There is something about Route 66 that never gets old. It is not just a road; it is a 2,400-mile stretch of American history, nostalgia, and wide-open freedom. From the flatlands of the Midwest to the sun-baked deserts of the Southwest, every mile of this iconic highway carries stories. And right in the heart of Northern Arizona sits one of its most celebrated stops, a mountain town at over 7,000 feet, surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, ancient Native American culture, and the kind of night skies that make you stop and stare.
If you are planning a road trip along this legendary route, picking the right place to rest matters. You want to wake up ready to explore, not drained from a poor night’s sleep. Choosing the right hotel in Flagstaff sets the tone for your entire journey. GreenTree Inn Flagstaff sits right along this storied corridor and gives you the perfect launchpad for everything Northern Arizona has to offer.
Why Route 66 Still Matters to Modern Travelers
A Highway Steeped in American History
Route 66 was officially commissioned in 1926. It became the primary road for families and workers moving west during the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s. Writer John Steinbeck famously called it “the Mother Road,” and the name stuck for a reason.
Through the decades, it has been a symbol of American freedom. Diners, motels, roadside curiosities, and small towns grew up along its path. Many have disappeared over time. But the spirit of this route remains alive, especially in the towns that still embrace it.
Northern Arizona’s Crown Jewel on the Route
Arizona holds some of the most visually stunning stretches of the entire highway. As you drive westward through the state, the landscape shifts dramatically, from painted desert terrain to cool mountain forests.
The section running through Northern Arizona puts you within reach of:
- Grand Canyon National Park, one of the most visited natural wonders on the planet, is roughly 80 miles north
- Meteor Crater– a real impact site from a meteor strike, just 30 miles away
- Lowell Observatory– a working astronomical observatory with a fascinating history
- Arizona Snowbowl– a full mountain ski and snowboard destination, about 16 miles out
- Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon– dramatic red rock country, under an hour’s drive away
- Petrified Forest National Park– ancient fossilized trees and striking badlands scenery
Each of these destinations is within a comfortable day trip. That makes your home base along Route 66 incredibly important.
Staying Along the Route- What to Look For
Comfort After a Long Day on the Road
Road trips are exhilarating, but they are also tiring. Hours behind the wheel, pulling over at viewpoints, hiking short trails, capturing photos, by evening, you need real rest.
A good hotel in Flagstaff should offer more than just a bed. You want a free hot breakfast to fuel the next day’s drive. You want reliable Wi-Fi to plan your next stops. You want a place to unwind with a pool or a soak in a hot tub after a dusty afternoon on the road.
Convenience and Location
The best stopping point on any road trip is one that puts you close to the action without any fuss. Sitting just off Interstates 17 and 40, both of which trace portions of the historic Route 66 corridor, puts you right in the middle of everything.
Easy access to downtown, proximity to the university district, nearby dining and shopping, and a straightforward drive to major attractions- all of this matters when you are living out of a suitcase and every hour counts.
GreenTree Inn Flagstaff: Your Base Camp Along Historic Route 66
Newly Renovated, Adventure-Ready Comfort
Our Flagstaff hotel, GreenTree Inn, has recently gone through a full renovation. The result is a clean, modern property with an adventure-ready feel that suits road trippers perfectly. Rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers, the small details that make a room feel like a home away from home.
Select suites offer a full kitchen, a separate living area, and a dining space, ideal if you are traveling as a family or planning an extended stay.
Every room includes complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, so planning your next day’s itinerary is never a problem.
Start Every Morning Strong
One of the standout features of this hotel in Flagstaff is the complimentary full hot breakfast served daily. Eggs, waffles, oatmeal, fresh fruit, yogurt, juice, and coffee, all included. If you have an early start, there is also a Grab-N-Go option so you can hit the road without skipping a meal.
Relax and Recharge
After a day of exploring, the seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub are waiting. The lobby fireplace adds a warm, welcoming touch, especially on cool mountain evenings.
A Location That Works for Travelers
Situated in the Woodlands Village area, the property is:
- Minutes from Northern Arizona University
- Close to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport for fly-in guests
- Near Downtown with local dining, shops, and cultural venues
- Within easy reach of the Flagstaff Urban Trail for morning walks through pine-scented forest
- A short drive to Riordan Mansion State Park, Lowell Observatory, and the historic downtown district
For those arriving by train, the Flagstaff Amtrak station is nearby, another nod to the town’s deep transportation heritage.
Plan Your Route 66 Road Trip Around This Stop
Day-Trip Ideas From Your Base
Day 1- Arrive & Explore Locally: Check in, settle in, and take a walk through the historic downtown district. Browse galleries, grab dinner at a local brewery, and get a feel for this mountain town’s unique vibe.
Day 2- Head to the Grand Canyon: An early start from your base puts you at the South Rim well before the midday crowds. Spend the morning at the rim, take a short trail, and return in time for an evening soak in the hot tub.
Day 3- Drive the Route 66 Corridor: Head east toward Meteor Crater, or west toward Williams and Seligman — two towns that have kept the classic Route 66 spirit fully alive. Roadside diners, vintage signage, and old-school Americana are everywhere.
Day 4- Sedona & Red Rock Country: Under an hour south lies one of Arizona’s most jaw-dropping landscapes. Hike a trail, go on a jeep tour, or simply drive through the canyon and let the scenery do the rest.
The Road Awaits- Make It Count
Route 66 is not just a road trip. It is a rite of passage. And the towns you choose to stop in shape the memory you carry home.
Northern Arizona delivers landscapes, history, stargazing, hiking, skiing, and culture all in one remarkable stretch of the country. Choosing a property here that offers comfort, great amenities, and a prime location makes every day of your trip more rewarding.
Book your hotel at GreenTree Inn Flagstaff and wake up ready for the adventure ahead. Whether you are chasing the Grand Canyon, carving turns at Arizona Snowbowl, or simply soaking in the magic of the Mother Road, your journey starts here.
Pack the car. Point it west. Route 66 is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of staying along Route 66 for a road trip vacation?
Staying directly along or near Route 66 puts you at the center of the action. You get quick access to iconic roadside attractions, nearby national parks, and historic towns without long detours. It keeps your driving efficient and your days full of discovery.
What should I look for when choosing a place to stay for a Route 66 road trip?
Look for a property that offers a complimentary breakfast to fuel early starts, reliable Wi-Fi for route planning, comfortable rooms to recover after long drives, and a central location near major attractions. Pet-friendly options and flexible check-in times are a plus for road trippers.
Is Northern Arizona a good base for exploring multiple Route 66 attractions?
Yes, absolutely. Northern Arizona places you within reach of world-class natural landmarks, including a famous canyon, an impact crater, an ancient observatory, ski slopes, and red rock formations — all within a one to two-hour drive. It is one of the most strategically located stops on the entire route.
How far in advance should I book a hotel for a Route 66 road trip?
During peak travel seasons, especially summer and holiday weekends, popular properties along the route fill up quickly. Booking at least four to six weeks in advance is wise. For travel during major holidays, booking two to three months in advance is a good idea.
What activities can I enjoy in Northern Arizona beyond the highway itself?
Northern Arizona is rich with options. You can ski or snowboard at a mountain resort, hike through volcanic terrain, explore Native American cultural history at nearby museums, visit a working astronomical observatory, walk scenic urban forest trails, or make a day trip to one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. There is genuinely something for every type of traveler.