1. Grand Canyon National Park
Wellness Experience: The Grand Canyon is a place of awe and serenity. You can start your wellness retreat by visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, where you can take peaceful walks along the rim, meditate while gazing at the vast expanse of the canyon, and enjoy the calming energy of the landscape.
Top Activity: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to absorb the Canyon’s natural beauty. A peaceful sunrise hike or a reflective moment at one of the viewpoints will give you a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.
2. Sedona (Hike & Spa Retreats)
Wellness Experience: Sedona is famous for its energy vortexes, believed to be places of heightened spiritual and healing energy. Many visitors come here to experience a sense of rejuvenation, self-reflection, and balance. There are plenty of wellness centers, spas, and yoga retreats.
Top Activity: Try a vortex tour to experience the calming energy of Sedona’s spiritual hotspots. Sedona also offers world-class spas and wellness resorts, where you can indulge in massage, meditation, and holistic healing treatments.
Recommended Spot: Sedona’s Airport Mesa Vortex is a great place to relax, meditate, and reflect with panoramic views of the red rocks surrounding the area.
3. Petrified Forest National Park
Wellness Experience: The Petrified Forest is a place of stillness and natural beauty, perfect for grounding and reconnecting with nature. The park offers peaceful walks among ancient petrified wood, offering time for reflection and mindfulness.
Top Activity: Take a meditative hike along the Blue Mesa Trail or the Long Logs Trail to experience the tranquil beauty of the ancient petrified forest. The park's quiet, expansive spaces are perfect for practicing mindfulness and inner peace.
4. Williams (Relaxing Historic Getaway)
Wellness Experience: The charming town of Williams offers a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind after exploring the more rugged parts of Route 66. You can enjoy some relaxation in the small-town charm with cozy accommodations and peaceful outdoor spaces.
Top Activity: After a relaxing day, visit Bearizona, a wildlife park where you can observe wildlife in a serene setting. It’s a calm and healing experience as you watch animals in their natural habitats.
5. Flagstaff (Forest Therapy & Yoga)
Wellness Experience: Flagstaff is surrounded by lush forests, providing an ideal setting for forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), a practice that connects you with nature and promotes relaxation. There are also wellness centers offering yoga, spa treatments, and meditation.
Top Activity: Explore the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding forests on one of the many scenic hikes. You can also try a yoga class in town or visit one of the wellness spas that offer soothing treatments designed for rejuvenation.
6. Route 66 Yoga & Wellness in Seligman
Wellness Experience: The small town of Seligman, a classic Route 66 stop, offers a more peaceful retreat. Though small, it’s a quiet stop for relaxation, yoga, and wellness retreats.
Top Activity: Some wellness businesses in Seligman offer restorative yoga and group meditation sessions. It’s a nice way to reset your body after a day of driving and exploration.
7. Lake Havasu City (Water Wellness)
Wellness Experience: While not traditionally on the Route 66 path, Lake Havasu City is a scenic destination with beautiful waters. This area is known for water sports, but it’s also a great place to relax by the lake and enjoy peaceful waterside meditation or yoga.
Top Activity: Take a kayak or paddleboard on Lake Havasu for some light exercise and peaceful time on the water. You can also simply relax by the water, soak in the views, and take in the calming effect of being near the water.
8. Arizona Hot Springs (Near Hoover Dam)
Wellness Experience: Arizona is home to natural hot springs, and while not directly on Route 66, a detour to the Arizona Hot Springs is well worth it for wellness travelers. These therapeutic hot springs are nestled in the desert and provide a natural, relaxing soak.
Top Activity: Take a short hike to the Arizona Hot Springs near the Hoover Dam and enjoy the healing, therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters. Soaking in the hot springs is an excellent way to unwind after a long drive.
9. Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (Williams)
Wellness Experience: In Williams, the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is a tranquil place to stay, offering a peaceful, historic setting. This hotel also has a spa offering soothing treatments to help you relax after a day of exploration.
Top Activity: The hotel's spa services include therapeutic massages, facials, and body treatments—perfect for a wellness traveler who wants to recharge and refresh their body and mind.
10. Holbrook (Ancient Landscapes for Reflection)
Wellness Experience: The small town of Holbrook is close to the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest National Park, which are peaceful and awe-inspiring. You can spend time reflecting, meditating, or just immersing yourself in nature's calming presence.
Top Activity: Explore the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest at your own pace. These locations offer quiet, reflective spaces perfect for a calming hike or quiet time alone with nature.
11. Arizona’s High Desert (Wellness Walks & Star Gazing)
Wellness Experience: Arizona’s high desert offers a natural, expansive setting to immerse yourself in a quiet retreat. The desert is perfect for wellness walks and star-gazing, which can be incredibly therapeutic for clearing your mind and finding peace.
Top Activity: Experience a desert sunset, followed by an evening of stargazing. The desert’s clear skies offer some of the best stargazing in the country, which is perfect for a calm, contemplative evening.
12. Spiritual & Healing Retreats in Sedona
Wellness Experience: Sedona is known as a spiritual haven, attracting those looking to heal, rejuvenate, and center themselves. Wellness retreats here offer a combination of yoga, meditation, sound healing, and energy work.
Top Activity: Consider joining a wellness retreat in Sedona to fully immerse yourself in practices designed to restore balance and wellbeing. There are plenty of options for transformative experiences, from guided meditations to holistic healing therapies.
13. Wellness at the Grand Canyon (Meditation & Hiking)
Wellness Experience: The Grand Canyon offers more than just natural beauty—it’s a place for deep personal reflection, meditation, and connection with nature. The peaceful environment allows for mindful walking or even quiet moments by the edge of the canyon.
Top Activity: Meditate at the South Rim during sunrise or sunset, or take a guided wellness hike to deeply connect with the landscape.
14. Visit Wellness Centers in Flagstaff
Wellness Experience: Flagstaff offers wellness centers and spas that focus on relaxation, rejuvenation, and mental well-being. From therapeutic massages to holistic treatments, it’s a great place to stop and pamper yourself.
Top Activity: Check out wellness spas like the Flagstaff Massage Therapy & Wellness Center for a relaxing treatment to recharge and refresh.
15. Mindful Roadside Stops (Route 66)
Wellness Experience: Even on the road, Route 66 has many scenic stops where you can pause for a mindful walk or a few moments of reflection. Whether it’s a desert landscape or a quiet park, take time to center yourself and breathe in the fresh air along your journey.
Top Activity: Stop at Route 66 roadside parks for moments of reflection, breathwork, or a short meditation, allowing the stillness of nature to bring you peace and calm.
Wellness Tips for Your Route 66 Journey:
Hydrate: Arizona’s desert climate can be hot and dry, so always have water on hand to stay hydrated, especially if you’re hiking or spending time outdoors.
Portable Yoga Mat: If you practice yoga or meditation, a lightweight portable yoga mat can be a great addition to your travels, allowing you to practice in serene spots along Route 66.
Mindful Travel: Remember to take your time and embrace the moments of stillness. The quiet beauty of the Arizona desert offers the perfect opportunity for reflection and mindfulness.
Wear Sunscreen: The Arizona sun is intense, so don’t forget sunscreen, especially when spending extended time outdoors.