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Route 66 in a motorhome or camper during our visit to the Hackberry General Store

Guide to doing Route 66 in a motorhome: route, tips, map and regulations

Hello adventurous travelers! If you are thinking of embarking on an adventure through the Route 66 in a motorhome, you are in the right place.

Throughout this article, I will tell you about our experience On this iconic Route 66, I will give you valuable advice and guide you so that you can live an unforgettable experience without fines or setbacks.

A route we did during our trip to the United States by motorhome just before entering the best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado with all the necessary preparation and planning that you can see in our article on how to plan and organize a trip to the United States with the requirements and advice what do you need.

To travel to the US and take Route 66 you must know things from this guide such as that it is totally camping and overnight stays prohibited in motorhome, always having to go to the places enabled for this purpose such as RV Parks or RV Camps, which is what you will find the most during your trip along Route 66. Stay and I will tell you everything below!

About us

We are the kucavana familyWe traveled with our two children, ages 8 and 11, and our adopted dog Max. We usually travel in our motorhome called Kucavana, hence the name of our blog (Anna as a baby didn't know how to say motorhome and said Kucavana), but we also like to travel by bicycle touring or by plane and backpacking. We enjoy every learning experience as a family and we hope to help you enjoy it as much as we do. We do it by traveling.

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In Kingman, typical Route 66 phtocall in a motorhome or camper, although you will not take it due to height
In Kingman, typical Route 66 phtocall in a motorhome or camper, although you will not take it due to height
Image route assembly service in a personalized motorhome

Route 66: history and basic description

La Ruta 66 He is a living legend that travels across the United States from coast to coast. Known as the "mother road«, has been a source of inspiration for songs, movies and dreams of freedom. Connect Chicago with Santa Monica and was a vital path for those seeking a new life during the Great Depression from the 30s. Currently we could describe this route as an old road that doesn't even appear on Google Maps and that is like a open-air museum in its entirety since where it passes, both buildings, stores, cars and the environment continue to be paralyzed by time, reminding us of what it was like between the 30s and 50s, which was when it began to decline.

The decline of Route 66

It began to lose its relevance from the decade of 1950 with the construction of the interstate highway network. These new highways, with straighter sections and higher speeds, offered faster and more efficient trips compared to the Route 66, which had curves and passed through many small cities and towns. The process of phasing out Route 66 as a major route was accelerated in 1985, when it was officially removed from highway system in the United States. However, the route is still mostly traversable and has become an iconic "historical highway", with many preserved sections and signposted for travelers wishing to experience its rich history and culture.  

Decaying piece of asphalt from Route 66 in a motorhome that we did, at the entrance to Oatman, the town of donkeys
Decaying piece of asphalt from Route 66 in a motorhome that we did, at the entrance to Oatman, the town of donkeys

Route 66 by motorhome: distance and days to travel it

Walk the Route 66 in its entirety It is a fascinating challenge. The distance is around 3,940 kilometers (2,448 miles), so be prepared for a long journey if you want to do the whole thing! Although the ideal time to complete it may vary, it is usually estimated around 2 to 3 weeks to fully enjoy it.

The truth is that there are many people, who go making in pieces more than whole. Determine the most attractive part of Route 66 it's subjective y It depends on the interests and preferences of each traveler.  

Route 66 passes through a diversity of landscapes, cultures, and unique attractions, making it an all-around fascinating experience. However, some sections tend to stand out for different reasons.

Biker souvenir shop on Route 66 in a camper that we did, in Kingman, in front of the Route 66 Museum
Biker souvenir shop on Route 66 in a camper that we did, in Kingman, in front of the Route 66 Museum

The most attractive part of Route 66 in a motorhome

One of the most attractive sections is the one that crosses Arizona. This stretch is considered especially attractive due to the variety of stunning landscapes and unique experiences it offers:

  1. Grand Canyon of the Colorado: This iconic natural area is an unmissable stop. The Grand Canyon is simply stunning, with its stunning cliffs and unique rock formations. It is a perfect place for lovers of nature and photography.
  2. Monument Valley: With its famous reddish rock formations and desert landscapes, Monument Valley is an almost mystical experience. It is an emblematic destination that many recognize for having been the setting for numerous western films.
  3. Oatman: This picturesque mining town makes you feel like you're in a bygone era. The wild donkeys that roam freely through its streets add a charming and unique touch.
  4. Desert Landscapes: The stretch in Arizona takes you through vast desert landscapes with arid and majestic beauty. The changing colors of the desert and the sense of vastness are captivating.
  5. History and Native Culture: The route in Arizona allows you to learn about and appreciate the rich history and culture of the Native American tribes, as it passes through areas inhabited by different indigenous communities.
  6. Peggy's Sue Diner and Seligman: These stops take you back to the 50s and give you the authentic Route 66 experience, with its retro charm and lively atmosphere.

