Explore 4 UCPlaces digital self-guided tours in Flagstaff

Welcome to Day 3 of our Route 66 journey. Today we’re leaving the pine forests of Flagstaff and heading east to Albuquerque, with a lot of open country and a few wonderfully strange roadside surprises in between. We’ll pass Winona, a tiny place made famous by the Route 66 song. We’ll find dinosaurs at Meteor City, a corner immortalized in another song in Winslow, and the colorful hills of the Painted Desert. If you have extra time, Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest National Park make remarkable detours. Then we’ll cross into New Mexico, where Gallup, Grants, and the communities of Laguna Pueblo add new stories to the road. We’ll drive surviving sections of historic Route 66 where they fit our route and use Interstate 40 to connect them. Some of the best moments today are small ones: an old sign, a quiet trading post, or a bend in the road that still feels much as it did decades ago. Take your time. Albuquerque will be there when we arrive.

Today’s drive takes you from the pine-covered mountains of Flagstaff through the vast, sun-baked high desert and into the historic heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire — San Bernardino. Along the way, you’ll trace the original Mother Road’s winding path, experiencing iconic Route 66 sights, quirky roadside attractions, and a dramatic shift in landscape. From the awe-inspiring views of the Mogollon Rim to the remnants of classic motels and neon signs in Kingman, you’ll feel the pulse of Route 66’s golden era. Pass through small towns that tell stories of early American travel, mining booms, and westward dreams. As you descend from the desert’s vast openness toward the bustling urban sprawl, keep an eye out for classic diners, vintage gas stations, and the unmistakable charm that makes this stretch one of the most celebrated on the entire route. By the time you arrive in San Bernardino, the official birthplace of Route 66, you’ll have journeyed through a tapestry of history, culture, and landscape — all tied together by the enduring spirit of the Mother Road.

Today’s drive takes you from the pine-covered mountains of Flagstaff through the vast, sun-baked high desert and into the historic heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire — San Bernardino. Along the way, you’ll trace the original Mother Road’s winding path, experiencing iconic Route 66 sights, quirky roadside attractions, and a dramatic shift in landscape. From the awe-inspiring views of the Mogollon Rim to the remnants of classic motels and neon signs in Kingman, you’ll feel the pulse of Route 66’s golden era. Pass through small towns that tell stories of early American travel, mining booms, and westward dreams. As you descend from the desert’s vast openness toward the bustling urban sprawl, keep an eye out for classic diners, vintage gas stations, and the unmistakable charm that makes this stretch one of the most celebrated on the entire route. By the time you arrive in San Bernardino, the official birthplace of Route 66, you’ll have journeyed through a tapestry of history, culture, and landscape — all tied together by the enduring spirit of the Mother Road.

Welcome to Day 4 of our American adventure with this self-guided Route 66 driving tour from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Flagstaff, Arizona. This journey takes you through the heart of the Southwest, showcasing iconic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and historical treasures. Starting in Albuquerque, you'll trace the path of the Mother Road, stopping at must-see attractions like Gallup, New Mexico, and the legendary Jack Rabbit Trading Post. Marvel at the stunning Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert, then explore the ancient dwellings of Walnut Canyon National Monument. Finally, arrive in Flagstaff, Arizona, a vibrant city steeped in Route 66 history. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and Americana, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Discover the charm of small towns, capture stunning photos, and experience the spirit of the open road on this unforgettable Route 66 adventure. This tour is designed for both first-time and returning visitors seeking to explore the best of Route 66.