The Best Route 66 Detours

Route 66 is an unforgettable road on its own, but some of the most memorable moments happen when you venture a little off the main alignment. These detours add national parks, dramatic landscapes, and iconic viewpoints to your trip, and many travelers end up saying the detours were the highlights of the entire journey.

Here are the best Route 66 detours to consider. Each one fits naturally into the itinerary and adds depth, scenery, and adventure to your Route 66 experience.

1. Grand Canyon National Park

Location: Arizona, near Williams

If you take only one detour on Route 66, make it the Grand Canyon. The South Rim sits an easy drive north of Williams, and the detour fits seamlessly into any Route 66 itinerary. Whether you choose to drive or take the historic Grand Canyon Railway, the payoff is huge.

Why it is worth the detour
• One of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world
• Easy access from a lively Route 66 hub
• Sunrise and sunset views that stay with you long after the trip

Every time we have gone, the scale of the canyon still feels unreal. It adds a sense of awe to the Route 66 journey that is hard to match.

2. Monument Valley and Forrest Gump Point

Location: Border of Utah and Arizona, north of the Flagstaff region

Monument Valley is not technically on Route 66, but this detour is legendary among road trippers. The towering sandstone formations, open desert views, and long straight roads create scenery that feels larger than life. Many travelers plan this addition specifically for a stop at Forrest Gump Point, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Southwest.

Why it is worth the detour
• Iconic desert landscapes with towering monoliths
• One of the most photographed road views in America
• A powerful sense of quiet, space, and cinematic beauty

The drive itself is unforgettable. If you have extra time in northern Arizona, this detour adds a completely new layer to the Route 66 experience.

3. Petrified Forest National Park

Location: Eastern Arizona, near Holbrook

Petrified Forest is one of the easiest and most rewarding detours along the route. The park sits just off the main road and offers a loop that takes you through colorful badlands, ancient geological history, and some of the most peaceful scenery in the region.

Why it is worth the detour
• A mix of desert landscapes, painted hills, and petrified wood
• Short hikes that are simple and enjoyable
• A Route 66 themed viewpoint inside the park with old car remnants

It feels quiet and spacious, and the views change constantly as you drive. It is one of those places where slowing down feels natural.

4. Santa Fe

Location: Northern New Mexico

Santa Fe was once part of the original Route 66 alignment, which makes this detour feel historically connected even though it sits slightly north of the modern route. The city offers culture, food, and architecture that you will not find anywhere else along the journey.

Why it is worth the detour
• Adobe buildings and a walkable historic plaza
• World class art galleries and local markets
• Flavorful New Mexican food that many travelers consider a highlight

Every time we have gone to Santa Fe, it feels like a reset point. It is the perfect way to balance the slower pace of small towns with a burst of energy and culture.

5. Sedona

Location: Arizona, south of Flagstaff

Sedona is known for its bright red rock formations and impossibly scenic landscapes. If you are already staying in Flagstaff, the drive to Sedona is easy and filled with beautiful views. Even if you do not hike, simply exploring the overlooks and scenic drives is worth the detour.

Why it is worth the detour
• Dramatic red cliffs and unique rock formations
• A mix of outdoor adventure and relaxed resort town energy
• Some of the most photogenic landscapes in the Southwest

It is one of those stops where you can do as much or as little as you want and still walk away with incredible memories.

6. Hoover Dam

Location: Nevada and Arizona border

As you near the western end of Route 66, Hoover Dam becomes an easy and impressive detour. The scale of the structure is massive, and standing on top of it gives you a great perspective of the Colorado River below.

Why it is worth the detour
• Fascinating engineering on an enormous scale
• Beautiful views of the surrounding canyon
• A quick and easy stop if you are heading toward Las Vegas or continuing west

It is a simple addition that adds a sense of American history and ingenuity to the end of your Route 66 trip.

7. Joshua Tree National Park

Location: Southern California

California marks the final stretch of Route 66, and Joshua Tree sits within reach if you want a last scenic detour before hitting the coast. The giant boulders, desert plants, and wide skies create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the region.

Why it is worth the detour
• A peaceful desert landscape with surreal rock formations
• Excellent stargazing if you stay past sunset
• A completely different visual experience from the rest of the route

It is a calm, grounding place to reflect on the journey before reaching Santa Monica.

Final Thoughts

Detours can transform a Route 66 trip from a classic road drive into a full Southwest adventure. Each one adds something unique, whether it is dramatic landscapes, cultural experiences, or iconic photo spots. If you choose even one or two of these side trips, your Route 66 journey will feel fuller, richer, and more memorable.