A Different Side of Route 66 in Flagstaff

Happy Friday, Reader!

Route 66 is basically a greatest hits album of neon signs, retro gas stations, and those diners where you just know the pie is homemade. Flagstaff checks all those boxes, but it also throws in a few surprises. Picture rolling mountains, thick forests, and ancient sites popping up as you cruise along. This stretch of Route 66 has a vibe all its own, and I love it!

Flagstaff itself feels pretty modern, probably thanks to all the college students buzzing around. But step outside town, and it’s a whole different adventure. Out here, the mountains and the Mother Road meet up, and you get these awesome glimpses of the past that make you want to grab your camera and go exploring.

This week’s Friday Five is all about my favorite finds and the quirky little details that make Flagstaff a must-stop on Route 66. Our forest basecamp came with jaw-dropping views of the San Francisco Mountain Range. Even with a few neighbors parked nearby, it was the perfect spot to kick back after a day of exploring and filling up my camera roll. There’s nothing like relaxing in your own little home on wheels after a day of adventure!

Sunrise over the mountains near Flagstaff, with pine trees in the foreground and a glowing orange sky above the peaks. — Before the neon signs and roadside stops, there was this unforgettable sunrise over the mountains near Flagstaff.

Morning Light in the Mountains

Before we set out to chase neon lights and quirky roadside stops, we soaked up a peaceful sunrise over the mountains at our basecamp in the Coconino National Forest. The San Francisco Mountain range looked absolutely magical in the morning light, especially with a snowy peak shining in the distance. If you’re a nature lover like me, sunrise in northern Arizona is a must-see. Seriously, add it to your bucket list—you won’t regret it!

Rustic Route 66 sign standing in front of open grassland, pine trees, and mountain peaks near Flagstaff. — Route 66 and the San Francisco Peaks create one of the most iconic views in Flagstaff.

The Scenic Side of Route 66

Flagstaff is one of those rare Route 66 stops where you get mountain views, pine forests, and all that classic Americana rolled into one. The Route 66 gateway sign here is the perfect mix of history and scenery, welcoming you right into northern Arizona. With the San Francisco Peaks in the background, it’s basically begging you to pull over and snap a photo. You know I couldn’t resist!

Large arrow sculpture standing in an open desert lot with graffiti-covered buildings and a bright blue sky in the background. — Route 66 is full of unexpected roadside art, and this giant arrow definitely caught my attention.

Unexpected Along Route 66

Twin Arrows used to be one of the most famous stops along Route 66 in northern Arizona. If you peek at old photos, you’ll spot both arrows standing tall by the road. These days, only one arrow is left, but the empty buildings and splashy graffiti still pull in curious travelers like me.

Wandering around the faded ruins, you can really feel how much Route 66 has changed over the years. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stop and snap a few photos before moving on. It’s also the kind of place that says “watch out for sharp objects,” if you know what I mean.

Stone pathway leading beneath an overhanging rock wall at an ancient cliff dwelling site near Flagstaff. — Beyond Route 66, northern Arizona is filled with places that tell stories much older than the highway.

Stepping Back in Time

One of my favorite things about a Route 66 trip is finding out what’s waiting just off the main drag. Walnut Canyon National Monument, just outside Flagstaff, is a whole different adventure. Walking the stone path and spotting cliff dwellings tucked into the canyon walls made me stop in my tracks and wonder what life was like here centuries ago.

It blows my mind to think about how the Sinagua people built homes right into the cliffs in such a wild landscape. I had so many questions! They grew crops on the canyon rim, but where did they get water? How did they haul supplies up and down those steep walls? Places like Walnut Canyon remind me there’s so much more to this area than just Route 66. I’m so glad we took the time to explore and peel back another layer of the story. It’s discoveries like this that make the whole journey feel extra special.

Bright neon Route 66 sign glowing red and orange outside a downtown Flagstaff building at night. — No Route 66 trip feels complete without a little neon after dark.

Route 66 After Dark

No Route 66 story is complete without a little neon, and Williams totally delivers. When the sun goes down, the historic downtown lights up with vintage signs on old storefronts that feel frozen in time. Walking down the main street at night took me right back to the days when road trips were slow, and neon signs battled for your attention. It’s pure road trip magic!

What makes Williams especially memorable is how much of that classic atmosphere still lingers. The town has one of the best-preserved stretches of historic Route 66 in Arizona, with retro gas stations, souvenir shops, and plenty of old diners lining the street. All those neon signs are basically begging you to stop and admire them. And you know I stopped plenty!

Red neon Route 66 diner sign glowing above a vintage-style diner at dusk, with lit windows, Route 66 decor, and a dark blue evening sky. — This Route 66 diner scene came together because of the blue hour sky, glowing windows, and layers of light throughout the frame.

I love the details I am finding as we travel route 66 for its 100 year celebration. It is easy to focus on the big landmarks, but sometimes the memorable images come from the smaller moments.

In Flagstaff and Williams, I found myself paying attention to the little details that made each moment feel unique. The quiet light at sunrise, the texture of the old stone walls, the giant arrow standing alone beside abandoned buildings, the reflections from the neon signs, and the roadside sign with the mountains in the background all helped to tell the story of Route 66 in a way that was personal to our travel experience.

Those details are often what create the strongest sense of place. They remind us that Route 66 is not just about the road itself, but about the people, businesses, and history that have changed along with the landscape.

Tips for including the details:

Slow down. Look beyond the obvious subject and notice the small (or large) details nearby.
Photograph textures. Rust, peeling paint and stone walls add interest and a sense of feel to your image.
Pay attention to light. Soft light at the beginning and end of the day brings out the best texture and color in old buildings and roadside attractions.
Mix it up. Capture a mix of landscapes, roadside details, signs, architecture, and night scenes to tell a fuller story.
Mobile tip: tap to focus + hold steady. On your phone, tap the brightest part of the sign to set exposure, then slightly lower the brightness before taking the photo so the neon does not get blown out.

Have you ever stopped in Flagstaff or Williams along Route 66? If so, what was your favorite stop? Let me know in a reply!

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Until next week!

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