Arizona--Historic Route 66
Date: 2004-11-14
Mother Nature spent some extra time in Northern Arizona when she created the wondrous sights between Chambers and Winslow. They're visible along I-40, with a twist of nostalgia tossed in for good measure as Historic Rte. 66 weaves its way along this colorful 75-mile stretch of high desert country. Exit 311 from I-40 delivers you to the colorful palette of the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. You'll marvel at the endless stream of nature's colors and gigantic chunks of prehistoric wood now rock-hard with the passing of the ages. Visitors can only take pictures, as the National Park Service forbids pocketing pieces of the petrified rock. The roads through the Petrified Forest National Park are pristine blacktop with wide sweeping curves from one overlook site to another.
If sleeping in a teepee is on your life's list of "things to do," then take I-40's Exit 286 into Holbrook where Business Loop 40 traverses the path of Old Rte. 66. The Wigwam Village, a motor court made up of a dozen concrete teepees, has lured visitors since 1936. It is still in operation, but call ahead for a reservation, as availability is limited. To experience more nostalgic driving, head west on the interstate to Winslow, where Business Loop 40 once again retraces the old alignment of Historic Rte. 66. At the intersection of Kinsley Avenue and Second Street is the corner made famous by The Eagles rock group in their 1970s hit "Take It Easy." You, too, can "stand on the corner" in a setting reminiscent of the song's lyrics and "take it easy."
Starting Point:
Chambers, AZ
Distance of Drive:
75 miles
Side Trip:
Meteor Crater--I-40 Exit 233. Meteorite Impact Sight: 570 ft. deep, nearly a mile in circumference (800/289-5898).
Must Eat:
Joe and Aggie's Cafe Holbrook
120 West Hopi Drive, Holbrook, AZ 86047
Phone:928-524-6540
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:Mexican Dishes
Falcon Restaurant
1113 West 3rd Street, Winslow, AZ 86047
Phone:928-289-2628
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:American and Mexican Dishes
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Summer and early fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Petrified Forest National Park
Painted Desert
Pow Wow Trading Post
Giant Jackrabbit at Jackrabbit Trading Post
Old Trails Museum
Roadworks (Rte. 66 gifts and souvenirs)
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