Route 66 in December 2011

The flights are booked and we cannot wait to hit the states. We plan to leave Flagstaff on 26th December and head to Chicago for our flight home on 5th January.We reckon we have 9/10 days to make our journey.Ive just got a few questions and your help/advice will be gratefully recieved:
1) Is it possible to complete our journey in our timescale whilst seeing plenty of R66 and its historic landmarks 2) im a bit concerned about the weather but im assuming you handle snow/ice better in the US than us brits 3)Travelling over the Christmas/New year period will places be open or do they close for the holidays
We know it probably isnt the best time to do this sort of trip but its the only time we could do it.Many thanks in advance

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

As you are most likely aware, much of original 66 has been replaced by the Interstate system. The Interstate is a priority to keep clear and traffic moving through the winter, but that's not to say you won't face disruption for short periods of time in the event of a winter storm. Not normally for more than a few hours or perhaps a day, but you can keep up to date with things as you go. Sticking to Interstate and without disruption you could complete the journey in 3 long days on the road, so you certainly have time to wander.

I'm not familiar with the route but take a look at this RTA route 66 resource page, it's full of great info.

We did that route before, in December, and what was mentioned about the weather is certainly true. When we did the route, a storm chased us across from our departure point in Missouri all the way to Flagstaff (where we headed south). We had to make time because I did not want to get snowed in before we made it to Phoenix (where we had family). The snowstorm was one day behind us the whole way, we found out.

High profile (tall) vehicles will be chased off the highways if the winds are high, and a blizzard will close it off. Sometimes it's only for a few hours - they need to keep the traffic moving if at all possible.

FWIW, we went from mid-MO to Phoenix in 3 days, stopping at Oklahoma City and Albuquerque. I was the sole driver, traveling with two pre-teen daughters. Yes, I was tired at the end of each day, but it was a good experience over all. Wish I'd had time to stop at some of the landmarks on that trip.


Donna