Route 66, Arizona: An American-style road trip with neon, kitsch and Harleys

Ilse Woorts
Jul 26
6 min read

Few roads in the world capture the imagination quite like Route 66. Almost everyone knows the legendary highway that has become a symbol of freedom, adventure and the ultimate American road trip.

During my journey through the Southwest of the United States, I get the chance to drive one of its most beautiful sections, and looking back, it turns out to be one of the absolute highlights of my trip.

How does Route 66 run?

The iconic Route 66 runs from Chicago in the east to Santa Monica in California, a distance of nearly 4,000 kilometres. One day, I would love to drive the entire route, but that requires quite a bit more time. For this trip, I choose one of the most scenic sections: the stretch between Kingman and Flagstaff, where I find exactly the authentic Route 66 atmosphere I was hoping for.

Here, it feels as if time has stood still. The road winds through famous Route 66 towns such as Hackberry, Seligman and Williams, where the spirit of the old highway is still very much alive. I immerse myself in American kitsch, with flashing neon signs, life-sized Elvis figures, retro diners and and rumbling Harley-Davidsons.

My Route Through Arizona: Oatman → Kingman (approx. 50 km) → Hackberry (approx. 30 km) → Seligman (approx. 70 km) → Williams (approx. 65 km) → Flagstaff (approx. 55 km)

The route from Oatman to Flagstaff

Because I am travelling from Los Angeles, I pick up historic Route 66 a little earlier in Oatman, before starting the official stretch between Kingman and Flagstaff. That extra detour is absolutely worth it.

As soon as I arrive, it feels like I have stepped straight into a Western movie. Cowboys walk through the streets, bringing the Wild West back to life. The roads are dusty, the sun is blazing, and the atmosphere is exactly what I imagined Route 66 to be.

Oatman was once a thriving gold-mining town in the Wild West, with hotels, saloons, gambling houses and a lively nightlife. Today, wild burros still roam freely through the streets. They were once used by miners and were left behind after the mines closed. Nowadays, they have become the true symbol of the town.

For lunch, I stop at the famous Oatman Hotel. The walls and ceilings are covered with thousands of dollar bills left behind by visitors over the years. Many people write their name, a date or a wish on them first. According to tradition, leaving behind your own dollar brings good luck, so make sure you have one with you!

From Oatman, the road towards Kingman quickly turns into a narrow and winding mountain road with countless hairpin bends. The Road Runner may be famous for being fast, but on the winding road to Kingman it’s best to take it a bit easier. However, the views you get in return are incredible.

Spending the night in a vintage Airstream

In Kingman, I spend the night in a classic Airstream trailer. I can hardly imagine a better way to get into the Route 66 spirit. It feels nostalgic, adventurous and above all, incredibly American.

For dinner, I naturally choose a real American burger joint: Mr. D’z in Kingman. The moment you walk inside, you feel like you have stepped into an episode of Happy Days. It almost feels as if The Fonz could walk through the door any moment and start playing the jukebox. Definitely add this place to your own Route 66 itinerary!

When I return in the evening, my Airstream is glowing with neon lights in every colour. At that moment, I know for sure: my Route 66 adventure has truly begun.

First stop: Hackberry

I wake up to the sound of an American freight train passing through town, loudly announcing its arrival with a long whistle. To be honest, it is exactly what you hope for on Route 66.

My first stop is Hackberry. From a distance, I immediately recognise the old gas station that I have seen in so many photos. Today, it has been transformed into a souvenir shop.

The moment I walk inside, I do not know where to look first. The shelves are packed with original souvenirs, Route 66 memorabilia and a generous amount of American kitsch. Behind the counter stands a man wearing a checked shirt, cowboy hat and a long beard, exactly the kind of Route 66 character I imagined meeting. Completely old-school, but that is precisely what makes this place so special.

Outside, there is even more to discover. Classic cars, old gas pumps and weathered advertising signs create a scene that looks as if time has stopped here. Even going to the restroom becomes part of the experience: the walls are covered with memories, and a life-sized Marilyn Monroe keeps you company.

It is one of those places where you think you will only stop for a few minutes, but somehow you are still there an hour later. With three original licence plates from different American states as souvenirs, I happily get back into the car.

Next stop: colourful Seligman

Around 60 kilometres further, I arrive in Seligman. The town is filled with neon signs standing along the road, instantly catching your eye. The colourful Western-style buildings, old gas stations and motels with vintage signs make the streets look almost like a movie set.

For lunch, I stop at Westside Lilo’s Café and enjoy the retro interior, complete with stuffed animals decorating the walls. Honestly, it is not exactly my personal style, but on Route 66 this is simply part of the experience. A little kitsch, a little crazy and very American!

On the way to Williams

Along the way, the landscape slowly begins to change. The dry and rugged desert gives way to red earth and the typical rock formations with their distinctive plateau shapes. In the distance, I can already sense that the Grand Canyon is getting closer.

Every now and then, I am passed by roaring Harley-Davidsons. The picture is complete.

Just before Flagstaff lies Williams. Here, the kitsch level reaches its peak, although the town also feels a little more touristy. I pick up a delicious milkshake at Oh Sweetie. Extremely sweet, but that fits perfectly with the over-the-top Route 66 experience.

What I especially love is the train station in Williams. Some of the historic carriages are still in use today for the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs daily to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The journey takes around two hours and fifteen minutes and is a popular way to visit the Grand Canyon without having to drive yourself.

Take some time to wander through the streets and step into a few shops. The interiors are typically American, with black-and-white tiled floors, neon signs and Elvis seemingly singing everywhere you go. Classic cars are parked along the streets, making it feel like you have travelled back to 1950s America.

Keep in mind that souvenirs here are considerably more expensive than in the other Route 66 towns.

The final destination: Flagstaff

As Flagstaff comes into view, the landscape changes once again. The desert disappears, pine trees appear and the temperature feels much more pleasant.

Flagstaff is a university town and feels completely different from the earlier Route 66 stops. Here, there is less kitsch and more of a young, trendy atmosphere.

You will find houses with porches, wide streets and a lively downtown area. In winter, Flagstaff is also a popular destination because you can even go skiing in the surrounding mountains.

I stay in a lovely Airbnb surrounded by forest, yet close to the town centre. After all the impressions of the road, I unwind with a beer at Mother Road Brewing Company. The name alone makes this place special: “Mother Road” is one of the nicknames of Route 66. How fitting it is to settle down right here, after this unforgettable drive, with a drink in my hand.

The brewery still feels authentic. Inside the raw industrial building, the original brewing equipment and tanks are still visible. Outside, a band is playing and the atmosphere is exactly how you hope an American road trip will end. With live music, a drink and a beautiful evening on the terrace, it is time to simply enjoy and take in everything I have experienced. America is great!