Day 10: The Painted Desert, Petrified Wood, and Classic Route 66 Arizona

Day 10 was one of those unforgettable Route 66 days that seemed to have everything: stunning natural wonders, roadside oddities, historic landmarks, and some of the most iconic stretches of the Mother Road.

What made the day even more memorable was the weather. Arizona's high desert greeted us with something we hadn't expected at all—steady rain, cool temperatures, and dramatic storm clouds. Instead of the blazing sunshine and desert heat that many travelers imagine, we spent much of the day under gray skies, occasionally dodging showers. Yet somehow, the unusual weather only added to the experience. The rain brought out richer colors in the landscape and gave the scenery a completely different character. It certainly didn't dampen our spirits.

We started the morning in Gallup before crossing into Arizona, our seventh Route 66 state. The scenery changed almost immediately. New Mexico's red mesas gave way to the wide-open landscapes of northeastern Arizona, where it feels like the horizon stretches forever.

Soon we entered one of the most breathtaking areas of the entire trip: the Painted Desert. Standing at the Blue Mesa Overlook, the landscape looked almost unreal. Bands of red, orange, pink, purple, and gray stretched across the desert floor, creating a scene that seemed more like a painting than a natural landscape. The cloudy skies and occasional rain showers somehow made the colors even more vibrant.

The Painted Desert seamlessly transitions into Petrified Forest National Park, which quickly became one of our favorite national parks of the journey. We spent time exploring overlooks and trails, marveling at enormous logs that had turned to stone over millions of years. The colorful petrified wood scattered across the landscape looked almost too beautiful to be real. Everywhere we looked, the combination of geology, color, and vast open spaces was simply spectacular.

Continuing west, we made a quick stop at the famous Jackrabbit Trading Post in Joseph City. No Route 66 traveler can resist taking a photo with the giant jackrabbit and the famous sign proclaiming, "Here It Is!"

By lunchtime, we reached Winslow, forever linked to the Eagles' famous song. We visited the corner made famous by Take It Easy, explored the beautiful grounds of La Posada Hotel, and admired the historic architecture throughout town. The atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming, and unmistakably Route 66.

We enjoyed fajitas at the Falcon Restaurant before continuing west.

The route ahead was filled with more roadside history, including the weathered remains of the Twin Arrows Trading Post—now down to a single arrow. These forgotten landmarks felt like chapters from Route 66's past, slowly being reclaimed by the desert.

Near Winona, we stopped to view the old iron bridge and remnants of the highway's earlier alignments, offering another glimpse into Route 66's rich transportation history. The combination of abandoned road segments, historic bridges, and ever-changing landscapes provided a fascinating look at how the Mother Road has evolved over the decades.

As the afternoon faded, we arrived in Flagstaff, where we paused to visit the towering Lumberjack Muffler Man, another welcome addition to our growing collection of giant roadside photo opportunities.

We then followed Route 66 into one of the most beloved towns on the entire route: Seligman.

If any place keeps the spirit of Route 66 alive, it's Seligman.

The town is a celebration of the Mother Road, filled with vintage signs, classic cars, colorful storefronts, and larger-than-life personalities. We visited Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Gift Shop, where Angel's efforts helped spark the modern Route 66 preservation movement.

No visit would be complete without stopping at Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In, famous for its playful humor, quirky decorations, and decades of entertaining travelers. It was exactly the kind of place that makes Route 66 so unique.

As evening arrived, we checked into Canyon Lodge and settled into the John Wayne Room, reflecting on one of the most varied days of the trip. Outside, the weather continued its unexpected performance. Thunderstorms rolled across the high desert, with flashes of lightning illuminating the night sky and distant rumbles echoing through town. It wasn't the Arizona evening we had envisioned, but it made for a memorable ending to an already extraordinary day.

Today we crossed deserts, walked among petrified forests, explored historic sections of Route 66, and experienced some of the most iconic landmarks in Arizona. Rain, chilly temperatures, and storm clouds accompanied us for much of the journey, but they only added another layer to an already remarkable adventure.

The closer we get to California, the more legendary the road becomes.

And somehow, Route 66 keeps exceeding expectations.