A tall, lone pine, stripped of its bark, was once used as a flagpole and trail marker for wagon trains headed to California via the Beale's Camel route. It is this Ponderosa pine that gives Flagstaff its name and the route has since then been called the legendary Route 66. Commissioned in 1926, this route consisted of a number of two lane or concrete paved roads which extended all the way from Illinois to California.
Much of this route has been replaced by the more efficient interstate system in the 60s and the 70s; however, long stretches of the original road still survive. The best preserved section of this road in the Southwest lies in Arizona between Topock on the Colorado River and Ash Fork. Route 66 has contributed immensely towards boosting tourism to Flagstaff and the city cherishes its Flagstaff heritage. A few years ago, the name of the main street in Flagstaff, Santa Fe Avenue was reverted to Route 66. The old-world cafes, motor courts and colorful downtown districts that still exist along the route, bear testament to the impact this historical route has had on this city. The Museum Club in Flagstaff, which was once situated on the outskirts of the city, is distinctively reminiscent of Route 66 and is now hailed as a major landmark.
The route is an immensely popular option for those seeking a long, leisurely drive. Accessible by any vehicle that is less than 40 feet in length, travelers are cautioned of the narrow two lane part of the route that passes through the mountains, offering no shoulders, extremely tight switchbacks and many steep drop-offs. You can cruise along Route 66 at almost any time of the year, but the best time to beat the heat is from October 2 through April 30. It is recommended that you refer to the weather forecasts and current road conditions before you hit the highway. As Route 66 does not feature on many modern maps, you could consider buying other commercially available alternatives such as the EZ66 guide to refer to on your trip.
