Best Rides Across America: Route 66

Key Takeaways

1. Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in America. It spans 2,400 miles across eight states and 3 time zones and has since been named “The Mother Road.”
2. The highway was decommissioned in 1985 but still attracts road trippers and motorcycle enthusiasts due to its rich history, unique attractions, and allure of the classic American road trip.
3. Committing to the entire route is somewhat tricky since it can take 40+ hours of driving, so many opt for smaller sections of the highway, such as Illinois, Arizona, or California.
4. Route 66 offers a blend of historical landmarks, retro Americana, and breathtaking views. Roadside attractions, vintage hotels, and museums capture the spirit of mid-20th-century travel and the evolution of American culture.
5. Whether taking the entire highway or a smaller section closer to home, proper planning is necessary to deal with the weather and road conditions and ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.
6. Route 66 remains a bucket list journey for many, not only for its historical significance but also for the various experiences you can have. If you’re ever allowed to explore The Mother Road, you should take it!

U.S. Route 66: The Mother Road 

Route 66 is arguably the most well-known highway in America.

This historic highway, first completed in 1926, stretches over 2,400 miles through eight states and three time zones.

It was the first all-weather highway from Chicago to Los Angeles; it served as a bustling artery.

The highway became known as the Mother Road, embodying the image of the American road trip and serving as a getaway for citizens to escape financial hardship during the Dust Bowl and migrate to California. 

The highway was officially decommissioned in 1985 and technically no longer exists, as various stretches of pavement have been ripped up and covered up by existing parts of our modern-day interstate.

However, that hasn’t stopped multiple enthusiasts and road trippers from embarking on the notorious route.

Whether it be for the numerous head-turning attractions or embracing the endless span of the American countryside, Route 66 has grown in popularity for countless sightseers and road-trippers alike. 

As these countless attractions and breathtaking views have become known far and wide, the Mother Road has become a bucket list item for the biker community.

But, with the daunting 2,400-mile length, it’s more than just hopping on your bike and going for a quick ride.

With an estimated 40 hours of drive time, you would need serious planning to tackle the trip.

Completing Route 66 would take multiple days, numerous overnight stays and countless stops to see all the iconic attractions you’re interested in, which some people don’t have.

Luckily, plenty of shorter rides on the highway will provide incredible views and some must-see attractions. 

One biker’s journey through all of Route 66

Illinois: A Nostalgic First Leg

Route 66 begins in downtown Chicago, where the first leg of the journey begins.

For the next 301 miles, you’ll travel from the Windy City to St. Louis, Missouri.

If you plan on driving this leg of the route, go anytime outside of winter to avoid snow.

Now, anyone who has ridden a motorcycle in a large urban environment knows it isn’t the most enjoyable ride.

Between street lights, pedestrians, and urban decay, you’ll be itching to get out on the open road.

However, plenty of open roads will be ahead, and you can’t miss the start of such a notorious road.

Before you set off on the open road, there’s an excellent opportunity to snag pictures with the historic route’s “BEGIN” sign.

We also recommend you stop by Lou Mitchell’s Diner to fuel up before heading out. 

Now we’re getting to the good stuff: the open road.

Once you leave the city and start heading south, the spirit of the road will begin to come alive.

Through this portion of the Mother Road, you’ll see the American Midwest and everything it offers.

You’ll gaze across the great plains as you take in a broad level of natural beauty and the abundance of agriculture.

It’s simple yet beautiful, making it the perfect part of the route to ride. Of course, you’ll have to stop at some point to stretch your legs.

There are plenty of places to pull off to during this leg of the journey, but there are a few that you don’t want to miss.

The Route 66 Hall of Fame and the Route 66 Arcade are the most important places to check out.

This hall of fame features artifacts and memorabilia related to the Mother Road, plus some iconic photo ops.

The arcade is packed with vintage pinball machines, where you can dive back into your youth one quarter at a time.

Stop by Cozy Dog Drive-in for classic burgers and dogs when hungry.

When you get back on the road, there are plenty of other attractions to visit. Some of our favorites are Standard Oil and Gas, Pink Elephant Antiques, and Gemini, the Giant.

Eventually, you’ll arrive in St. Louis, where you can end your legendary journey by visiting the Gateway Arch. This arch represents America’s expansion west and symbolizes your trip. 

Route 66: The Complete Motorcyclists Guide

Arizona: The Sun-soaked American Southwest

Southwest is the most scenic part of Route 66.

Arizona’s portion of this highway will take you through 401 miles of beautiful arid deserts and national parks. Most of the original road now lies under Interstate 40.

A bit past the halfway mark of Mother Road, you will see a picturesque portion of the United States that road trippers love to drive through.

Opposite the Illinois portion of the journey, most bikers drive this portion outside of summer to save themselves from incredible heat.

This portion has so many must-see stops and attractions, not to mention that you can add a little detour to the Grand Canyon for some genuinely epic sightseeing. 

However, if you’re not looking to veer off the beaten path, you’re still in for the ride of your life.

