5 SPOTS EVERY VET SHOULD SEE ON A ROUTE 66 AMERICA ROAD TRIP
One of the first roads created for the United States Numbered Highway System, Route 66 holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. Although the original road is broken up due to new ones being built, anyone looking to make the 2,448-mile journey from Chicago to Santa Monica can still do so with ease. It’s a popular trek for Veterans and retirees, promising the adventure of a lifetime. There are plenty of sights, sounds, flavors, and experiences awaiting you. We’re helping you get started with five can’t-miss locations every Route 66 America road trip should include.
1. The Painted Desert
If the Painted Desert in Indian Wells, Arizona isn’t a part of your Route 66 America road trip, we suggest you change course. Once you find yourself in northern Arizona, you’ll notice that the location isn’t too far of a detour for any American road trip Route 66 is a part of and only serves to enhance the experience. There is a 28-mile road where you can view the iconic pink, orange, and lavender rocks among the badlands; however, it’s worth heading over to Blue Mesa Road to stop and hike on foot.
2. St. Louis, Missouri
You’ll find plenty of landmarks on Will Rogers Highway and in St. Louis, whether you are starting or ending your journey, the Gateway Arch is a sight to behold. Of course, the Gateway to the West has plenty of other attractions, including tons of museums, Forest Park, the mighty Mississippi River, and you can even catch a Cardinals game. If you’re staying overnight, there are several hotels, shops, and eateries, along with the iconic St. Louis Union Station, a great addition to any Route 66 road trip itinerary.
3. Mojave National Preserve
Anyone looking to truly see America should road trip Route 66 and while taking their time down the Main Street of America, heading to the Mojave National Preserve in Baker, California, is a sight to behold. Experience the sun rise and set at the Kelso sand dunes, the second largest in the country, is something words can’t fully convey. Besides standing in awe at the beautiful wildflowers, there are plenty of recreational opportunities. This includes canyons and mountains waiting to be explored. Two particularly noteworthy attractions include hiking to the Cima Dome, home of the world’s largest Joshua Tree concentration, and getting a tour of the limestone found at the Mitchell Caverns.
4. Santa Fe
Taking in the sights throughout your road trip on Route 66 typically lends itself to quirky roadside attractions and beautiful landscapes. However, Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers all of this as well as one-of-a-kind Pueblo-style architecture found throughout the city. The City Different offers every road trip across America on Route 66 stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Rocky Mountains. Additionally, there are eclectic markets and local flavors you can’t find anywhere else in the country. There are urban attractions, including the immersive art installation/experience Meow Wolf Santa Fe and the iconic Santa Fe Plaza. However, you can also go hiking or even enjoy the nearby Taos Ski Valley during the winter, providing year-round recreational opportunities.
5. Cadillac Ranch
Found near Amarillo, Texas, if you take a road trip in America along Route 66, you are eventually going to come across the chance to see one of the most captivating public art installations available anywhere: Cadillac Ranch. Since the art group Ant Farm created Cadillac Ranch in 1974, the ten vehicles from the years 1949 until 1963 sit nose-first, buried in the ground attracting visitors who admire the evolution of their design and use in the piece. Covered in graffiti, the vehicles were put into the Earth at the same angle as the pyramids of Giza. They are a canvas for visitors looking to add to the paint jobs that continue to evolve.
How Long Does a Route 66 Road Trip Take?
There isn’t a single time frame you can put on a Route 66 road trip across America. You’ll need at least 10 to 21 days for an adequate experience. Besides the fact that you’ll be traveling thousands of miles and will need time to get some rest, eat, and restock on supplies, there is a lot more to see that this list provides. The trip is also going to take you through a wide variety of terrain and weather. This means you should expect Mother Nature to play a part in your travel time. No matter when you go, the Route 66 America road trip across the country is a journey everyone should experience at least once. It is a great opportunity for Veterans to explore the nation they proudly defended. Suggested reads: