With 385.2 miles of Route 66, Arizona begs travelers to take the scenic route. Roll down your windows, sniff out a roadside diner, and leave only pawprints at iconic attractions. From earning a BARK Ranger badge to posing beside roadside giants, we've gathered dog-approved favorites for travelers motoring west, east, or somewhere in between.

Top Tips for Traveling Route 66 with Your Dog 

Before hitting this historic highway, follow these practical tips to ensure you’re ready to share in this classic road trip together.

• Identification: Make sure your dog wears an ID tag and has an up-to-date registered microchip. Carry a recent photo of your dog and one of you together in case you become separated.
• Stay hydrated: Arizona's desert climate can be deceptively dry. Pack plenty of water and a bowl for frequent breaks.
• Protect sensitive paws: Desert pavement can become dangerously hot. Test surfaces with your hand before walking, consider training your dog to wear protective booties, and pack a blanket or pad to use as a heat barrier on restaurant patios.
• Verify pet policies: Always call ahead to confirm current pet rules and fees, as they can change.
• Medical readiness: Carry extra medication, and keep copies of vaccination records, especially if you plan to use dog parks or public kennels. 

Pet-centric Petrified Forest

Petrified Forest National Park is one of the most pet-friendly U.S. national parks and the only one that contains a section of Historic Route 66. Dogs are welcome on all paved roads, official trails, picnic areas, and even in the park's backcountry. Ask about the BARK Ranger program at any entrance booth or visitor center to make your pup’s visit even more memorable. Special BARK Ranger tags are also available for purchase in the park visitor centers.  

Tip: Bring the right leash. Some destinations, including Petrified Forest National Park, require leashes 6 feet or shorter. 
📷:Raya Greenbaum

Come on in to Kingman

Kingman provides the warmest welcome to furry travelers and their people. Stop by the Powerhouse Visitor Center, home to a Route 66-themed dog park complete with a walk-thru 66 shield. After stretching your legs, head inside to explore the visitor center, gift shop, and museums. Leashed dogs are allowed to join you through the exhibits at the connected Arizona Route 66 Museum and Electric Vehicle Museum. Wrap up your visit with a stroll across the street for a treat at dog-friendly Mr D'z Route 66 Diner & Gift Shop.

Insider info: The staff might have treats behind the Route 66 Gift Shop counter if your dog asks politely.
📷:Raya Greenbaum

Burros Have the Right-of-Way

Meeting Oatman's free-roaming burros is a highlight for many Route 66 travelers – not so much for dogs. Burros and dogs generally do not mix well, creating unnecessary stress and potential safety risks. If you'd like to spend time with Oatman’s famous locals, consider making other arrangements for your dog or save the burro experience for a future visit. 

Sidewinder tip: If your dog is prone to queasiness, consider packing some motion-sickness aids to help during the infamous 191 curves in 8 miles between Oatman and Kingman. 
📷:@kadettrip_cz

Cozy Classics

Traveling with a dog doesn't mean skipping Route 66's iconic motels and roadside diners. Both provide an opportunity to slow down and savor the scenic route. From spending the night inside a famous concrete teepee at the Wigwam Motel to embracing the retro-futuristic vibe of Americana Motor Hotel, Arizona offers memorable stays for every type of traveler. A final bonus of staying in town is a bedtime walk beneath the glow of neon signs at the end of a long day on the road.

Tip: Pair your overnight stay with a to-go order from a local diner – a great workaround if there isn't pet-friendly seating available.
📷:Raya Greenbaum

Alternative Adventure

The Grand Canyon beckons many Route 66 travelers with popular side trips from Williams and Flagstaff. However, dogs are not permitted below the rim within Grand Canyon National Park. For a more dog-friendly alternative, take a detour out of Peach Springs down Diamond Creek Road. This 20-mile unpaved road takes you to the Colorado River at the base of the Grand Canyon where dogs are welcome. Secure a permit through the Hualapai Lodge or Hualapai Game & Fish office for a day trip or turn it into an overnight camping adventure.

Know the desert hazards: Watch for rattlesnakes, cactus spines and extreme heat. Carry a first aid kit, including gloves, tweezers, tape, and an instant cold pack. Pet-specific first aid kits are widely available.
📷:Raya Greenbaum

Sit, Stay, Strike a Pose

Arizona’s Route 66 is an all-season experience, but summer especially requires some extra care for dogs on the road. Long days bring lots of daylight and extreme heat in Arizona. For iconic attractions like these, plan photo ops for when businesses first open in the morning or after you check in for the evening. This gives you the best of both worlds to support local shops and ensure your dog stays cool. 

• Roadside dinosaurs, Holbrook
• “Here It Is” sign at Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Joseph City
• Standin' on the Corner Park, Winslow
• Twin Arrows Trading Post Ruins, east of Flagstaff
• “World's Largest Route 66 Sign,” Seligman
• Giganticus Headicus, Antares Point
   

Hot tip: Call ahead to see whether well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome inside to cool off (and stay safe) on hot days.
📷:Raya Greenbaum

Share the Adventure

Dogs experience Route 66 differently than we do behind the wheel. They will linger at an interesting scent, spot something curious at a lower eye level, and show us how to truly take it easy as the desert rolls by. In a way, they naturally encourage us to explore the scenic route as intended. Follow their lead and discover all that Arizona’s stretch of the Mother Road has to offer. Your reward might just be the sight of flapping ears out a window and satisfied road-trip snores at the end of those 385.2 miles.

📷:Raya Greenbaum