Itineraries: Route 66 and the Mojave Desert
Route 66 was the original road trip and California the ultimate destination. The Mother Road travels west from the Arizona border, skirting the Mojave Desert before passing through Los Angeles and ending at the Pacific Ocean. What makes this journey so compelling is actually what it lacks. Desolate stretches of road through windswept towns are reminders of the tough conditions faced by Dustbowl pioneers, while faded neon signs and abandoned motels offer nostalgic glimpses of Route 66’s heyday. Nearby, the solitary beauty of the Mojave National Preserve beckons with its volcanic rock formations, Joshua trees, and seemingly endless sand dunes.
Day 1: Santa Monica
By reversing the typical Route 66 journey and traveling from west to east you can hit the road upon arrival at LAX, or spend a few days exploring Los Angeles first. Starting your journey off in Santa Monica may feel a bit like eating your dessert first. For road-trippers on Route 66, reaching the Pacific Ocean after a long dusty drive through the desert was certainly a treat. The official end of Route 66 is marked with a plaque in Palisades Park, on a bluff overlooking Santa Monica State Beach. Soak in the quintessential SoCal beach scene on the wide expanse of sand below before heading to the famous Santa Monica Pier. From here, you can rent a bike and cruise south to Venice Beach for the ultimate people-watching experience.
In the evening, stroll the pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade and neighboring Santa Monica Place mall for a good selection of shopping, dining and entertainment. Relax in luxury at the legendary Shutters on the Beach. Or, in keeping with the true Route 66 spirit, opt for the more modest motor lodge vibe of the Sea Shore Motel.
Day 2: Hollywood and Pasadena
(1½ hours by car from Santa Monica to Pasadena and another 1½–2 hours by car to Victorville.)
Heading inland through Beverly Hills and Hollywood, the remnants of Route 66 are easily overshadowed by the surrounding glitz and glamour. A stop at the Hollywood Museum or the Hollywood Walk of Fame will help transport you back in time to Tinseltown’s golden age.
The route continues through Pasadena, with its stately homes and spacious gardens. Fans of Craftsman architecture won’t want to miss a tour of the Gamble House, while a stroll around Old Town Pasadena is a great way to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.
Depending on your interests and how much sightseeing you’ve done, you might choose to stay in Pasadena for the night to enjoy a wider choice of dining and lodging options. Or, head to Victorville to maximize time on Route 66 tomorrow.
Day 3: Route 66
(Barstow to Needles is 2 hours by car along I–40. However, add several more hours to trace Route 66. Plan on spending 1–2 hours at the Calico Ghost Town.)
Today is all about the drive. Hit the road early if you didn’t spend the night in Victorville. First stop is the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, where you’ll learn all about the history of the Mother Road. Be sure to pick up a copy of their self-guided tour book and consult one of the many Route 66–related websites, such as www.historic66.com, to help you navigate the old road as it crosses back and forth alongside Interstate 40 between Barstow and Needles. Abandoned service stations, shuttered motels, and faded signs dot the desert landscape in various states of alluring decay. Grab a meal at the famous Baghdad Café in Barstow. For a non–Route 66 related diversion spend a few hours exploring Calico Ghost Town, a restored old mining town just north of Barstow. In the evening, catch a flick at the Skyline Drive-In Theatre.
Accommodations in this area are mostly of the chain-motel variety. Victorville, Barstow, and Needles are your best bets for lodging.
Day 4: Mojave National Preserve
(There are several access points to the park along I–15 and I–40. Kelso Dunes Visitor Center is about 1½ hours by car from either Barstow or Needles. Stick to the major roads in the park, which are either paved or gravel—others require four-wheel drive.)
In the morning, head north from Route 66 into the beautiful and remote landscape of the Mojave National Preserve. Reaching the top of the stunning golden Kelso Dunes requires some athleticism, but your efforts will be rewarded with incredible scenery and the eerie sounds of “singing” sand. If you spent the night in Needles, explore the volcanic gas formations of Hole-in-the-Wall first. Farther north in the park, the Cima Road will bring you to the Teutonia Peak Trailhead and the largest concentration of Joshua trees in the world. Visitor centers at Kelso Depot and Hole-in-the-Wall provide information on additional sights, hiking trails, and campgrounds in the park.
There are several options for the next leg of your journey. You can drive back to Los Angeles in about 3 hours or drive onward to Las Vegas even faster. If you have more time, you can continue north and spend a few days in Death Valley National Park, or head south towards Joshua Tree and Palm Springs before making your way back to Los Angeles.
