LA to Winslow Road Trip: Stops, Tips & Route

This route from Los Angeles to Winslow traces a historic path once traveled by Route 66, crossing the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Plateau. The drive covers approximately 550 miles, taking about 8 hours of pure driving time.

Winslow itself is famously immortalized in the Eagles' song "Take It Easy," and the town retains a nostalgic Route 66 charm. The journey offers a mix of desert landscapes, mountain passes, and small-town Americana.

Knowing how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities makes this journey far more rewarding. Beyond the interstate, dozens of historic alignments of Route 66 offer quirky attractions and photo opportunities.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

This route showcases dramatic transitions: the urban sprawl of LA gives way to the San Gabriel Mountains, then the vast Mojave Desert with its Joshua trees and volcanic rock formations.

• Mojave National Preserve: near I-15, offers dunes and lava tubes (detour of 20 minutes).
• Calico Ghost Town: historic silver mining town off I-15 near Barstow.
• Petrified Forest National Park: a 30-minute detour from I-40 east of Holbrook, famous for fossilized wood.
• Meteor Crater: near Winslow, a massive impact site visible from I-40.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While no direct UNESCO site lies on the exact route, the Grand Canyon (a UNESCO site) is a 1-hour drive north from Flagstaff. Worth a detour if time permits.

Culinary Infrastructure

Food options range from iconic Route 66 diners to modern fast food. Must-try stops include:

• Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman: kitschy Route 66 landmark with burgers.
• Rocket 66 Diner in Barstow: classic American diner with retro vibes.
• Proper Eats in Flagstaff: farm-to-table cuisine in a mountain town setting.
• Falcon's Nest in Winslow: homestyle cooking, famous for its Route 66 sign.

Local Commerce & Culture

Each town along the route has a unique character. Barstow retains a faded desert appeal, while Kingman is a gateway to the Hualapai Mountains. Flagstaff has a vibrant arts scene and historic downtown. Winslow's Standin' on the Corner Park is a pilgrimage for Eagles fans.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Amboy Crater: an extinct cinder cone near Route 66, accessible via a short hike.
• Oatman, AZ: a historic mining town with wild burros roaming the streets, detour off I-40 near Kingman.
• Two Guns, AZ: abandoned ghost town ruins near Diablo Canyon.

Family and Child Suitability

This road trip is suitable for families, but the long desert stretches can be challenging for young children. Plan frequent stops with playgrounds or interactive museums.

• Recommend stopping at Calico Ghost Town for child-friendly gold panning.
• Flagstaff's Lowell Observatory offers family-friendly stargazing.
• Winslow's Standin' on the Corner Park has a large statue and gift shop.
• Petrified Forest has junior ranger programs.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most motels along I-40 are pet-friendly. Desert sections require caution for pets due to heat.

• Rest stops often have pet areas but may lack shade.
• Carry extra water and never leave pets in parked cars.
• Recommended pet-friendly hotels: Best Western in Kingman, La Quinta in Flagstaff.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Long-distance driving induces fatigue. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land offers free dispersed camping for recharging.

• Designated rest areas: near Yermo (CA), near Kingman (AZ), and a major one west of Flagstaff.
• Plan a stop every 2 hours or 150 miles.
• Consider an overnight stay in Barstow or Flagstaff to break the journey.

Things to do between Los Angeles, CA and Winslow, AZ

Beyond the major attractions, explore quirky Route 66 oddities like the Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, or the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. The town of Seligman is the self-proclaimed birthplace of Route 66 nostalgia.

The primary route follows I-10 east from Los Angeles to San Bernardino, then I-15 north to Barstow, and finally I-40 east through Arizona to Winslow. This path uses well-maintained interstates with ample services.

For those seeking more character, the historic Route 66 parallels the interstate for long stretches, especially between Barstow and Kingman. However, these roads may be in varying condition.

Fuel and Route Economics

• Gas prices vary; fill up in Barstow or Kingman as Arizona prices can be higher.
• Distance between gas stations can be 50+ miles in desert sections; plan accordingly.
• Average fuel cost for a standard sedan: $60-80 one-way.
• Tolls: None on I-10/I-15/I-40; a few small toll roads in SoCal if taking alternatives.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

The drive crosses multiple climate zones. From Mediterranean coastal to high desert, and finally to the Colorado Plateau's ponderosa pine forests near Flagstaff.

• Summer temperatures in Mojave Desert can exceed 110°F; winter sees mild days but freezing nights.
• Spring and fall offer pleasant mid-70s in desert, but Flagstaff can be 30°F cooler.
• Monsoon season (July-September) brings sudden thunderstorms and flash flood risks.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

• Interstates are in excellent condition with clear signage.
• Historic Route 66 segments may have potholes or gravel sections; use caution.
• Cell reception is spotty in remote desert stretches; download offline maps.
• Rest areas are available every 50-100 miles but are basic.