Welcome to my Route 66 Daily Roundups. Throughout the course of my cross-country adventure with Marriott International and vehicle sponsor Nissan USA, I will be sharing the highlights from each leg of the trip. To see all of the Daily Roundups please click here.
To read about the inspiration for this epic drive, please check out this post.
Day 9: Albuquerque, New Mexico to Flagstaff, Arizona
Today was a great day, and I knew it would be. Before leaving Albuquerque, we explored the old town a bit and then once again rejoined Route 66 headed west into the heart of the American Southwest. I knew that the landscapes would be impressive, but there’s nothing quite like being there surrounded by red buttes and countryside that never seems to end.
After crossing the Continental Divide in New Mexico, we crossed into our 7th state, Arizona and soon entered the only National Park that crosses Route 66, Painted Desert & Petrified Forest National Park. I always love visiting National Parks, and one that involves Route 66 definitely piqued my interest. Once again, I was not disappointed. Touring the park was an incredible experience, so gorgeous it was hard to leave.
From the badlands of Arizona we had several mini-stops, a common theme on our Route 66 trip. Stopping off to photograph old neon signs, visiting the famous Wigwam Motel and Winslow, Arizona, which plays special homage to both Route 66 and The Eagles and their famous song immortalizing the town, “Take It Easy.”
We ended the day in Flagstaff, Arizona and the SpringHill Suites, which is ideally situated to visit some of the region’s most famous destinations – including Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Tomorrow is a non-Route 66 day for that very reason, to explore this remarkable part of the country and I can’t wait.
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