Landmarks
- Route 66 start markers
- Gateway Arch area
- Cadillac Ranch
- Petrified Forest
- Santa Monica Pier
Chicago to Santa MonicaChicago → Santa Monica · 2,500+ Miles
The Mother Road.
Eight states. Thirteen days. Neon, desert light, old alignments, and the quiet stretches between. The road sets the pace.
- 2,500+Miles
- 8States
- 13Days
- 25–50Classics
The Full Trajectory
One road, Chicago to California.
- 2,500+Miles
- 8States
- 13Days
01
Joliet to Tulsa
Five days alongside HRPT
02
Tulsa to Kingman
Our route, six days west
03
Santa Monica + Escondido
Pier finish, then Cruisin' Grand
Four Stages · One Road
The Thirteen-Day Itinerary
A day to gather, five days alongside Hot Rod Power Tour, six days on our own curated Route 66 line, and a two-stage finish at Santa Monica Pier and Cruisin' Grand Escondido. Thirteen days, eight states, one legendary road.
Day 1 · Sun · Jun 7
Arrival
Day 1 is a gathering day in the Chicago area. The convoy arrives in Joliet, picks up HRPT credentials, and meets at the kickoff hang.
Day 01Sun · Jun 7Chicago area Joliet, ILSun · Jun 7Arrival, credentials, kickoff hangGathering
Gathering day
- HRPT pickup · Gate #1 · 12-5pmHRPT credential pickup · Chicagoland Speedway · 12-5pm
- Old Joliet Prison + Rialto Square exteriorOld Joliet Prison + Rialto Square exterior
- Rich & Creamy / Blues Brothers Route 66 photo stopRich & Creamy / Blues Brothers Route 66 photo stop
- Joliet Arrival Hang · venue pending host approvalJoliet Arrival Hang · venue pending host approval
Anchors
Chicagoland Speedway / Route 66 Raceway area · HOT ROD Power Tour early credential pickup · Old Joliet Prison · Rialto Square Theatre · Downtown Joliet Route 66 corridor
Photo Stops
Route 66 Raceway arrival shot · Old Joliet Prison exterior · Rialto Square Theatre marquee · Rich & Creamy / Blues Brothers Route 66 photo stop · Downtown Joliet evening roll-through · Joliet Route 66 signs and shields
Food
DinnerDowntown Joliet group dinner. Juliet's Tavern is a strong, parking-friendly candidate. Keep this night easy.
Lodging
Joliet area lodging. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Days 2–6 · Mon · Jun 8 to Fri · Jun 12
Rolling with Hot Rod Power Tour
Days 2-6 ride the official 2026 HOT ROD Power Tour route from Joliet to Tulsa. HRPT registration is separate and paid directly to MotorTrend; our convoy keeps every Mother Road Run extra across all five days.
Day 02Mon · Jun 8Joliet, IL Route 66 Raceway · JolietMon · Jun 8HRPT Day 1 · Route 66 Raceway30 miLocal
30 miLocal
- HRPT Kickoff · Route 66 RacewayHRPT Kickoff · Route 66 Raceway
- Wilmington · Gemini GiantWilmington · Gemini Giant
- Launching Pad Drive-InLaunching Pad Drive-In
- Optional Chicago Begin Sign run if pace allowsOptional Chicago Begin Sign run if pace allows
- Joliet HRPT Kickoff Hang · venue pendingJoliet HRPT Kickoff Hang · venue pending
Anchors
Route 66 Raceway · HOT ROD Power Tour Day 1 kickoff · Optional Chicago Begin Route 66 sign · Wilmington Route 66 corridor
Photo Stops
HRPT check-in / credentials footage · Route 66 Raceway kickoff crowd · Optional Chicago Begin Route 66 sign · Gemini Giant in Wilmington · Launching Pad Drive-In exterior · Joliet downtown Route 66 evening content
Food
LunchHRPT venue food or Wilmington lunch stop.
DinnerDowntown Joliet, parking-friendly group dinner preferred. Don't run late — Day 3 starts the real road mileage.
