Route 66
Plan your ultimate national park road trip on Route 66
Whether you’re a history buff, national park enthusiast, or are looking for an incredible way to check off some must-see travel destinations across the nation, traveling Route 66 is a great way to see the country. Check out why this road is so important and learn about some of the stops along the way so you can plan your next national park road trip.
Parks along Route 66
You may be surprised by just how many parks are directly on, or within sight, of Route 66! You can visit the following destinations without having to leave the Mother Road at all.
Pecos National Historical Park
This New Mexico park is a cultural and historical crossroads, with hiking trails in the Pecos Valley, and several heritage sites from many eras and cultures.
Petroglyph National Monument
This park protects thousands of rock carvings created by ancestral Puebloan peoples and Spanish settlers, some of which are estimated to be three thousand years old.
El Malpais National Monument
This park is a great place to slow down and enjoy the rugged but beautiful landscapes of New Mexico. You can see ancient lava flows, sandstone arches, and incredible overlooks all from the comfort of your car.
Mojave National Preserve
Located in California, this park is a desert lover’s paradise. This park offers 4WD routes and extensive hiking trails that will take you through canyons, across sand dunes, and through ancient lava tubes.
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Which national parks should you visit on Route 66?
Follow the Mother Road from Oklahoma City to the California coast, exploring national parks, monuments, and historic sites connected to Route 66.
Know before you go
As you're planning out your Route 66 trip, keep the following tips in mind.
Drive safe
Take regular rest breaks while driving, travel with a buddy, check the weather, and have basic car maintenance supplies on hand. Service may be limited in some areas, so taking paper maps or downloading navigation routes ahead of time is a must.
Pack smart
Whether you're staying in hotels or camping along the way, make sure you have everything you need for your trip. Pack a cooler with snacks and water, and make playlists or check out audiobooks to keep you occupied while driving.
Be flexible
Route 66 is packed with attractions and things to do. Create a list of must-visit stops, but be open to stopping by roadside attractions.
Experience the gateway cities
Although there are plenty of parks to visit, the cities along Route 66 are worth a day or two of exploring. Chicago, Oklahoma City, Sante Fe, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles, are just some of the many places to stop.
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Parks within 30 miles of Route 66
If you’re looking to go within 30 miles of this historic highway, even more destinations open up.
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
Located near Cheyenne, Oklahoma, this park marks the site where Lt. Colonel George Custer attacked a major winter encampment led by Cheyenne leader Peace Chief Black Kettle, who was seeking peace with the white settlers.
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Just outside of Fritch, Texas, this park preserves an ancient flint quarry used by Clovis mammoth hunters. You can only enter the park on a ranger-led tour, so be sure to book in advance.
Bandelier National Monument
This park protects 33 thousand acres of canyonlands and mesa country near Los Alamos. With more than 70 miles of hiking trails and ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, kivas, rock paintings, and petroglyphs found in the park, it’s the perfect place to experience the breathtaking beauty and cultural heritage of the Southwest.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and Wupatki National Monument are all located within driving distance of Flagstaff, Arizona. This mountain town is a must-do stop on Route 66, whether you are a nature lover or a history buff.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
A hidden gem located just outside of Los Angeles, this park has more than five hundred miles of trails, Malibu beach access, and an abundance of cultural and historical sites.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves a major cultural center built by the ancestral Puebloans, including Pueblo Bonito, with over 600 rooms. This place continues to be an important Indigenous cultural heritage site.
Since Route 66 travels through the Sunbelt, many of these parks are best enjoyed during the cooler times of year, such as spring and fall. Traveling during the shoulder seasons allows you to avoid the winter crowds, while still making the most of these incredible parks.
Historic Route 66 is a ride through the heart of our nation, with plenty of opportunities to explore our public lands and cultural touchstones.
Where to go
Explore parks for route 66
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