Route 66 Alignment

Overview

This is the park’s blink-and-you-miss-it slice of Americana: the historic Route 66 Alignment where the Mother Road once crossed Petrified Forest Road. It’s a quick pullout with a rusted 1932 Studebaker, a line of old telephone poles tracing the vanished highway, and interpretive signs that spell out the story.

What You'll See

• 1932 Studebaker body shell for classic road-trip photos.
• Traces of the roadbed and a straight line of weathered telephone poles marking the route.
• Broad Painted Desert views in every direction.

Why It’s Notable

This is the only national park that preserves a segment of Historic Route 66. You’re literally standing where cross-country travelers once decided whether to head north to Painted Desert overlooks or south toward the famous petrified wood deposits.

What to Expect

It’s a short, satisfying stop—think 5–10 minutes to read the signs, snap the car photo, and scan the pole line across the desert. There’s no trail here and the old highway is not drivable.

Logistics

Access is via the signed Route 66 pullout along Petrified Forest Road, just south of I‑40. There are no restrooms, water, or shade at the exhibit; nearest facilities are at the visitor centers. Standard park rules apply and gates close strictly at posted times (often around 5–6 pm).

Quick History

Route 66 (1926–1985) carried generations west; here, it literally intersected the park road. The exhibit highlights that crossroads and points out former roadside spots along the alignment.

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning: usually the least busy and easiest parking.
• Midday to mid‑afternoon sees more visitors, especially mid‑week and on weekends.
• Plan within park operating hours; rangers begin clearing the park before closing.