ROUTE 66

THE MOTHER ROAD

Route 66 is the ultimate all American road trip, crossing vast amounts of dessert, dotted with small towns full of history and character. You could spend months doing this drive, however we have combined the best into 10 days. Grab your cameras and drive the iconic ‘mother road’ from Chicago through to Santa Monica (Los Angeles).

Start: ChicagoFinish: Santa MonicaDuration: 3895km - 10 days

DAY 1: CHICAGO, IL – SPRINGFIELD, ILDuration: 300km - 3.5 hrs

After spending some time in the ‘Windy City’ of Chicago it is time for your ultimate American road trip to begin. Leaving Chicago behind, head south along the Pontiac Trail (the original name for this stretch of Route 66) passing through Joliet, checking out the Launching Pad Giant and stopping at the historic Route 66 Museum in Pontiac. Springfield is the destination tonight, learn about Abraham Lincoln at the presidential library, museum and historic site or peruse one of the many museums and galleries.

We Recommend: The Navy Pier is a 3,300 foot long pier on Lake Michigan and is our pick for the best restaurants, shops and a great view of the Chicago skyline!

DAY 2: SPRINGFIELD, IL – ST LOUIS, MODuration: 150km - 1.5 hrs

Continue on the primarily 2-lane section of the Mother Road, traversing cornfields and small towns that represent the America’s heartland. When you cross the Chain of Rocks Bridge (the original bridge where Route 66 crossed the Mississippi River) you have arrived in St Louis. Known as the “Gateway to the West”, St. Louis rests along the shores of the Mississippi River and is home to some of the best live music and BBQ ribs in the country.

We Recommend: This suggested itinerary is 10 days, but this makes short stops at most locations. If you have time we suggest allowing 2 weeks, giving you more time for a in depth experience.

DAY 3: ST LOUIS, MO – JOPLIN, MODuration: 460km - 4.5hrs

Wake up early and watch the sunrise over St. Louis Arch and the Mississippi River before hitting the road - It’s a long drive today. After driving through the rolling Missouri hills, call in at the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning and wind your way along the twisting roads of Devil’s Elbow. Be sure to call in at Gary’s Gay Parita – an old school Route 66 gas station, preserved in time from the iconic Route 66 days. Make tonight’s stop Joplin, a melting pot of old meets new, at the intersections of Interstate 44, Interstate 49 and Route 66.

We Recommend: If time permits check out one of the quirky museums in St. Louis City Museum. An ‘adult’s playground’ where you are encouraged to climb on the various exhibits including old chimneys, salvaged bridges and many more delights.

DAY 4: JOPLIN, MO - OKLAHOMA CITY, OKDuration: 350km - 3.5hrs

From Joplin head west through the rolling hills and horse country that is Oklahoma. Pass through the towns of Miami, Claremore and Catoosa (where the legendary Blue Whale resides) and stop for lunch in a Tulsa diner. On your journey today you will also pass through the lands of several Native American tribes. In the 1830’s all this land, held to be useless by the Federal Government, was set aside as Indian Territory–a convenient dumping ground for the tribes that “blocked” white settlement in the southern states. The Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole, Creek and Cherokee are some of the tribes that make up the state’s large Native American Indian population. Further west you will cross through El Reno – over the mile-long bridge, near Bridgeport and into Oklahoma City, the heart and soul of Route 66 country. Stay the night In Oklahoma City.

We Recommend: Did you know that Oklahoma has an official state meal? Fried okra, squash, cornbread, barbecue pork, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries, chicken fried steak, pecan pie, and black-eyed peas! Give one of these classic dishes a try!

DAY 5: OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – AMARILLO, TXDuration: 700km - 6.5hrs

Satisfy your Wild West cravings at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage or the Oklahoma science Museum. Leaving cowboy city behind, continue travelling along some of the oldest stretches of Oklahoma’s Route 66. Once the land of vast buffalo herds, this section of Route 66 traverses some of the great cattle trails which were used in the 1860s to drive herds of cattle from Texas up to the railhead in Abilene, Kansas. Be sure to stop at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton for a look at the history, myths and iconic features of the all-American road. Cross the border into the Texas Panhandle, the southernmost portion of the Great Plains. Amarillo is a great base for the night with outdoor activities, western heritage and a flourishing arts scene.

