Chrome, Neon, and the Smell of Rain
The last light of the sun blazes orange and violet over the Mojave Desert. You feel the Mustang’s idle through the seat, a low, steady hum beneath a violet-blue sky. The air carries the scent of damp asphalt after a desert rain, mixed with gasoline and dust.
Ahead, the neon of Kingman, Arizona flickers to life. A vintage motor-court sign buzzes in turquoise and pink. This isn’t just a drive it’s a sensory time machine, it’s the call of the Mother Road, echoing across a century of travelers.
That connection is the union of chrome, history, and freedom and it is why the Route 66 Centennial still speaks to every dreamer behind the wheel.
The Meaning of Motion: 100 Years of American Freedom
What makes a Mustang on Route 66 so powerful? It’s the choice to deliberately slow down, even though you are driving a classic powerful vehicle.
This isn’t a race, it’s a pilgrimage through history. From the families heading west in the 1930s to soldiers coming home after the war, this highway has always been the thread of American movement.
The Mustang, born in the 1960s, became its mechanical heir, a roar of rebellion and optimism. Behind the wheel, you don’t just move; you join a story that’s been rolling for a hundred years.
The Route 66 Centennial is more than an anniversary. It’s a revival of motion, freedom, and the art of discovery.
Brief History of the Mustang
In 1964, the first Ford Mustang was introduced and it was an instant hit, the best selling Model produced by Ford since the 1928 Model A.
It was named the Indianapolis Pace Car of 1964 and it was featured in the James Bond Movie Goldfinger, released in 1965. The Mustang has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years, including Bullitt, Gone in 60 Seconds, Misery, Charlie’s Angels, and many others.
Now in its 6th generation, it is still the longest produced vehicle in Ford history and it is still the 5th best selling Ford Model to this day.
Through the Heart of Arizona: The Cinematic Drive
Kingman AZ-The Starting Line
The Heart of Historic Route 66 still beats strong. Kingman’s murals and diners preserve the road’s spirit, each mile here feels alive with nostalgia.
Seligman to Williams- The Transformation
The desert opens, then lifts. From the flat plains of Seligman to the cool rise of Williams, the landscape shifts from dust to pine. This is where the Mother Road climbs into the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in North America.
Your Mustang hums through the curves, asphalt, forest, and sky. Every frame feels cinematic, every mile another heartbeat in the story of the open road.
Where the Road Meets the Sky-The Grand Finale
Every great drive deserves an ending that matches its soul. In Williams, the road gives way to rail and to the next chapter of your journey.
The Grand Finale Pass connects your experiences in three dimensions:
It’s the complete Route 66 experience, one that transcends the highway itself. Experience an epic roadtrip along Route 66 from Kingman to Williams via Seligman, then take a short detour on Highway 64 north to the Grand Canyon.
The Boarding Pass Connection
The Route 66 Centennial Boarding Pass is your free digital ticket to exclusive rewards, partner discounts, and automatic entry into the Grand Canyon Adventure Giveaway. Visit the Boarding Pass Page to view all the great offers from our Northern Arizona Partners.
Review Your Journey for Future Travelers
Don’t let your journey end at the horizon, carry it forward.
The Mother Road awaits its next century of dreamers and they want to plan their adventure based on your reviews! Share your experience on Social Media and tag us with ‘grandcanyonroute66’ so potential visitors to Northern Arizona, Route 66 and the Grand Canyon can plan their adventure based on Real Reviews.
The Route 66 Boarding Pass is your Passport to Savings in Northern Arizona. No purchase necessary, no app to install, just download the Boarding Pass and start saving on your next Northern Arizona Adventure.
And don’t forget to enter the contest to win a Route 66-Grand Prize Package that includes lodging, a Grand Canyon Railway ride, a Private Hummer Tour, a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour, meals and more.
The Grand Canyon National Park is a short drive from Route 66, and once you’re in Northern Arizona exploring Route 66, you HAVE to take a detour to visit this natural wonder. Tusayan is the closest town to the Grand Canyon South Rim Entrance, and our Boarding Pass Partners are waiting for you to come and explore!
Exhilarating helicopter tours at the Grand Canyon National Park provide a bird’s eye view of this amazing wonder. Choose from 25 or 45 Minute Tours offered multiple times daily.
Save $10 per person
Choose Signature, Sunset or Hiking Tours and explore the best viewpoints at the Grand Canyon with a professional guide who will share history and information.
Save $5 per person.
Fly over the incredible sights of the Grand Canyon’s South and East Rims: impressive aerial views of ancient rock formations, the Kaibab Forest, & the Colorado River between the canyon walls.
Save $10 per person
A Grand Canyon Institution for over 50 years, Big E Steakhouse and Saloon provides unforgettable dining experiences with a large menu and the friendliest servers in the area..
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Amazing selection of sweet treats including fudge, caramel apples, chocolate covered strawberries and delicious gelato. Specialty Coffees are plentiful and satisfying.
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One mile from the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, our hotel is an idyllic retreat for vacations. Explore the beauty of the canyon by day & unwind in our Southwestern-style suites by night
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