Lodging
Joliet area lodging, same base as Day 1 if possible. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Day 03Tue · Jun 9Joliet, IL Rantoul, ILTue · Jun 9HRPT Day 2 · Pontiac Route 66 + Rantoul175 mi3.5-4.5h
175 mi3.5-4.5h
- HRPT Day 2 · Village of RantoulHRPT Day 2 · Village of Rantoul
- Polk-a-Dot Drive-In · BraidwoodPolk-a-Dot Drive-In · Braidwood
- Ambler/Becker Texaco · DwightAmbler/Becker Texaco · Dwight
- Standard Oil Station · OdellStandard Oil Station · Odell
- Pontiac · Route 66 murals + Hall of FamePontiac · Route 66 murals + Hall of Fame
- Rantoul / Champaign-Urbana pop-up · venue pendingRantoul / Champaign-Urbana pop-up · venue pending
Anchors
HOT ROD Power Tour Day 2 · Rantoul · Gemini Giant · Wilmington · Polk-a-Dot Drive-In · Braidwood · Ambler / Becker Texaco · Dwight · Standard Oil Station · Odell · Pontiac Route 66 murals · Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame
Photo Stops
Wilmington Gemini Giant · Polk-a-Dot Drive-In roadside diner exterior · Dwight gas station · Odell gas station · Pontiac murals · Pontiac downtown Route 66 signs · Rantoul HRPT check-in footage
Food
LunchPontiac. Edinger's Filling Station is a good Pontiac lunch idea.
DinnerRantoul or Champaign-Urbana. ET's Downtown Rantoul is a practical dinner candidate.
Lodging
Rantoul / Champaign-Urbana lodging base. Champaign-Urbana often has better lodging and food options. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Day 04Wed · Jun 10Rantoul, IL St. Louis, MOWed · Jun 10HRPT Day 3 · Lincoln country + Chain of Rocks238 mi4.5-6h
238 mi4.5-6h
- HRPT Day 3 · World Wide Technology RacewayHRPT Day 3 · World Wide Technology Raceway
- Atlanta, IL · Bunyon GiantAtlanta, IL · Bunyon Giant
- Lincoln, IL · world's largest covered wagonLincoln, IL · world's largest covered wagon
- Springfield, IL · Cozy Dog Drive InSpringfield, IL · Cozy Dog Drive In
- Chain of Rocks BridgeChain of Rocks Bridge
- St. Louis pop-up · venue pendingSt. Louis pop-up · venue pending
Anchors
HOT ROD Power Tour Day 3 · World Wide Technology Raceway · Atlanta, IL · Bunyon Giant · Lincoln, IL · World's Largest Covered Wagon · Springfield, IL · Cozy Dog Drive In · Route 66 Motorheads · Litchfield · Pink Elephant Antique Mall (if time) · Chain of Rocks Bridge
Photo Stops
Bunyon Giant · World's Largest Covered Wagon · Cozy Dog exterior · Route 66 Motorheads exterior and car content · Pink Elephant roadside stop, if time · Chain of Rocks Bridge · St. Louis / Mississippi River arrival shots · WWTR HRPT venue check-in
Food
LunchSpringfield, Illinois. Cozy Dog Drive In is the classic Route 66 lunch and photo stop.
DinnerSt. Louis. Broadway Oyster Bar, BBQ, City Foundry, or another parking-friendly group dinner.
Lodging
St. Louis area lodging. Metro East / raceway-side lodging may have easier parking. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Day 05Thu · Jun 11St. Louis, MO Springfield, MOThu · Jun 11HRPT Day 4 · Cuba murals + Rolla Refuel248 mi4.5-5.5h
248 mi4.5-5.5h
- HRPT Day 4 · Missouri State UniversityHRPT Day 4 · Missouri State University
- Cuba, MO · murals + Wagon Wheel MotelCuba, MO · murals + Wagon Wheel Motel
- Fanning · Route 66 RockerFanning · Route 66 Rocker
- Rolla Refuel · official HRPT pit stopRolla Refuel · official HRPT pit stop
- Springfield, MO pop-up · venue pendingSpringfield, MO pop-up · venue pending
Anchors
HOT ROD Power Tour Day 4 · Missouri State University · Rolla Refuel official HRPT pit stop · Chain of Rocks Bridge (if missed Day 4) · Route 66 State Park · Cuba, MO murals · Wagon Wheel Motel exterior · Fanning Route 66 Rocker · Rolla downtown Route 66
Photo Stops
Chain of Rocks sunrise, if needed · Route 66 State Park / bridge content · Cuba mural wall shots · Wagon Wheel Motel exterior · Route 66 Rocker · Rolla Refuel crowd, stamp, credential content · Springfield HRPT check-in
Food
LunchCuba or Rolla. Missouri Hick BBQ in Cuba is a solid Route 66 lunch idea, or Rolla Refuel food vendors.