Cruising down this leg of Route 66, you will encounter sun-soaked rolling hills and popping colors, which make this part of the journey genuinely breathtaking.

You’ll cut through a couple of the largest national parks in the United States.

The Petrified Forest and The Painted Desert hold some of the most scenic views in the country.

You’ll also be able to marvel at one truly otherworldly sight. The road will take you close to a meteor crater near Winslow, estimated to be 50,000 years old.

But if these outstanding sights ever get old, plenty of attractions and stops can be included in your ride so you can take a moment off your bike.

You'll come across various knickknack stores like Hackberry General Store, Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post, or Angel and Velma Delgadillo’s Original Gift Shop.

There are also great photo opportunities, like the extensive Route 66 sign at Standin’ on The Corner in Winslow.

Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at the Roadkill Cafe, Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner, or Romo’s Mexican Restaurant.

Now, you’ll eventually reach the end of this portion of Route 66, which is the best part of the entire highway. Just west of Flagstaff, you’ll reach Ash Fork.

After that, you’ll have 154 miles of entirely uninterrupted road until you reach California, where you can ride and enjoy the views. Truly a biker’s dream. 

Additional attractions to check out in Arizona 

California: Ride Into The Ocean

The final leg of Route 66 will take you through California’s airy deserts and paradise-like scenery.

The end of this journey consists of 314 miles, where you’ll pass by some incredible views, and ultimately end in the bustling city of Los Angeles, where you’ll have a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.

Like Arizona, if you plan to do this leg of the Mother Road, you avoid summer and stay out of incredible and sometimes dangerous heat.

However, unlike Arizona, your first big attraction in California will be the Mojave National Reserve, where the country swaps out popping colors and rolling hills for rugged mountains, towering dunes, and iconic Joshua trees.

It’s an incredible area to explore on your bike or to take a break and stretch your legs while you enjoy the singing sounds and desert environment. 

It’s relatively smooth sailing once you get past the Mojave National Reserve until you hit some major metropolitan areas.

You’ll cruise through small, picturesque towns with various attractions, such as the Amboy Crater, which is located relatively close to the Mojave National Reserve.

After that, you’ll want to stop by Roy’s Motel and Cafe for a bite to eat or to stretch your legs.

You’ll eventually come by the Calico Ghost Town, a must-stop where you can see the Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch.

One of the most unique stops on this leg of the journey is that you’ll wander through endless empty bottles displayed like trees and other interesting shapes.

Then, you’ll find yourself re-entering civilization, starting with San Bernardino. 

From this point forward, you will be in one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas. Luckily, you won’t have to worry about too much traffic since lane-splitting is legal here.

Just take it slow and steady, and you’re sure to breeze through any traffic, perfect for the last few attractions you’ll have left.

You’ll want to swing by the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, famous for its Teepee-shaped rooms.

You’ll also have a chance to see the first ever McDonald’s location, which is now a museum.

Lastly, The Donut Man is a must-stop, a 24/7 pastry shop that creates incredible pastries with fresh and seasonal toppings.

After these attractions, you’ll enter the very last leg of Route 66. After weaving through Los Angeles traffic, you’ll reach the Santa Monica Pier.

You can’t ride your bike to the very end, but you can go for a stroll to take in the conclusion of your journey by seeing the Pacific Ocean. 

Best attractions along all of Route 66

The Ride of a Lifetime

Route 66 is one of the most iconic roads in the United States.

Stretching over halfway across the entire country and totaling over 2,400 mites, it’s known by just about everyone.

As it spans from the Midwest through the Southwest and Southwest on the West Coast, anyone who gets to ride the entire highway is in for the journey of their lifetime.

For those who don’t have the time to undertake this whole journey, we hope that these three legs of the journey inspire you enough to do a portion of the ride.

However, if you want a taste of this epic ride but aren’t interested in these portions or are too far away, there are five states that we didn’t touch on that are bound to provide an incredible experience. 

Headed back to the Midwest, Missouri is an excellent leg of the journey, hosting luscious green views as it passes through the breathtaking Ozarks.

The Midwest portion of Route 66 ends in Kansas, which only lasts about 13 miles. Entering the south, Oklahoma offers arguably the most drivable part of the highway, as it has a state-legislated Route 66 preservation group.

Cutting across the Texas panhandle, what it lacks in views makes up for some of the most iconic stops and detours, like the halfway point of the Mother Road.

Heading into the Southwest brings a fresh look, with sun-dried prairies dotted with Native American Pueblos and maybe some visitors from not from this world. 

No matter where you reside in the country, you’re sure to be within reach of a portion of Route 66.

However, if you’re not, we suggest you see if you can opt for a portion of this historic road instead of the interstate the next time you go across the country.

There’s too much history, scenery, and attractions to pass up for a more convenient route.

If you decide to embark on this journey, or you know a friend who’s going, we suggest you have a road bell on your bike to protect you on your epic ride. 

Route 66 Road Bell