Coin Toss

Heads make tracks to New Mexico, or tails we head to Winslow, Az.

Tails won, off to Winslow, Az we go!

Just as we left Moab on US-191, we had a road construction delay from some rock blasting going in. The sign said to expect up to two hours of delay. Thankfully we were back on the road within 45 minutes!

US-191 South to I-40 was not the smoothest road by all mean.

We arrived in Winslow just before 5:00 pm and made our way to the Winslow Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center for the night.

The visitors center have a large open parking lot they allow free overnight parking.

Up at the crack of dawn, we decided to ”Take It Easy”! Grabbed our coffees and set out for another cross off our bucket list.

From behind the Visitors center is a beautiful walking path that takes you to the Historical Route 66 that Winslow is famous for.

Once you get to the Gazebo, you make a left and head up Kinsely Avenue to Old HWY 66.

It’s a good thing we decided to come tour early, within 5 minutes of arriving, 60 people must have shown up with the same idea as us!

Note:

• Plan to visit the area early before the crowds arrive.

• Double check your photos before you leave, incase you need to retake. ( Ask me how I know!!)

Winslow, Az it was a quick stop this time, however, we will be back.

Things to see in the area

• Homolovi State Park –

The primary Homolovi interpretive resources consist of archaeological sites including four major pueblos, numerous smaller structures, and site features ranging in size from one-room pit houses or simple artifact scatters to a 1200 room pueblo, and panels of petroglyphs with depictions of kachina and clan symbols. The sites date from three main periods: AD 620-850, AD 1050-1225, and AD 1260-1400. During each of these periods there was a concentrated population of people living near the Little Colorado River. Members of the Hopi Nation consider this area an important ancestral site and return to Homolovi for religious purposes.

https://azstateparks.com/homolovi/homolovi/explore/park-history

• La Posada – Historical hotel from the 1930s that has been restored back to the original condition of the Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style. Have lunch at the famous Turquoise Room, southwestern cuisine that is all made from scratch.

• Rock Art Ranch-

is a privately owned cattle ranch that is a true wonder of the Old West. The property has more than just cattle and bison: It features excavated Anasazi dwellings, a Navajo hogan and sweat lodge, and amazingly well-preserved examples of petroglyphs carved by American natives

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/rock-art-ranch

• Arizona Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater is nearly one mile across, 2.4 miles in circumference and more than 550 feet deep. It is an International tourist venue with Outdoor Observation Trails, Air Conditioned Indoor Viewing, Wide Screen Movie Theater, Interactive Discovery Center, Unique Gift & Mineral Shop, and Collision! 4D Experience Room. Food is also available at our Blasted Bistro in the Visitor Center.

https://www.meteorcrater.com/

• Two Guns and Apache Death Cave

On a small patch of land near Canyon Diablo, just off Interstate 40, lies the ghost town known as Two Guns. Though there are still crumbling reminders of the town’s use a 20th century tourist attraction, it’s been abandoned for well over half a century… though the region’s Native American tribes have been avoiding the area for a lot longer than that.

According to their legends, the dead cursed the land, and anyone who dared reside there was risking the anger of spirits who met a terrible fate. Naturally, white dudes didn’t listen, leading to some eerily-predicable ends worthy of their own horror films.

https://maps.roadtrippers.com/stories/visit-the-cursed-apache-cave-where-the-angry-spirits-want-you-dead

• Old Trails Museum

The Old Trails Museum explores the history of Winslow, Arizona, and the surrounding area through free exhibits and public programs. We use our collections to interpret the Santa Fe Railway, Harvey Girls, US Route 66, and much more. We are located in the heart of Winslow’s historic district and across from the Standin’ on the Corner Park. Admission is free

https://oldtrailsmuseum.org/

• Arizona 66 Trading Post

For a quick overnight stay we highly recommended the Winslow Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. Cost: Free

If planning on staying a few days, check out McHood Park for camping.

McHood Park Campground

Cost: FREE

Notes: Fills up fast, must arrive early in the morning and wait for a spot to be open on week days!