DinnerSpringfield, MO. City Butcher, Black Sheep Burgers, Mother's Brewing, or the Southbound area.
Lodging
Springfield, MO lodging base. Prioritize parking and access to the Missouri State HRPT venue. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Day 06Fri · Jun 12Springfield, MO Tulsa, OKFri · Jun 12HRPT Day 5 finale · Joplin Pit + Tulsa handoff235 mi4.5-5.5h
235 mi4.5-5.5h
- HRPT Day 5 finale · Tulsa Raceway ParkHRPT Day 5 finale · Tulsa Raceway Park
- Joplin Pit Stop · 1717 W. 7th St · 9am-3pmJoplin Pit Stop · 1717 W. 7th St · 9am-3pm
- Carthage · Boots Court + 66 Drive-InCarthage · Boots Court + 66 Drive-In
- Galena, KS · Cars on the RouteGalena, KS · Cars on the Route
- Catoosa · Blue WhaleCatoosa · Blue Whale
- Tulsa pop-up · Mother Road Market preferredTulsa pop-up · Mother Road Market preferred
Anchors
HOT ROD Power Tour Day 5 · Tulsa Raceway Park · Joplin official HRPT pit stop · Carthage · Boots Court · Carthage · 66 Drive-In exterior · Galena, KS · Cars on the Route · Baxter Springs, KS · Rainbow Bridge (if time) · Miami, OK · Coleman Theatre · Catoosa · Blue Whale
Photo Stops
Boots Court exterior · 66 Drive-In sign and marquee · Joplin pit stop crowd and downtown shots · Cars on the Route · Rainbow Bridge, if time · Coleman Theatre exterior · Blue Whale of Catoosa · Tulsa Raceway Park finale check-in
Food
LunchJoplin pit stop or Joplin local food.
DinnerTulsa. Mother Road Market is a strong family-friendly dinner and hang target. Burn Co. BBQ or downtown Tulsa as backups.
Lodging
Tulsa lodging base. Stay where parking is safe and access to Tulsa Raceway Park and Route 66 dinner stops is easy. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Days 7–12 · Sat · Jun 13 to Thu · Jun 18
The Mother Road Run · our route
From Tulsa, we leave the HRPT line and follow the historic Route 66 corridor through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, with the Elk City Centennial Festival on Day 7 and the KC HiLiTES partner day on Day 11.
Day 07Sat · Jun 13Tulsa, OK Elk City, OKSat · Jun 13Oklahoma classics + Elk City Centennial Festival245 mi4.5-5.5h
245 mi4.5-5.5h
- Elk City Centennial Festival · Ackley Park · 9am-3pmElk City Centennial Festival · Ackley Park · 9am-3pm
- Sapulpa Route 66 · Stroud Rock CaféSapulpa Route 66 · Stroud Rock Café
- Arcadia · Round Barn + POPS 66Arcadia · Round Barn + POPS 66
- Optional El Reno onion-burger runOptional El Reno onion-burger run
- Clinton · Oklahoma Route 66 MuseumClinton · Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
- Festival hang 2-5pm · public windowFestival hang 2-5pm · public window
Anchors
Tulsa Route 66 corridor · Meadow Gold Sign · Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios · Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial / Centennial Plaza · Golden Driller (optional) · Sapulpa Route 66 / automotive stop · Stroud · Rock Café · Arcadia · Round Barn · Arcadia · POPS 66 · El Reno onion-burger stop (if time) · Hydro · Lucille's Service Station (if time) · Clinton · Oklahoma Route 66 Museum exterior (if time) · Elk City Route 66 Centennial Festival
Photo Stops
Meadow Gold Sign · Buck Atom's Muffler Man and roadside figures · Cyrus Avery bridge and plaza · Sapulpa auto museum / Route 66 signage · Rock Café exterior · Arcadia Round Barn · POPS 66 soda bottle · El Reno onion burger stop · Lucille's Service Station · Oklahoma Route 66 Museum exterior · Elk City festival arrival
Food
LunchStroud, Arcadia, or El Reno. Rock Café in Stroud, POPS 66 snack stop, or El Reno onion burger if time allows.
DinnerElk City festival vendors or local dinner. 66 ToGo, Poppy's Pit & Grill, or PrairieFire Grille are strong dinner ideas.
Lodging
Host hotel / Elk City lodging area TBD. Registered drivers receive hotel details.
Day 08Sun · Jun 14Elk City, OK Amarillo, TXSun · Jun 14Texas Panhandle · Cadillac Ranch + 6th Avenue175 mi3-4h
175 mi3-4h
- Shamrock, TX · U-Drop Inn / Tower StationShamrock, TX · U-Drop Inn / Tower Station
- Groom · leaning water tower + giant crossGroom · leaning water tower + giant cross
- Conway · Bug RanchConway · Bug Ranch
- Cadillac Ranch · golden hourCadillac Ranch · golden hour
- Amarillo · 6th Avenue Historic DistrictAmarillo · 6th Avenue Historic District
- Amarillo pop-up · 6th Avenue dinner hangAmarillo pop-up · 6th Avenue dinner hang
Anchors
Elk City Museum Complex / National Route 66 Museum area · Erick, OK Route 66 town stop · Shamrock, TX · U-Drop Inn / Tower Station · McLean, TX Route 66 visuals · Devil's Rope Museum (if time) · Groom leaning water tower · Groom giant cross · Conway · Bug Ranch / Slug Bug Ranch · Amarillo · Cadillac Ranch · Amarillo · 6th Avenue Historic Route 66 District · Big Texan Steak Ranch
Photo Stops
Elk City museum exterior · Erick roadside town shot · U-Drop Inn / Tower Station · McLean old Route 66 signs · Groom leaning water tower · Groom giant cross · Bug Ranch / Slug Bug Ranch · Cadillac Ranch golden-hour shot · Amarillo 6th Avenue neon and storefronts
Food
LunchShamrock, McLean, or a packed road lunch.
DinnerBig Texan Steak Ranch. 72 oz challenge content if someone is doing it. GoldenLight Café & Cantina works as a 6th Avenue after-hang option.
Lodging
Suggested lodging near I-40 / Soncy Road area. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Day 09Mon · Jun 15Amarillo, TX Albuquerque, NMMon · Jun 15Midpoint · Tucumcari neon · Central Avenue325 mi5-6h
325 mi5-6h
- Adrian, TX · Route 66 midpoint signAdrian, TX · Route 66 midpoint sign
- Glenrio ghost town · TX/NM borderGlenrio ghost town · TX/NM border
- Tucumcari · Blue Swallow Motel + Tee Pee CuriosTucumcari · Blue Swallow Motel + Tee Pee Curios
- Optional Santa Rosa · Blue HoleOptional Santa Rosa · Blue Hole
- Albuquerque · Central Ave neon · 66 DinerAlbuquerque · Central Ave neon · 66 Diner
- Albuquerque Neon Night · pop-up windowAlbuquerque Neon Night · pop-up window
Anchors
Cadillac Ranch sunrise (if missed Day 8) · Vega / Adrian Route 66 midpoint area · Midpoint sign · Glenrio ghost town · TX/NM border · Tucumcari Route 66 corridor · Blue Swallow Motel · Tee Pee Curios · Tucumcari murals · Santa Rosa · Blue Hole (if time) · Santa Rosa · Route 66 Auto Museum (if time) · Albuquerque · Central Avenue · Albuquerque Route 66 neon · Wheels Museum
Photo Stops
Cadillac Ranch sunrise · Midpoint sign in Adrian · Glenrio ghost town buildings · Texas / New Mexico border content · Blue Swallow Motel neon · Tee Pee Curios exterior · Tucumcari murals · Santa Rosa Blue Hole / auto museum exterior · Albuquerque Central Avenue neon · West Central Route 66 signs and arches · 66 Diner exterior
Food
LunchTucumcari or Santa Rosa. Kix on 66 or Silver Moon Café in Tucumcari.
DinnerAlbuquerque. 66 Diner, El Vado food pods, or Sawmill Market for a larger group. Central Ave dinner and photo cruise.
Lodging
Downtown / Route 66 corridor lodging base. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Day 10Tue · Jun 16Albuquerque, NM Holbrook, AZTue · Jun 16Gallup · Painted Desert · Wigwam Motel285 mi4.5-5.5h
285 mi4.5-5.5h
- Continental Divide crossingContinental Divide crossing
- Gallup · El Rancho HotelGallup · El Rancho Hotel
- Petrified Forest National Park · 8am-5pm windowPetrified Forest National Park · 8am-5pm window
- Painted Desert overlooksPainted Desert overlooks
- Holbrook · Wigwam Motel · sunset hangHolbrook · Wigwam Motel · sunset hang
- Arizona is on MST · same as California in summerArizona is on MST · same as California in summer
Anchors
Albuquerque Route 66 corridor · Grants / Continental Divide · Gallup · El Rancho Hotel · Petrified Forest National Park · Painted Desert · Painted Desert Visitor Center · Painted Desert Inn (if time) · Newspaper Rock (if time) · Puerco Pueblo (if time) · Blue Mesa (if time) · Giant Logs / Rainbow Forest area (if time) · Holbrook · Wigwam Motel
Photo Stops
Albuquerque westbound Route 66 departure · Continental Divide sign · El Rancho Hotel exterior and lobby · Gallup Route 66 street shots · Painted Desert overlooks · Petrified Forest roadside pull-offs · Blue Mesa scenic content · Route 66 alignment inside Petrified Forest area · Wigwam Motel neon and classic cars · Holbrook Route 66 signs
Food
LunchGallup or a packed lunch before Petrified Forest.
DinnerHolbrook. Butterfield Stage Co. Steak House or Mesa Italiana. Keep it low-key — this is a national-park timing day.
Lodging
Route 66 / Wigwam-area lodging base. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Day 11Wed · Jun 17Holbrook, AZ Kingman, AZWed · Jun 17KC HiLiTES partner day · Flagstaff + Williams cruise308 mi5-6.5h
308 mi5-6.5h
- Jack Rabbit Trading PostJack Rabbit Trading Post
- Winslow · Standing on the CornerWinslow · Standing on the Corner
- KC HiLiTES Flagstaff visit · partner anchorKC HiLiTES Flagstaff visit · partner anchor
- KC cruise segment to Williams · details pending KCKC cruise segment to Williams · details pending KC
- Seligman · Snow CapSeligman · Snow Cap
- Hackberry General StoreHackberry General Store
- Kingman pop-up · downtown / Powerhouse areaKingman pop-up · downtown / Powerhouse area
Anchors
Jack Rabbit Trading Post · Winslow · Standing on the Corner · Flagstaff · KC HiLiTES visit · Flagstaff Route 66 corridor · Williams Route 66 downtown · KC HiLiTES Williams visit / cruise element · Seligman · Delgadillo's Snow Cap · Seligman · Angel's Route 66 Gift Shop area · Hackberry General Store · Kingman Powerhouse Visitor Center / Arizona Route 66 Museum area · Downtown Kingman Route 66 corridor
Photo Stops
Jack Rabbit Trading Post sign · Standing on the Corner statue, mural, flatbed Ford corner · KC HiLiTES Flagstaff arrival · KC facility and product / group photo, if approved · Flagstaff to Williams cruise rolling shots · Williams downtown Route 66 signs · Williams lunch and car lineup · Seligman main street · Snow Cap exterior · Hackberry General Store pumps, signs, cars · Kingman Powerhouse exterior · Downtown Kingman neon and Route 66 signs
Food
LunchKC-arranged lunch or Williams group lunch. Williams options: Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery, Historic Barrel House, Station 66, or Cruiser's Café 66.
DinnerKingman. Rickety Cricket Brewing & Pizzeria, Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner, or downtown Kingman dinner and hang.
Lodging
I-40 / Route 66 Kingman lodging base. KC timing, staging, and parking details remain private until KC approves them. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Day 12Thu · Jun 18Kingman, AZ Barstow, CAThu · Jun 18Oatman · Sitgreaves Pass · Mojave · Amboy245 mi4.5-6h
245 mi4.5-6h
- Cool Springs Station · Sitgreaves PassCool Springs Station · Sitgreaves Pass
- Oatman · old west main street + burrosOatman · old west main street + burros
- Needles · fuel + water resetNeedles · fuel + water reset
- Amboy · Roy's Motel & Café signAmboy · Roy's Motel & Café sign
- Barstow · Route 66 Motel + Main StreetBarstow · Route 66 Motel + Main Street
- Cooling-system + fuel discipline dayCooling-system + fuel discipline day
Anchors
Kingman Route 66 departure · Cool Springs Station · Sitgreaves Pass · Oatman, AZ · Oatman burros · Needles, CA · Goffs / Mojave history stop (if open) · Amboy · Roy's Motel & Café · Amboy Crater roadside area · Ludlow (if time) · Bagdad Café (if time) · Barstow Harvey House · California Route 66 Mother Road Museum · Route 66 Motel · Barstow Main Street
Photo Stops
Cool Springs Station · Sitgreaves Pass scenic shots · Oatman main street · Oatman burros · Needles fuel and desert regroup · Goffs desert history content · Roy's Motel & Café sign · Amboy gas station and desert road shots · Amboy Crater roadside shot · Bagdad Café exterior · Barstow Harvey House · Route 66 Motel neon and classic roadside look
Food
LunchNeedles or a packed lunch.
