As Route 66 celebrates its milestone 100th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday, there is no better time to embark on an RV road trip. Traversing the iconic stretch of the "Mother Road" between Williams, Flagstaff, and Winslow, AZ, this journey offers a blend of nostalgic Americana, jaw-dropping natural wonders, and family-friendly adventures.
1. Williams, AZ: The Heart of Old-School Americana
Known as the last section of Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40 in the 1980s, Williams remains one of the best-preserved vintage road trip towns in the United States. Walking down its main strip feels like stepping back into a classic era full of retro diners, milkshake parlors, and neon-lit gas stations.
Wild Encounters & Train Rides
Williams serves as more than just a nostalgic backdrop—it is a hub for unique local attractions:
- Drive-Thru Wildlife Safari: Get up close with North American wildlife, including wolves, bison, and bears right from your vehicle, followed by a walk-through exhibit featuring river otters and adorable baby bear cubs. (Planning to drive through? RVs are welcome!)
- Grand Canyon Deer Farm: A hit with all ages, this hands-on stop allows visitors to walk among and hand-feed friendly deer—just be prepared, as they might playfully nibble on your shirt if you aren't feeding them fast enough.
- Grand Canyon Railroad: Hop aboard a scenic, historic train ride direct to the Grand Canyon. The journey features live acoustic cowboy songs and a surprise mock train robbery along the track.
2. Flagstaff, AZ: Stargazing and Ancient History
Located just 45 minutes east of Williams, Flagstaff offers a mix of rich scientific history and outdoor exploration.
Discovering Pluto at Lowell Observatory
Flagstaff is home to the world-renowned Lowell Observatory, established in the late 1890s. This is the exact site where astronomers discovered the planet Pluto in 1930. Visitors can view solar activity through specialized daytime telescopes, explore planetarium shows, and gaze into deep space using massive nighttime viewscopes. Parking is spacious and able to accommodate RVs.
Walking Through History at Walnut Canyon
A short drive outside the city center lies Walnut Canyon National Monument. Hiking down the Island Trail brings you face-to-face with remarkably well-preserved cliff dwellings built by the ancient Sinagua people around 1200 AD. Looking across the canyon walls feels like a real-life scavenger hunt as dozens of ancient dwellings emerge from the cliffside. That’s the beauty of RV life: you can immerse yourself in thousands of years of history, unplug for the evening under a blanket of desert stars, and wake up ready to chase the next horizon.
3. Roadside Quirks & Historic Winslow, AZ
Heading east toward Winslow along Route 66 reveals several classic roadside stops:
- Meteor City Dino Drive-Thru: A refurbished 1940s vintage attraction where visitors can drive through or rent pedal cars to navigate giant dinosaur statues.
- Meteor Crater: Peer over the edge of an astounding 1-mile-wide impact site created by a meteor over 50,000 years ago.
- Standin' on the Corner Park in Winslow: Made famous by the Eagles' classic hit song, this revitalization project helped bring life and tourism back to Winslow after the interstate bypassed the town.
Plan Your Visit: RV Base Camp Tip
For travelers towing a rig or driving a motorhome, staying centrally located is key. The Grand Canyon Railroad RV Park in Williams provides an ideal base camp. Situated within an hour's drive of the Grand Canyon and 45 minutes from Flagstaff, it allows you to park your vehicle and walk right over to Route 66’s historic road trip attractions.
For a detailed walk-through of the trip, watch the complete video: The Ultimate Route 66 Arizona Itinerary.
