Why Route 66 still captures the imagination

Growing up I’d heard of Route 66 in both pop culture and from my grandparents. It was one of those things that seemed far (I grew up in Maryland) and also something that one day, I knew I wanted to experience. Almost a decade ago, we were able to travel part of the route for the first time, getting a glimpse of what it was like in a few places while on a work trip for Visit Flagstaff. And it was everything I’d hoped for: historic, unique, interesting, and fun. So when we learned that it was the 100th year anniversary of this route, we knew we had to plan something a little special.

Why we chose this year:

For the centennial anniversary, we ended up choosing a road trip that started in Albuquerque, New Mexico and went to the western starting point at the Santa Monica Pier. Route 66 goes right through downtown Albuquerque and if you happen to visit, be sure to get some chile – ask for “Christmas” so you can try both the red and the green” and grab a spot on the outdoor patio in downtown at 505 Central on a Sunday evening around sunset so you can watch the lowriders cruise Route 66. 

We’ve always been drawn to the coast and so it was the perfect excuse to take the slow road, see more of Route 66, and end up in one of our favorite places.

What surprised us about Route 66:

One of the things that really stood out to us as we traveled the route, was that it wasn’t a complete point-to-point route. About 80-85% of the original route still exists and the rest you just have to figure out with a little cleverness and map skills. It’s also how you find some of the hidden gems though. It was also really cool to see the high desert in which we live eventually give way to the mountains near Flagstaff and then later on, the Mojave Desert. When we finally reached the boardwalk of the Santa Monica pier we felt like we’d traversed several different landscapes, each with their own personality and vibe. The unexpected stops like the vintage wooden sign near Flagstaff on a random dirt pulloff where we hopped out of the for a photo and a Maggie break was such a delight. It was just as good as the famous spots we planned to see, like Roy’s Hotel and Cafe.

Four moments we’re still thinking about:

When people ask us about our trip, a couple things always seem to come to mind pretty quickly: the running. Always the running. It doesn’t matter where we go, we will find a place to get some miles in. And our Route 66 trip was no different. I think running along the side of the road in Needles, California stands out because we took a side trail and ended up running in the middle of a rocky, sandy, barren landscape that felt like the moon. It was so hot but it was so unique to be in a place that felt so otherworldly and quiet.

Another fun moment was stopping over in Petrified Forest National Park. It’s a place I’d dreamt about for years! I’d heard about it from my grandparents who’d visited in their RV years ago and had always wanted to check it out. We finally made it happen this past trip and it was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. The rocks go back 200 million years in time and the golden light is nothing short of magical. It’s a photographer’s dream. One cool fact is that it’s the only National Park in the U.S. in which Route 66 passes through!

Roy’s Motel and Cafe was also another iconic spot that we can’t get out of our minds. It’s in the middle of the Mojave desert and is described as a living ghost town but it draws tourists from all over the globe who have traveled to see the famous sign and the site of several movies, music videos, and TV commercials. As soon as we opened the van door and hopped out I felt like I was inside a Wes Anderson movie. 

And if I had to choose one other moment that really stands out it’s the KOA in Needles, CA. They have a pool and one afternoon, after the dash read over 100 degrees, we cannonballed until we were tired and then we ate some black bean tacos in the van as the sun went down. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Why a camper van suits this route: 

Our van was really suitable for this route because it let us stay nimble and flexible. Because it’s our house on wheels it allows us to spend a lot more time having fun rather than packing up a hotel room or AirBNB each night. Plus it just feels like home, which can be nice after a long day of traveling.

A Wilma conversion out in the wild

What we’d do differently next time: 

We say this every time about our road trips: If we had to do it over again we would do the same route but go at an even slower pace. And stop in places that we didn’t before. And the van is perfect for that. It’s half of what makes travel fun to us – seeing new things, remembering old experiences, and making fresh memories. I love the idea of not using a phone for a few weeks and doing the whole thing with an old school paper map. Fingers crossed we get to do the other half of the route: ABQ to CHI here we come!

Closing: Route 66 becomes your own: 

No two journeys on Route 66 will ever be the same. And I love that. I think it’s the perfect trip for any experience level of adventurer, whether it’s your first road trip or you’ve been traveling for years. There is literally something for everyone on this route, it’s just a matter of getting out there and finding what speaks to you.

Erin McGrady and Caroline Whatley are artists, photographers, and filmmakers. They have been traveling in an adventure vehicle for the last decade, sharing stories about the outdoors and the people who recreate in them. You can keep up with them on Instagram via @authenticstoryco, @e.mcgrady, and @carolineperdue on YouTube at @authenticstoryco and on Etsy at https://authenticstorycollc.etsy.com