easyInterstate / Historic RouteBest: Spring / Fall

Route 66 Heritage Ride

Follow the Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica. A cross-country journey through small-town America, desert landscapes, and historic roadside attractions.

From

Chicago, IL

To

Santa Monica, CA

Distance

3940.00 km

Est. Time

~40.0 hours

Rider Notes

Plan for long stretches without services in the desert. Carry extra water. The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest are must-stop detours.

Route Waypoints

1

Springfield, IL

Rest Stop320.00 km from start

Lincoln's hometown. Visit the historic sites.

Follow I-55 south from ChicagoRoad: Good
2

St. Louis, MO

Fuel480.00 km from start

Gateway Arch. Cross the Mississippi.

Continue on I-55 to I-44Road: Good
3

Tulsa, OK

Rest Stop1120.00 km from start

Art Deco architecture and great BBQ.

Follow historic Route 66 through MissouriRoad: Good
4

Amarillo, TX

Scenic1720.00 km from start

Cadillac Ranch — iconic roadside art installation.

I-40 west through Oklahoma panhandleRoad: Good
5

Santa Fe, NM

Rest Stop2100.00 km from start

Detour to this beautiful adobe city. Art galleries and great food.

Detour north on I-25Road: Good
6

Petrified Forest, AZ

Scenic2600.00 km from start

Ancient fossilized trees. Surreal landscape.

I-40 west into ArizonaRoad: Good
7

Flagstaff, AZ

Fuel2800.00 km from start

Mountain town. Last fuel before the desert stretch.

Continue west on I-40Road: Good
8

Santa Monica Pier, CA

Destination3940.00 km from start

End of Route 66! Dip your toes in the Pacific.

I-40 to I-15 to I-10 westRoad: Good

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