Have you ever dreamed of an adventure across America, traversing vast lands and discovering the wonders hidden along every mile? Join us on an unforgettable road trip from Texas to California, exploring the legendary Route 66, a place where history, culture, and memorable experiences converge. Get ready, fill up the gas tank, and let us guide you on the adventure of a lifetime!
Route 66: The Mother Road of America
Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” is more than just a highway; it’s an American icon, a historical witness, and an invitation to adventurous hearts. Starting in Chicago, Illinois, and ending in Los Angeles, California, Route 66 winds through 8 states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
This road was initially built in 1857 for military purposes. Later, from 1927 to 1938, Route 66 was paved with concrete and marked with post number 66, officially becoming one of the first highways in the United States. For road trip enthusiasts, Route 66 holds a special meaning, as the “Mother Road” that gave birth to the modern highway system of America.
Map of Route 66 across America
Starting the Journey: From Texas to New Lands
Our journey begins in Texas, a sunny and windy part of Route 66. Although we’re not traveling the entire route from Chicago to Los Angeles, crossing nearly 2000 miles (over 3000km) on Route 66 is a proud experience, allowing us to discover the unique beauty of each state.
Summer in America is the ideal time for road trips. Pickup trucks towing mobile homes, or RVs carrying motorcycles or small cars, line up on the highways. Harley-Davidson caravans roar on the road, creating a lively and inspiring scene.
Caravan of vehicles on Route 66
Memorable Stops Along Route 66
St. Louis, Missouri: Gateway Arch
The first stop is St. Louis, Missouri, home to the Gateway Arch, the city’s symbol. This is the tallest monument in the United States built of stainless steel, with a height and width of 192m each. The Gateway Arch stands as a solid gate, a source of pride for the people of St. Louis for the past 55 years.
Gateway Arch in St. Louis
Baxter Springs, Kansas: The First Concrete Pavement
Baxter Springs, Kansas, though only having 11 miles of Route 66, is home to the first section of road paved with concrete in 1929, marking a significant milestone in the development history of the route.
Elk City, Oklahoma/Texas: Wild West Territory
Elk City, located on the border between Oklahoma and Texas, carries a strong “Wild West vibe” of cowboy country. On the highway, “deer crossing” signs are continuously posted. One early morning, a deer suddenly jumped onto the road, startling the driver. This incident explains why the city is named Elk City – the city of elks.
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Unique Architecture and the Miraculous Staircase
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the land where the first Mexicans set foot in America. It is famous for its unique architecture, red adobe houses without roofs, in square shapes. Some houses are also decorated with strings of red chili peppers, a sign of a Mexican heritage family.
When visiting Santa Fe, don’t forget to visit the Loretto Chapel, home to the mysterious staircase known as the “Miraculous Staircase” or “St. Joseph’s Staircase.” This staircase defies any physical principles, leaving architects and scientists still unable to explain how it stands firm. Loretto and the staircase are a spiritual story full of miracles, attracting visitors from all directions.
Adobe architecture in Santa Fe
Loretto Chapel and the mysterious staircase
Streets of Santa Fe
Strings of dried chili peppers hanging in front of a house in Santa Fe
Characteristic architecture in Santa Fe
Flagstaff, Arizona: Gateway to the Grand Canyon
Flagstaff, Arizona, may not be too famous, but Arizona is renowned for the Grand Canyon. People come to Arizona for the Grand Canyon, but Route 66 keeps visitors engaged throughout the stretch from New Mexico to Arizona, and Flagstaff becomes the last stop before turning onto another highway.
From Flagstaff, visitors can easily drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, one of the “hundred places to see before you die.” The Grand Canyon was formed by the Colorado River eroding for millions of years, nearly 450km long, 29km wide, and over 1.5km deep at its deepest point. In the summer, tourists still flock here to admire the majestic beauty created by Mother Nature.
Majestic Grand Canyon
Tourists at the Grand Canyon
Panoramic view of the Grand Canyon
Farewell Route 66, Heading Towards California
Before leaving Flagstaff, the driver hesitated a lot when having to turn off Route 66 to head towards Nevada, instead of continuing to the final destination – Santa Monica, Los Angeles of California. The trip on Route 66 came unexpectedly, just a “5-day move” to help family, but it turned into an exciting 12-day adventure along the historic highway.
Route 66 is a symbol of history, of different cultures through each city, each state, of freedom of travel, of a liberal spirit, and a passion for experiences. On the windy and sunny roads, fiery red convertibles zoom by, Harleys with tattooed riders and bandanas fluttering in the wind, RVs of retirees roaming the roads enjoying life quietly drive on.
Vehicles on Route 66
Highway on Route 66
Conclusion: The Journey is More Than the Destination
The road trip from Texas to California on Route 66 is not just a trip, but also a memorable experience, an adventure to discover new lands, different cultures, and interesting people. Although we didn’t reach the final destination in Santa Monica, the memories and experiences on Route 66 will forever be an important part of each person’s life. If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate to pack your bags and explore the “Mother Road” of America. You won’t regret it!