Route 66 Journey: From Albuquerque to Flagstaff

After an unforgettable day in Albuquerque, soaking in its rich history and vibrant culture, it was time to officially begin our journey along the legendary Route 66. With the morning sun casting a golden glow over the desert landscape, we set off westward, ready to experience the sights, stories, and small towns that make this highway one of the most iconic road trip routes in the world.

This post is part of a multi-part travel series from our Southwest USA Road trip
For the other parts click here

Leaving Albuquerque and Heading West

As we left Albuquerque, the open road ahead of us felt like an invitation to the past. The early miles of our drive were surrounded by vast desert plains, with the Sandia Mountains slowly fading behind us. Route 66 here is a mixture of old and new, where modern highways occasionally overlap with the historic path of the Mother Road. The nostalgia began to set in as we passed weathered roadside motels, neon signs, and timeworn gas stations, reminders of a bygone era when this road was the primary artery for cross-country travelers.

The Budville Trading Post

Our first stop was the Budville Trading Post, a fascinating relic of Route 66 history. Established in 1928, it once served as a gas station, general store, and post office. Though it has long since closed, the building still stands, its faded signage and rustic wooden facade whispering stories of the countless travelers who stopped here for supplies and conversation. It was a great place to stretch our legs and capture some photos of classic Route 66 architecture.

The Historic Route 66 Sign in Grants

Continuing west, we arrived in Grants, a town with deep ties to the mining and railroad industries. One of its most iconic landmarks is the historic Route 66 sign, a must-see for road trippers documenting their journey. Standing beneath the bright, retro-styled sign, we felt the excitement of being on this legendary road, knowing that thousands of travelers before us had stood in the same spot, mapping their way across America.

 

Old Bluewater Motel: A Glimpse into the Past

Just past Grants, we made a quick stop at the Old Bluewater Motel. Though no longer in operation, this mid-century motel is a hauntingly beautiful relic of Route 66’s golden age. The weathered neon sign and retro design harken back to a time when weary travelers would pull off the road for a night’s rest in a classic roadside motor lodge. While time has worn down many of these establishments, they still hold an undeniable charm and historical significance.

Crossing the Continental Divide

Further west, we reached the Continental Divide, a symbolic marker where waters on the east side flow toward the Atlantic, while those on the west side flow toward the Pacific. It was a small but meaningful stop, one that reminded us of the vastness of the land we were crossing. Standing at this geographic divide, we took a moment to appreciate the journey ahead and behind us.

The Town of Gallup: Native American Art and Culture

Our next major stop was Gallup, a town deeply rooted in Native American culture and history. Known as the "Indian Capital of the World," Gallup is home to a variety of trading posts and galleries showcasing authentic Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi crafts. We spent some time exploring the local shops, admiring intricate turquoise jewelry, handwoven rugs, and pottery that reflected centuries of tradition. Gallup also boasts some impressive Route 66-era neon signs, including those at the historic El Rancho Hotel, which once hosted Hollywood stars traveling through the Southwest.

Arriving in Holbrook

Holbrook is a town that feels like a living museum of Route 66’s golden days. Famous for its classic roadside attractions, Holbrook is home to the Wigwam Motel, where travelers can still sleep in vintage teepee-shaped rooms. The town also boasts vibrant neon signs, historic diners, and a connection to the nearby Petrified Forest National Park, adding a unique blend of natural and cultural history to our journey.
 

Standing on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona

As we crossed into Arizona, we couldn’t resist making a stop in Winslow—a town immortalized by the Eagles’ song, "Take It Easy." The town fully embraces its pop culture fame, and we made sure to visit the famous "Standing on the Corner" park. A statue of a man with a guitar stands beside a vintage red flatbed Ford, paying tribute to the lyrics that put Winslow on the map. The town square was lively with visitors, all eager to take photos and soak in the classic Americana charm.

End of day in Flagstaff

As the sun began to set, we finally rolled into Flagstaff, our destination for the night. Nestled in the pines at 7,000 feet, this mountain town provided a refreshing change from the desert landscapes we had been traversing all day. With its vibrant downtown, historic railway station, and a wealth of Route 66-era motels and diners, Flagstaff felt like the perfect place to rest before continuing our adventure westward. Stay tuned for our next post, where we continue along Route 66 through Arizona, exploring more of the Mother Road’s timeless treasures!

To be continued...