a part of Peach Springs, there is no actual street address.
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Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
One of the 8 natural Wonders of the World is in Rt 66's backyard. Carved over a millennium from the rocky Colorado Plateau by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is a place of spectacular viewpoints easily accessible with minimum effort.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: For the East Entrance, take Rt 66 east until it turns into US 89. Take US 89 to SR 64 outside of Cameron and travel west to the East Entrance.