In summary:

In short, the Arizona stretch is considered attractive for its spectacular variety of landscapes, its connection with native culture, the opportunity to explore famous attractions natural landscapes and its retro charm that encapsulates the essence of Route 66. However, each section has its unique charm, and it is best to explore and discover it according to your own preferences and tastes.  

With our rental camper on Route 66 in a motorhome that we did at the height of the Mohave Desert in Calico
With our Roadsurfer rental camper on Route 66 in a motorhome that we did at the height of the Mohave Desert in Calico

Rent a motorhome or camper to do Route 66: what is better, prices, advice from our own experience

One of the big decisions you will have to make is whether to rent a motorhome or camper for your adventure on Route 66. From our experience, I can tell you that both options are great, but everything will depend on your preferences and needs.

El motorhome rental on Route 66 It can vary in price depending on the season and the duration of the rental, so I recommend you do your research and compare offers. To detail all the options, our experience renting in the United States, the prices there are and everything, I leave you this very detailed post What I did a few days ago:

Post: Rent a motorhome or camper in the United States: prices, experience and advice

Thank you Roadsurfer for this great discount for everyone!

We do not charge any commission for the rental reservations you make but in this case the discount they give you I think is very worth it for you, so we leave it here in case it helps you. Road surfers you are going to discount 150 $ on your camper rental in the United States if you access this link and enter the CODE: KUCAVANAAMERICA

If you prefer to rent a camper or motorhome through Europe They have also left us 100 € discount in this case put the CODE: KUCAVANAEUR (only for reservations of more than 5 days).

The Roadsurfer reception in Los Angeles where we rented our camper in the United States
The Roadsurfer reception in Los Angeles

Regulations on parking, overnight stays and camping in a motorhome in the United States to take into account on your Route 66

When touring the Route 66 in a motorhome, it is important to know the regulations about where you can park, stay overnight and camp.

The United States has specific regulations, and it is essential to respect them to avoid problems. As there are so many things that you must take into account and be clear about to avoid fines and make your trip a 10, you have everything detailed in this post that I also did a few days ago with everything you need to know to travel through the United States in a motorhome or camper.

Post: Guide to traveling to the United States by motorhome

The post details the overnight stay options in a motorhome, such as public campsites, private campsites, motorhome areas and parking lots that allow free overnight stays. Aspects related to driving in the United States are also addressed, such as traffic regulations and how to fill gasoline.

And many are detailed tips about how to use the GPS there, have internet, among other aspects that you might want to know well before going.

Photocall that we found in Sellignan on route 66
Photocall that we found in Sellignan on route 66

Basic tips on Route 66 in a motorhome

Although in the post I told you before you have more advice, here I share some tips valuable basics in a summary so that your trip through the Route 66 in a motorhome be a success:

First basic tip

First of all, don't forget to take out travel insurance and well, breaking your arm, as happened to a friend in the United States, cost him 185.000 dollars. I advise you to hire the Iati Star with this discount like we did, which covers up to 1 million euros to rest assured:

Summary table of basic tips

CouncilDescription
Legal documentation necessary to access the USMake sure you have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure United States to your home. Depending on your country of origin, you may need authorization ESTA or a visa. If you are Spanish, only the ESTA. Post:Requirements to travel to the US.
Receive emergency alertsRegister as a traveler in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country to facilitate location in case of emergency or alert. Check that in your mobile phone you have emergency alerts activated.
Healthcare on Route 66Keep in mind that health care in the United States is private and expensive. Make sure you have good travel insurance that covers possible medical expenses during your trip.
Internet on Route 66 in a motorhomeAs I detail in the post that I told you before, it is very important have internet for your GPS and travel, so if you want the best option, hire a Holafly prepaid card from Spain now, which is the cheapest option and with unlimited data.
Consider the environmental impactBe aware of the environmental impact and minimize your ecological footprint. The United States is a large consumer of resources, so it is important to adopt responsible practices to reduce waste and energy consumption during your trip.
Variety of regulations by stateGet familiar with the specific regulations of each of the 50 states of the USA where you travel, as regulations may vary. It is essential to comply with the traffic and parking laws of each state and municipality to avoid penalties and legal problems. Pay close attention to the road.
Summary table of basic tips for Route 66 in a motorhome or camper
On our route along 66 in a camper, in front of one of the legendary restaurants in Kingman
On our route along 66 in a camper, in front of one of the legendary restaurants in Kingman

Our trip and experience along Route 66 in a motorhome

travel the Route 66 in a motorhome With my children it has been an incredible adventure. We live unforgettable movie moments.