We Recommend: A Speakeasy was an undercover drinking venue during the prohibition of alcohol in the US. 51st Street Speakeasy, located in Oklahoma City, gives a modern twist to the once scandalous venues.

DAY 6: AMARILLO, TX – SANTA FE, NMDuration: 450km - 4hrs

Departing from the heart of Texas, head towards “The Land of Enchantment”, New Mexico – after passing through the world famous Cadillac Ranch. How about the ghost town of Glenrio,

where you can stand with one foot in New Mexico and the other one in Texas? Rumour has it that ghosts run the town after dark! Heading west, you’ll enter the land of the Comanche Indians, where mesas, mountains, cactus and pines define the landscape. Proceed to head up into the High Plains and altitude of Santa Fe, in central New Mexico. Santa Fe is one of America’s oldest and most beautiful cities, dotted with museums, historic sites, restaurants and shopping.

We Recommend: Fans of vintage clothing will feel right at home in Amarillo. Visit one of the many vintage shops which line Amarillo’s streets.

DAY 7: SANTA FE, NM - GALLUP, NMDuration: 320km - 3hrs

Today’s destination is Gallup, but first head south, down to Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, home to a third of the state’s population. Albuquerque is the sprawling heart of New Mexico, where the main east - west road and rail routes cross both the Rio Grande and the old road south to Mexico. You continue and cross the Rio Grande to head west – out into the open country and the hues of the Navajo wilderness. You are skirting mesas and bluffs into Laguna. Further on cross through Grants and along Cibola National Forest towards the famous Route 66 town of Gallup – an old railroad town and Indian stronghold.

We Recommend: If time permits, we suggest a detour to Monument Valley, located on the Arizona and Utah border. It is known for its towering sandstone buttes which are a majestic sight.

DAY 8: GALLUP, NM – FLAGSTAFF, AZDuration: 300km - 3hrs

As you slowly but surely edge your way closer to the east coast, today is another huge day, full of spectacular scenery and iconic Route 66 stops. Cross the border into Arizona and mosey on to Petrified Forest National Park, a fossilized prehistoric forest of gigantic trees that has been unearthed by erosion. Take the time to explore this stunning landscape and get lost in the expansiveness that defines this area. Leaving the Petrified Forest National Park, continue further west to Flagstaff, a perfect base for the night it’s also an ideal starting point to explore the Grand Canyon.

We Recommend: In some areas of Arizona fuel stations can be 160km apart, so be sure to keep an eye on your fuel gauge!

DAY 9: FLAGSTAFF, AZ – LAS VEGAS, NVDuration: 400km - 3.5hrs

On your way to Las Vegas, take the time to explore the majestic beauty and sights of the Grand Canyon. Experience an aerial view on a helicopter tour, take a guided boat tour along the Colorado River or if you dare, brave the glass pedestrian bridge at the Grand Canyon Skywalk. There are endless possibilities so spend as long as you need to discover this world famous site, and then continue to Sin City - Las Vegas via Hoover Dam. Needing little introduction, the bright lights of Las Vegas offer glitz, glamour, gambling, sparkles and campaign, like no other city on earth.

We Recommend: Hoover Dam is often over looked by the Grand Canyon, but is an engineering masterpiece. If you have visited Las Vegas before, we suggest staying at one of the great hotels located off the main strip for a more relaxed stay. You will be a short walk from the strip and attractions at half the cost!

DAY 10: LAS VEGAS, NV – SANTA MONICA, CADuration: 462km - 4hrs

Today you cross the last border on your Route 66 drive into California. Cross the Mojave Desert which offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Southern California. You can imagine what it must have been like for early Route 66 travellers making their way across this huge expanse of desert, dotted with Joshua Trees, cactus, volcanic rock and sand! Stop at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, for a glimpse at the Cali portion of this iconic road and a bite to eat. Continue powering on to your final stop – the iconic “End of the Trail” sign on the Santa Monica Pier. This marks the end of Route 66, but be sure to hang out in Los Angeles and the greater area for the real California experience.

We Recommend: Who doesn’t love shopping! Make sure to call into the bargain malls in Barstow or Primm on your way out of Las Vegas.