Route 66 Seligman to Oatman - direction matters?

Question

I’m going to be in Arizona next month for business with some extra time to spend. I’ve been to the state numerous times but one thing that remains on my agenda is to visit perhaps the most celebrated part of Route 66 that remains, the Seligman/Kingsman/Oatman route - I’ve essentially driven all of it east of Williams to St Louis.

And I’ve always associated it just like that “Seligman/Kingsman/Oatman” - but for my travels it probably makes more sense for me to drive west to east instead of east to west. I ask - does it make a difference? Will there be views I miss by not going the popular way? If this is the chance I have to do this I want to do it “right.”

Thanks for any insight!

Answer

Driving the famous Route 66 stretch from Seligman through Kingman to Oatman is a highlight of any Arizona trip, and the good news is that the experience is enjoyable in either direction. The “classic” direction of east to west (Seligman → Kingman → Oatman) is often promoted in travel guides and blogs, mostly because Seligman is considered the birthplace of the Route 66 revival movement and it sets the scene for the historic journey westward toward California.

However, driving west to east (Oatman → Kingman → Seligman) does not mean you’ll miss any must-see sights or viewpoints. The towns, roadside attractions, and desert scenery are all visible in either direction. It really comes down to how you want to experience the journey:

Driving east to west (traditional): Gives the sense of following Route 66 as travelers historically did toward California. Seligman is a classic Route 66 town with restored old gas stations, diners, and memorabilia, which feels like the “start” of the iconic journey.
Driving west to east: Works perfectly fine and may even be more convenient depending on your travel schedule. You’ll still see Oatman’s famous wild burros, Kingman’s Route 66 Museum, and Seligman’s retro vibe. The order just changes the story of your journey.

Other considerations:

Some travelers like to drive east to west to “finish” in Oatman, where the small town with its burros and historic Main Street gives a natural end to the trip before connecting to I-40 or heading toward Las Vegas or other destinations.
Sunlight and photography: If you are particular about the direction of sunlight, consider that driving westward in the morning will give better front-lighting for photos in the eastern towns, while eastward in the afternoon may cast nicer light on the western stretches.
The roads themselves are curvy and scenic, but the experience of the historic stops is independent of the direction. You won’t miss any attractions by going the opposite way.

In short, drive in the direction that best fits your schedule and starting point. The charm of Route 66 is in the stops, small towns, and scenic views, all of which are fully accessible whether you go east to west or west to east. You’ll get the “right” experience either way, so focus on enjoying the journey, taking plenty of photos, and stopping at the classic landmarks.

Route 66 Seligman to Oatman - direction matters?

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