The route we took along 66 was partial and within a trip of 3 weeks where we explore not only Route 66 in its section of Arizona, the one that is said to be the most beautiful, but also through the main national parks and attractions of the West Coast of the United States in a motorhome.

We met fascinating people, we tried 100% American food and we discovered unique places that we had so much in our memory from movies and TV series. The flexibility and comfort of the motorhome made everything much easier sincerely and perhaps because of that or everything together I can tell you that our route here has been one of the best experiences we have had so far as a family.

If you want to know more about our experience and trip, the costs we had, prices and much more you have everything in the post guide to the United States by motorhome.

Picturesque houses in Sellignan on our way along Route 66 in a motorhome
Picturesque houses in Sellignan on our way along Route 66 in a motorhome

Our route through what they say is the most beautiful part of Route 66 in a motorhome as it passes through Arizona

During our trip, we found that one of the most beautiful parts of the Route 66 is the one that runs through Arizona., the part of 66 we did the most on our route after doing a lot of research. The truth is that the route did not disappoint, on the contrary, we loved it. Maybe the worst was the heat in the westernmost part, through the Mohave Desert where we were with temperatures above 40 degrees. A dry, scorching heat. For everything else, the route was as we expected, a living museum of the 30s and 50s, with amazing moments, bucolic and movie-like landscapes. Here I leave you some Unmissable places on the route we took:

Peggy Sue's Diner cafeteria restaurant highly recommended as a stop for lunch or breakfast on Route 66 in a motorhome or camper
Peggy Sue's Diner cafeteria restaurant highly recommended as a stop for lunch or breakfast on Route 66 in a motorhome or camper

Peggy's Sue Diner

This restaurant is a true retro gem that will transport you to the 50 years. Don't miss their delicious burgers and American breakfasts! The best thing is that it is not expensive and especially for breakfast there are some spectacular combined dishes.

Visiting the ghost town of the more than 200 silver mines of Calico as we pass along Route 66 in a motorhome
Visiting the ghost town of the more than 200 silver mines of Calico as we pass along Route 66 in a motorhome

Calico ghost town

An authentic gold rush ghost town that will make you feel like you are in a wild west scene American. Ideal for exploring the history of the American Old West. The place where we spent the most heat, but a place that I highly recommend going, especially if you go with children. Enter the town It has a not very high cost, but you have to pay entry. then there It is full of shops, restaurants and attractions to visit, with a modest extra payment, such as mine or the train among others.

Feeding carrots to the burritos of Oatman, a mini town with loose donkeys as a big attraction
Feeding carrots to the burritos of Oatman, a mini town with loose donkeys as a big attraction

Oatman

Aquí encontrarás wild donkeys walking through the streets. It is a unique and unforgettable experience if you go with children. It is a very very small town and be careful AllIt is closed around 17 p.m., so if you go later you won't be able to buy carrots to give to the donkeys, buy the carrots before because the experience of feeding them is very cool.

The Santa Fe locomotive, historic train in Kingman, in front of the Route 66 museum
The Santa Fe locomotive, historic train in Kingman, in front of the Route 66 museum

kingman

A perfect stop to enjoy a authentic American atmosphere of classic cars, very American motorcycles and very American restaurants too. Kingman is considered the capital of route 66 and has a museum dedicated to route 66 worth visiting, cheap that includes 3 in one, the mohave desert museum and the visit to a period house too.

Old Hackberry General Store gas station on Route 66, a short but very cool visit and full of very cool photos
Old Hackberry General Store gas station on Route 66, a short but very cool visit and full of very cool photos

Hackberry General Store

This iconic place is a treasure full of Route 66 memories. It is worth stopping and capturing some photos. It's like a perfect photocall. It was an old gas station and roadside store which is just as it was, an open-air museum where today you can have an ice cream like us or buy a souvenir between photos.

Mural of Route 66 and Lightning Mc Queen, in the town that inspired this Disney movie: Sellignan.
Mural of Route 66 and Lightning Mc Queen, in the town that inspired this Disney movie: Sellignan.

Seligman

A small town with great charm, especially if you go with children, full of history of the Ruta 66. Ideal for a relaxing break and enjoy the authenticity of the place. If you go with kids, the big surprise is that it is the town that inspired Lightning McQueen and there in its streets you will find Mate and many of his characters, among super cool shops and restaurants.

