Route 66 Day 5: Flagstaff, AZ to San Bernardino, CA - Epic Self-Guided Driving Tour.
Places: 17 POIs
Distance: 411.17 mi
Duration: 7h:45m
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Tour #2465
About this English self-guided 7h:45m driving tour in Flagstaff
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.
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
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This tour is also available in reverse direction:
Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
![Map Pin]()
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 41.77mi
Historic Rte 66, Ash Fork, AZ 86320, USA
Camp Picacho Area – Guns, Ghosts, and Getaways in the Mojave's Forgotten Outpost
You’re now driving through a remote and dusty stretch of Arizona desert near Camp Picacho, not far from the wide-open ranchlands known as Rocky Mountain Ranches. This area might feel like the middle of nowhere — but in classic Route 66 style, it's full of mystery, history, and just a bit of myth.
Let’s rewind to the early 20th century.
Before I-40 was built, this stretch of desert was part of a wild, lesser-traveled route of historic Route 66, and it served as a kind of desert outpost for drifters, ranchers, and the occasional outlaw. It’s said that nearby Camp Picacho, now mostly forgotten, once hosted military training exercises during World War II. Some locals claim it was also used by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression — a dusty waystation where young men built fences by day and huddled around desert campfires at night.
But perhaps the best-known local legend involves an old prospector named Jed “One-Eyed” Collier, who lived alone in the hills just north of here. Jed swore he’d found a gold vein while blasting rock near the Black Mountains. He showed off nuggets in town but refused to share the location. One day in the 1950s, he vanished into the desert and was never seen again. Search parties found his donkey, his pickaxe, and a single worn boot… but no Jed. Ever since, rumors of a “lost desert mine” near Picacho have drawn treasure hunters and ghost town explorers — though no one’s found it yet.
Keep your eyes peeled — some claim that at sunset, you can still see Jed's silhouette standing on a distant ridge, panning for gold against the crimson sky.
Today, this part of the Mojave is quiet and vast — a mix of ranchland, BLM territory, and wild desert vistas. But it’s also a great example of how Route 66 isn’t just about the stops you can see — it's about the stories and spirits that ride with you on the journey.
So as you roll past this lonely stretch, just remember: you're not really alone out here. You're sharing the road with legends.
Let’s rewind to the early 20th century.
Before I-40 was built, this stretch of desert was part of a wild, lesser-traveled route of historic Route 66, and it served as a kind of desert outpost for drifters, ranchers, and the occasional outlaw. It’s said that nearby Camp Picacho, now mostly forgotten, once hosted military training exercises during World War II. Some locals claim it was also used by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression — a dusty waystation where young men built fences by day and huddled around desert campfires at night.
But perhaps the best-known local legend involves an old prospector named Jed “One-Eyed” Collier, who lived alone in the hills just north of here. Jed swore he’d found a gold vein while blasting rock near the Black Mountains. He showed off nuggets in town but refused to share the location. One day in the 1950s, he vanished into the desert and was never seen again. Search parties found his donkey, his pickaxe, and a single worn boot… but no Jed. Ever since, rumors of a “lost desert mine” near Picacho have drawn treasure hunters and ghost town explorers — though no one’s found it yet.
Keep your eyes peeled — some claim that at sunset, you can still see Jed's silhouette standing on a distant ridge, panning for gold against the crimson sky.
Today, this part of the Mojave is quiet and vast — a mix of ranchland, BLM territory, and wild desert vistas. But it’s also a great example of how Route 66 isn’t just about the stops you can see — it's about the stories and spirits that ride with you on the journey.
So as you roll past this lonely stretch, just remember: you're not really alone out here. You're sharing the road with legends.
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Place #2
![Map Pin]()
Distance: 16.56mi
, Attraction : Diner (Recommended selfie spot).
22195 W Old Hwy 66, Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
Snow Cap Drive-In
Coming on your left is Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In, a Route 66 icon in Seligman, Arizona, known for its quirky humor and novelty service.
Founded in 1953 by Juan Delgadillo, the drive-in is famous for its gag signs, trick condiments, and cars with fake flat tires.
Juan's playful personality and the drive-in's unique atmosphere have made it a must-stop for Route 66 travelers.
The menu features classic diner fare like burgers, fries, and shakes, all served with a side of laughter. The Snow Cap is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience that captures the spirit of Route 66.
The Delgadillo family has played a significant role in preserving Route 66, with Juan's brother, Angel Delgadillo, being instrumental in establishing the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.
Founded in 1953 by Juan Delgadillo, the drive-in is famous for its gag signs, trick condiments, and cars with fake flat tires.
Juan's playful personality and the drive-in's unique atmosphere have made it a must-stop for Route 66 travelers.
The menu features classic diner fare like burgers, fries, and shakes, all served with a side of laughter. The Snow Cap is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience that captures the spirit of Route 66.
The Delgadillo family has played a significant role in preserving Route 66, with Juan's brother, Angel Delgadillo, being instrumental in establishing the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1
Camp Picacho Area – Guns, Ghosts, and Getaways in the Mojave's Forgotten Outpost
Place 2
Snow Cap Drive-In
Place 3
Historic Route 66 (AZ-66) – Seligman to Kingman, Arizona
Place 4
Peach Springs, Arizona – Heart of the Hualapai Nation on Route 66
Place 5
Kingman, Arizona – The Town That Refused to Die
Place 6
Historic Oatman
Place 7
Welcome to California – The Golden State and the Final Stretch of Route 66
Place 8
Road 40 – Between Mojave National Preserve and Stepladder Mountains Wilderness
Place 9
Mojave National Preserve – California
Place 10
Granite Peak – Majestic Summit of the Mojave National Preserve
Place 11
Rodman Mountains Wilderness Area – California
Place 12
Barstow, California – A Route 66 Crossroads
Place 13
Route 66 Motel – Barstow, California
Place 14
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
Place 15
California Route 66 Museum
Place 16
Welcome to San Bernardino
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Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 6.5 to 9 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 17 stops, covering top attractions such as Camp Picacho Area – Guns, Ghosts, and Getaways in the Mojave's Forgotten Outpost, Snow Cap Drive-In, Historic Route 66 (AZ-66) – Seligman to Kingman, Arizona, Peach Springs, Arizona – Heart of the Hualapai Nation on Route 66, Kingman, Arizona – The Town That Refused to Die.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Camp Picacho Area – Guns, Ghosts, and Getaways in the Mojave's Forgotten Outpost (Address: Historic Rte 66, Ash Fork, AZ 86320, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!