Route 66 Centennial — 100 Years of Wonder
The Road That Still Calls
In 1926, America changed gears. Rails gave way to open highway, and a new line on the map connected Chicago to Los Angeles. It wasn’t just a road; it was a revolution in motion — a promise of freedom, discovery, and the great American West.
Now, a century later, the Route 66 Centennial invites a new generation to answer that same call. This isn’t nostalgia; it’s an invitation to live the legend.
Northern Arizona: The Grand Finale
Every mile of Route 66 has its story, but Northern Arizona is where the journey reaches its cinematic climax. Here, mesas and pine forests rise from the desert, and the Mother Road becomes a pilgrimage to the sublime.
This is where asphalt meets eternity — the last great chapter of America’s most iconic road.
Kingman to Williams: The Sound of the Southwest
Start in Kingman, the “Heart of Historic Route 66,” where neon flickers against desert skies and every diner feels like a time capsule.
Head east, stop off in Seligman and Ash Fork for some amazing Route 66 nostalgia, and the anticipation builds until you reach Williams, the final Route 66 town to be bypassed by Interstate 40 in 1984.
Williams isn’t the end of the road; it’s the gateway to something greater — a timeless journey by rail.
Trading Asphalt for Adventure: The Grand Canyon Railway
Why end your drive stuck in traffic at the park gate?
From the Williams Depot, the Grand Canyon Railway carries you back in time. Vintage cars, rhythmic rails, and a century of stories set the perfect tone for the wonder ahead. This isn’t a detour — it’s the soul of the Centennial experience.
Ground Command: The Buck Wild Connection
At the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, the world opens wide. Crowds gather at the main overlooks, but the real magic lies beyond them.
That’s where Buck Wild Hummer Tours takes over — custom former military Humvees and expert local guides leading you to hidden viewpoints few ever see.
It’s adventure with perspective, connecting the wild heart of Route 66 to the raw power of the Canyon.
The View from Above: Papillon & Scenic Airlines
Your Centennial journey deserves a finale worthy of a century.
From Tusayan, board a Papillon Helicopter or Scenic Airlines flight and rise above the rim.
Below, the Canyon stretches endlessly — its ridges glowing gold, its shadows telling stories millions of years old.
From this height, every mile of Route 66 becomes visible in your memory: a road, a legend, a lifetime condensed into one breathtaking view.
Your Free Route 66 Centennial Boarding Pass
To celebrate 100 years of America’s most legendary highway, travelers can now claim a free digital Boarding Pass — a passport to rewards, insider discounts, and quarterly giveaways.
Your pass includes:
- Local Rewards: Exclusive savings at partner stops like the Big E Steakhouse in Tusayan.
- Partner Perks: Special offers from our featured experience providers.
- Quarterly Grand Prize Giveaway: An all-inclusive Grand Canyon adventure — air, rail, ground, and lodging — valued at thousands.
Join the celebration, explore with purpose, and be part of the legacy.
The Mother Road has always led west — now it leads to you.
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