Route 66

Question

Hi,

We'll be on a 2 week trip to Utah, Arizona and Las Vegas in early November. We're driving round trip to/from Vegas.

Leaving from Flagstaff around 8 am and driving to Las Vegas, we'd like to drive a little portion of Route 66. We really just want to say we've driven on it and take some interesting photos along the way.

Would the section from Seligman to Kingman be the best section for that?

Any other tips/ideas?

Answer

The section of Route 66 from Seligman to Kingman in Arizona is widely considered the most iconic and photogenic stretch for travelers who want to experience a nostalgic piece of the historic highway without committing to the entire route. This portion offers a good mix of classic Route 66 Americana, including vintage motels, retro diners, quirky roadside attractions, and classic neon signs. Driving this section will give you a genuine feel for the "Mother Road" and plenty of opportunities for interesting photos.

Here are some highlights and tips for that section:

Seligman: Known as the birthplace of the Route 66 revival, Seligman has several restored vintage shops and diners, including the famous Roadkill Café and Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In. It’s a great place to stop for photos and souvenirs.
Hackberry General Store: This small roadside stop is a classic Route 66 photo opportunity, filled with vintage memorabilia, old gas pumps, and classic cars.
Kingman: Offers a small but charming historic downtown area with murals, Route 66 museums, and additional photo opportunities.
Oatman: Slightly off the direct route but worth the detour, this former gold mining town has wild burros roaming the streets and staged gunfights for visitors.

If your main goal is just to “say you’ve driven Route 66” and capture some classic photos, this stretch is ideal because it’s scenic, easy to navigate, and not overly long—roughly 80–90 miles from Seligman to Kingman, which will take about 1.5–2 hours of driving without stops.

Additional tips:

Consider starting in Seligman and heading west toward Kingman to follow the historic alignment and get the classic Route 66 experience.
Take your time for photo stops; many attractions are right along the road.
Check for any seasonal closures or limited hours, as November can have shorter daylight hours.
Fuel up in Seligman or Kingman, as gas stations are sparse along some stretches.

Other sections of Route 66 in Arizona are also interesting, such as Williams or the stretch through Flagstaff, but for a quick, iconic experience between Flagstaff and Las Vegas, the Seligman to Kingman section is your best bet. This gives you a perfect balance of historic charm, roadside attractions, and scenic desert landscapes without deviating too far from your route.

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