Roadtrip out west on rt 66 is on many people’s bucket list. It is the land of the cowboys, outlaws, and supreme national parks. This trip will always hold a special place in my heart due to me losing my father a week before escaping to the miles of desert that lay before me. Contemplating morality while exploring what this land has to offer gives you a certain feeling of serenity and peace. Nothing last forever and while you lose people you love more people will come into your life that shares the same human experience as you do. Loss makes you change and adapt just like the land we live on has to adapt to the hurricanes, drought, tectonic plates shifting, earthquakes, weathering, and more, but it still leaves something beautiful behind. Just look at the Grand Canyon. Just like how the land adapts so will we and in it’s place we evolve into something beautiful as well.
Below is my guide on what my grandma and I accomplished in ten days from our homes in Eastern Kentucky. These are my suggestions on how to make the most of your trip.
- Missouri
The Gateway Arch should be your first stop. It is after all the gateway to the west and the tallest monument in the United States. While we were waiting to take the tram to the top we decided to check out the extensive museum below that explored the history of St Louis. When the tram was ready for us it whisked us 630 feet into the air offering exclusive views of the city below. Be warned the tram is cramped and shaky going up the steel monument. St Louis also has a few other quaint activities to do such as carriage rides around the city.
2. Oklahoma
We did a small stop in Oklahoma City to visit the National Cowboy Heritage Museum. This museum preserves many renowned western artifacts and teaches you all about how cowboys used to live in the United States. They have pop up exhibits as well so each time you go you may learn something new.
3. Texas
To do rt 66 properly you have to stop at some of the quirkier stops. The leaning tower of Texas is a quick photo op and in Amarillo Texas you should try to complete the 72 oz. steak challenge. Eat all the steak including the sides and you get your meal for free. Worth a shot. Then go buy some spray paint and visit Cadillac Ranch. It is a public art installation created in 1974.
4. New Mexico
I recommend visiting Albuquerque as you pass through and checking out Petroglyph National Monument. The monument features symbols carved on rocks by the Native Americans a few hundred years ago.
5. Arizona
First stop is the gigantic meteor crater in Winslow. The meteor crater had traveled at speeds up to 26,000 mph and had formed this 550 feet deep crater in the middle of the desert tossing rocks as huge as houses for miles away. This is also a training area for astronauts.
If you’re a fan of the Eagles like I am go stand on the corner in Winslow and get some pictures taken . This area is recognized from the Eagle’s song ” Take It Easy.”
Grand Canyon. Need I say more? This is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and is a sight to behold. If you’re feeling adventurous do a hike down in the canyon. There is lots of wildlife here especially at dusk so you have a good chance of spotting some critters. Beware of the elk that is everywhere!
Horseback riding is a fun activity near the canyon. There are a couple companies offering rides through the Kaibab National Forest.
Another classic rt 66 attraction is the wigwam motels.
6. Utah
The Mexican hat gets its name from its appearance of looking like a sombrero. I love the look of the deep orange landscape contrasted with the bright blue sky above.
Go stand on four states all at the same time at the four corners! The states are New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah.
7. Colorado
There is so much beauty to see in this state. Easily one of my favorites. I loved exploring the ancient cliff dwellings of the Mesa Verde.
Cliff Palace 
Balcony House
These dwellings were built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 600 years ago. It is estimated that over 26,000 people lived under these caves. Kivas is a main design in their palaces which is multipurposed and used for ceremonials. We took a tour that led us to the balcony house after climbing a huge ladder to reach the top. At the end you will have to go through a very narrow tunnel. Exploring the houses and architecture is a highlight and you learn so much here.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park makes you feel like you are in another country. The dunes stretch on and contrast with the landscape. Sandboarding is a popular activity here and you can rent the boards near the visitor center.
8. Kansas
Our last stop was made famous by the series ” Gunsmoke” There honestly was not much to do here in Dodge City, but a couple museums to check out .
These are just a few suggestions for your itinerary, but there is so much more out there to be explored. Arizona and Utah have many national parks and gorgeous sights. We did not have time to see them all but some famous examples are : The Wave, Antelope Canyon, Zion, The Arches, and Bryce Canyon.