DinnerBarstow. Barstow Station, Idle Spurs, or Los Domingos. This is a desert and heat day — keep dinner low-key.
Lodging
I-15 / I-40 Barstow lodging base. Lodging should have safe parking and easy access to fuel. Hotel details sent to registered drivers.
Day 13 · Fri · Jun 19
The Finish · Santa Monica + Escondido
Day 13 is two stages: the Route 66 End-of-the-Trail finish at Santa Monica Pier, then south to Cruisin' Grand Escondido for the SoCal finale, dinner, and the open-to-everyone meetup night.
Day 13Fri · Jun 19Barstow, CA Santa Monica → EscondidoFri · Jun 19Santa Monica Pier finish + Cruisin' Grand Escondido finale250 mi5-6h
250 mi5-6h
- Santa Monica Pier · Route 66 End of the Trail · 11am-1pmSanta Monica Pier · Route 66 End of the Trail · 11am-1pm
- Cruisin' Grand Escondido · Grand Avenue · 4-9pmCruisin' Grand Escondido · Grand Avenue · 4-9pm
- SoCal finale dinner + meetup window 6-8pmSoCal finale dinner + meetup window 6-8pm
- Cruisin' Grand event-era parking is 1973-and-earlierCruisin' Grand event-era parking is 1973-and-earlier
- Newer convoy vehicles park as spectators / separate areaNewer convoy vehicles park as spectators / separate area
Anchors
Barstow Route 66 departure · Victorville · California Route 66 Museum / Old Town (if time) · Cajon Pass · San Bernardino · Wigwam Motel (if time) · San Bernardino · Original McDonald's Museum (if time) · Foothill Blvd / Route 66 corridor · Pasadena / Colorado Street Bridge (if time) · Santa Monica · Lincoln & Olympic official Route 66 end nuance · Santa Monica Pier · End of the Trail sign · Escondido · Cruisin' Grand · Downtown Grand Avenue, Escondido
Photo Stops
Barstow morning departure shot · Victorville Route 66 photo, if pace is good · San Bernardino Wigwam / McDonald's exterior, if pace is good · Pasadena / Colorado Blvd roll-through, only if on schedule · Santa Monica Pier group finish photo · End of the Trail sign · Cars with ocean and pier background where legal and practical · Cruisin' Grand Escondido arrival · Downtown Escondido evening car-culture shots
Food
LunchQuick Santa Monica or pier-area lunch, fast regroup meal. Don't let Santa Monica lunch become long.
DinnerDowntown Escondido during Cruisin' Grand. Restaurants along or near Grand Avenue, with Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens as a larger-group backup.
Lodging
Escondido / North County San Diego lodging base after Santa Monica + Cruisin' Grand. Best zones: Escondido, San Marcos, Carlsbad / Oceanside. Hotel details TBD.
Route 66 resource hub
Useful even if you drive it on your own.
The event route will keep improving into a practical Route 66 guide: where to stop, what to photograph, where to sleep, and how to keep the day moving without missing the good stuff.
Food Stops
- Historic diners
- regional barbecue
- small-town breakfast counters
- ice cream and neon-sign stops
Lodging Notes
- Drivers book their own
- Secure-parking tips
- Late-arrival guidance
- Convoy timing per stop
Photo Pull-Offs
- old alignments
- gas stations
- desert overlooks
- murals
- golden-hour side roads
Route Chapters
Key stretches of the road.
Segment 01 · Joliet to Tulsa · with Hot Rod Power Tour
The starting line
The convoy gathers in the Chicago area and rolls out of Joliet with Hot Rod Power Tour for five days of Illinois and Missouri miles before we cut south through Oklahoma to Tulsa.
Segment 02 · Texas Panhandle
Wide-open country
By the time the run reaches the Texas Panhandle, the horizon stretches out and the road starts feeling as cinematic as it looks in the photographs.
Segment 03 · Arizona to Santa Monica
The Pacific finish
Historic stops, desert light, and the last miles into Santa Monica give the run its closing chapter without turning the route into a checklist.
The Convoy Line
Ready to drive the line?
The route is the promise. See how the run comes together: the experience, the tiers, and the curation that makes it different.