Williams Curious Souvenir Shop
Williams Curious Souvenir Shop

Williams

Thegateway to the Grand Canyon«. A place full of energy and activities for everyone. Without a doubt, if you are looking for a place with good restaurants, accommodation and souvenir shops, Williams will not disappoint you. In addition, from here, you can access the South Rhine of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado on its historic train or your own vehicle.  

The hippy van from Cars in Sellignan
The hippy van from Cars in Sellignan

Summary table of the proposed route

SiteDescription
Peggy's Sue DinerRetro restaurant from the 50s that offers delicious burgers and milkshakes, providing an authentic and nostalgic experience.
Calico ghost townGhost town that transports you to the time of the Wild West, allowing you to explore the history and atmosphere of the American Old West.
OatmanPicturesque town where you can find wild donkeys wandering the streets, creating a unique and picturesque experience.
kingmanTown with an authentic American atmosphere, famous for its delicious chili and its charm as a historic city on Route 66.
Hackberry General StoreIconic store filled with Route 66 memorabilia, offering a stop to capture photos and explore the essence of the route.
SeligmanSmall town that encapsulates the authenticity of Route 66, full of history and a charm that reflects the spirit of the route.
WilliamsKnown as the “gateway to the Grand Canyon,” this city offers a unique energy and variety of activities for everyone.
Route 66 summary table through Arizona
Horshoe blend on our route through the United States with children
Horshoe blend on our route through the United States with children

Other visits that you can add to the previous route that are more than interesting during the previous section of Route 66 by motorhome

Apart from the Route 66 in Arizona, there are other equally fascinating stops close to the route that I have recommended before. Here I mention some that you should not miss on a trip along the West Coast of the USA in a motorhome or car on your own:

Las Vegas

Known as the "Sin City"Las Vegas is a vibrant and exciting place that deserves a stop on your Route 66 trip. Its dazzling lights, casinos, shows and endless entertainment make it a must-see destination. Take the opportunity to try your luck at the famous casinos on the Strip!

Sunset in the Grand Canyon during our route through the USA in a camper
Sunset in the Grand Canyon during our route through the USA in a camper

Grand Canyon of the Colorado

One of the highlights of your trip along Route 66 is, without a doubt, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. This majestic canyon, sculpted by millions of years of erosion, is simply stunning. You can explore its imposing cliffs and enjoy panoramic views that will leave you breathless. If you are a lover of nature and hiking, this place is a paradise.

In Monument Valley on a walking route
In Monument Valley on a walking route

Monument Valley

Another natural treasure on your route along Route 66 is Monument Valley. This place is famous for its monumental rock formations and for being the setting for countless western movies. An all-terrain vehicle tour will allow you to delve into this unique landscape and feel like a real cowboy from the Wild West.

Marvel inside Lower Antylope Canyon
Marvel inside Lower Antylope Canyon

Antelope Canyon

If you are fond of photography, Antelope Canyon It is an essential stop. This canyon is famous for its rock shapes sculpted by water and sand over the years. The sun's rays filtering through the openings of the canyon create incredible light effects, turning this place into a true paradise for photography lovers.

At one of the Bryce Canyon overlooks, seeing the fairy chimneys, hoodos
At one of the Bryce Canyon overlooks, seeing the fairy chimneys, hoodos

Bryce Canyon

Another national park that you cannot miss is Bryce Canyon. This area is known for its "hoodoos", unique rock formations that resemble columns. Take a walk along the trails and discover the magic of this place while enjoying the panoramic views.

In a Kingman store getting on a Harley as we passed Route 66 in a motorhome
In a Kingman store getting on a Harley as we passed Route 66 in a motorhome

Conclusions: Route 66 in a motorhome, an unforgettable adventure!

travel the Route 66 in a motorhome and West Coast in a US motorhome It has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life as a mother and adventurous traveler.

This trip allowed us to get to know the authentic America, its history, its culture, its impressive landscapes and its diversity. The freedom to move around in your own RV and explore at your own pace is invaluable on this route.

Renting a motorhome on Route 66 gives you the flexibility to stop at any time, enjoy a beautiful landscape or try a culinary specialty in a picturesque town. Plus, Route 66 is especially RV-friendly, with numerous rest spots and interesting stops along the way.

Mount custom route
Mount custom route

Always remember respect the regulations, spend the night and camp in authorized places, take care of the environment and enjoy every moment to the fullest.

Route 66 in a motorhome is an adventure that will remain etched in your memory forever. So, if you are thinking about a getaway along the West Coast of the United States and Route 66 in a motorhome, don't hesitate.

Prepare your trip, live the experience and enjoy every mile traveled on this legendary road!

Have a good trip, fellow travelers, and may the road take you to incredible destinations! I read you below in comments!

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