Phoenix to Winslow, Arizona: A Route 66 Road Trip
Winslow’s story is one of adaptation and resilience, showcasing how a small town can reinvent itself while honoring its historical roots.
While Winslow is a great day trip from Phoenix, I’d combine it with another nearby interesting site in Northern Arizona on an overnight trip!
Key Info on a Drive from Phoenix to Winslow, AZ
- Winslow is off Interstate 40 in Northern Arizona, on Historic Route 66
- 185 miles from Phoenix (3 hours)
- 60 miles from Flagstaff (1 hour)
Where to Stay Near Winslow, AZ
If you’re on a road trip, there are places to stay in Winslow, or in nearby Flagstaff. You can plug your dates into this interactive map to check your options and rates.
Standin’ on the Corner Park
By far, the most popular thing to do in Winslow is visit the corner park named after the iconic Eagles‘ song “Take it Easy.”
The park hosts the Standin’ on the Corner Festival in September, featuring live music, food vendors, and local crafts.
The Bronze Statue
The corner is the town’s main draw, with a few photo ops, including a bronze statue of a guitar player.
The statue was created by sculptor Ron Adamson and unveiled in 1999.
The Ford Flatbed
You’ll notice a red flatbed Ford parked on the corner, which is a nod to the song’s famous lyrics:
“It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin’ down to take a look at me.”
The truck is positioned perfectly for photo ops with the statue and mural on the brick wall behind the park.
Buy a Brick
Visitors can buy a brick through the Standin’ on the Corner Foundation, which oversees the park.
For $100, you can customize the words engraved on your brick, which is then installed in the walkway at the park.
Other Things to Do in Winslow, Arizona
You won’t find a plethora of things to do in Winslow, but its various attractions make it good for a day trip or stop on a road trip.
The downtown area is relatively small, and the streets are lined with locally owned shops, cafes, and galleries.
RelicRoad Brewing Company
If you’re looking for a great restaurant in Winslow, full of Route 66 nostalgia, I’d recommend RelicRoad Brewing Company.
They have 20 Arizona beers on tap, a wide-ranging menu, and friendly staff. It’s right on 2nd Street in Winslow.
La Posada Hotel
You can stay at or just visit this restored historic hotel in Winslow. The Turquoise Room features fine dining.
The attached Affeldt Mion Museum reflects Winslow’s history through art, celebrating Navajo and other works of art.
Old Trails Museum
The Old Trails Museum explores the history of Winslow, with collections on the Santa Fe Railway, Route 66, and more. It’s right across from the Standin’ on the Corner Park. Admission is free!
How Winslow Got Famous
During Winslow’s heyday, it was an important stop along Route 66.
Today, the town is famous primarily for its connection to the Eagles’ 1972 hit song “Take It Easy.” The song, written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, features the lyrics:
“Well, I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona. Such a fine sight to see…”
This line put the small town on the map for countless music fans and Route 66 travelers. The town embraced this fame by creating the Standin’ on the Corner Park.
Historic Route 66
Winslow was founded in 1880 as a railroad town. The opening of the La Posada Hotel in 1930 marked Winslow as a premier destination for rail travelers.
Winslow became a key stop for travelers on Route 66. Gas stations, diners, and motels lined the highway to serve road trippers.
After the I-40 was built, bypassing Winslow, the town went into a slump. Tourism helped breathe new life into it!
Other Sites to See Nearby
Homolovi State Park
- Discover the history of the Hopi people at this archaeological site located just outside Winslow.
Meteor Crater
- 18 miles west of Winslow, this massive impact site is one of the best-preserved meteor craters on Earth.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Walk to scenic overlooks, or hike down into the canyon to see ancient cliff dwellings which were home to a civilization here 800 years ago.
The Lava Tubes
- Outside Flagstaff, bring a flashlight or headlamp to descend into the lengthy underground cave, formed by a lava flow 700,000 years ago.
Arizona Snowbowl
- Ski the peak outside Flagstaff from Thanksgiving into May, bike down it in the summer, or take the scenic chairlift over the aspen trees in the fall.
The Lowell Observatory
- Flagstaff is a “Dark Sky” city, and the observatory is home to history-making discoveries.
The Weather in Winslow: Best Time to Visit
As with many Arizona destinations, I tend to think fall is the best time to visit. Winslow is welcoming any time of year.
Spring (March to May)
- Average Temperatures:
- March: Highs in the mid-60s, lows in the mid-30s.
- April: Highs in the mid-70s, lows in the low-40s.
- May: Highs in the mid-80s, lows in the upper 40s.
Summer (June to August)
- Average Temperatures:
- Highs in the 90°F range, with lows in the 60s.
- Weather:
- Hot days with lots of sunshine, but cooler nights due to the desert climate.
Fall (September to November)
- Average Temperatures:
- September: Highs in the mid-80s, lows in the mid-50s.
- October: Highs in the mid-70s, lows in the mid-40s.
- November: Highs in the mid-50s, lows in the mid-30s.
Winter (December to February)
- Average Temperatures:
- Highs in the upper 40s to low 50s, with overnight lows in the 20s and 30s.
- Weather:
- Cold but typically dry, with occasional light snowfall or freezing rain.
Wrap: Is a Trip From Phoenix to Winslow Worth It?
Winslow is a unique stop for people who appreciate history, nostalgia, or pop culture. It’s a great day trip from Phoenix, if you have friends or family in town, though a bit of a longer day trip. I always suggest combining it with a stop at Meteor Crater, Walnut Canyon, or Lowell Observatory, along with an overnight stay in Flagstaff.
If you’re on a road trip and short on time and not particularly interested in Route 66 history, Winslow might not offer enough to justify a lengthy detour. For parents traveling with kids, a quick visit for photos at Standin’ on the Corner Park and a coffee or meal at a local restaurant is enough.
For Route 66 road-trippers, Winslow is a great place to stretch your legs and soak up some Arizona history.
