Route 66 Detours & Side Trips
25 curated side trips that transform a 14-day Route 66 drive into a 21 or 28-day Southwest adventure. Grand Canyon, Sedona, White Sands, Joshua Tree — every bucket-list destination within reach, with GPS for every stop and budget estimates for every detour.
14-day money back guarantee · works on any device · instant download
Grand Canyon, White Sands, Joshua Tree & 22 More
Every detour departs from and returns to Route 66 — your main itinerary stays intact. Pick the side trips that match your schedule and skip the rest. Half-day to 3-day options for every traveler.
Arizona Detours — Grand Canyon, Sedona & More
The richest detour corridor on Route 66. Grand Canyon South Rim from Williams (1-2 days), Sedona's red rocks from Flagstaff (1 day), Monument Valley from Flagstaff (1-2 days), Meteor Crater (half day), and Jerome ghost town (1 day).
- Grand Canyon complete detour plan
- Sedona vortex sites & hiking
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
New Mexico Detours — White Sands, Roswell & Carlsbad
White Sands' surreal gypsum dunes from Albuquerque, Roswell's UFO culture from Santa Rosa, Carlsbad Caverns' underground chambers, and Santa Fe's art galleries and adobe architecture.
- White Sands dune driving guide
- Carlsbad bat flight program timing
- Santa Fe gallery district map
California Detours — Joshua Tree, Death Valley & More
Joshua Tree National Park from Barstow (1-2 days), Death Valley — the lowest point in North America (1-2 days), Big Bear Lake mountain escape from San Bernardino (1 day), and Malibu Coast from Santa Monica (half day).
- Joshua Tree entry & trail guide
- Death Valley heat safety protocols
- Malibu scenic drive route
Texas Detours — Palo Duro Canyon & Marfa
Palo Duro Canyon — the "Grand Canyon of Texas" from Amarillo (1 day). Lubbock Music Trail and Buddy Holly heritage (1-2 days). Marfa's Chinati Foundation and mysterious desert lights (2-3 days — long but exceptional).
- Palo Duro hiking trails
- Buddy Holly Center details
- Marfa lights viewing protocol
Extended Route Planner — 21 & 28-Day Itineraries
Two complete extended itineraries that weave the best detours into Route 66. The 21-day version adds Grand Canyon, White Sands, and Joshua Tree. The 28-day version adds all major detours. Full budget estimates included.
- Day-by-day breakdown
- Budget estimate per itinerary length
- Accommodation strategy
+ Illinois, Missouri & Oklahoma side trips inside
Starved Rock State Park · Meramec Caverns · Tulsa arts district · Oklahoma City National Memorial · Lake Texoma · Petrified Forest National Park · Painted Desert · more
Everything packed inside the guide
25 Complete Detour Plans
Every side trip includes departure and return cities on Route 66, total distance, drive time, GPS coordinates for all stops, and a per-day budget estimate.
Detour Route Maps
Visual overlay of all 25 detours on the Route 66 corridor. See at a glance which side trips align with your schedule and which states offer the most options.
21 & 28-Day Itineraries
Two extended itineraries that transform Route 66 from a 14-day drive into a 3-4 week Southwest adventure — with day-by-day breakdowns and full budget estimates.
Accommodation Picks
Where to stay on each detour — from national park lodges to small-town motels and desert campgrounds. No detour should mean sleeping badly.
Restaurant Picks per Detour
Dining recommendations for every side trip. Grand Canyon village to Sedona's best tables to Marfa's surprisingly excellent restaurants — no detour eats badly.
Budget per Detour
Estimated daily cost for each side trip so you can plan your total Route 66 budget accurately. Honest numbers — national park fees, fuel extra, accommodation tiers.
Beyond the Highway Lies the Best of America
Route 66 is 2,400 miles of extraordinary. But within 30–150 miles of the highway sit Grand Canyon, White Sands, Sedona, Joshua Tree, and Palo Duro Canyon. This guide connects them — without losing your Route 66 thread.
Grand Canyon, White Sands, Sedona
The biggest bucket-list destinations in the American Southwest are all within striking distance of Route 66. This guide connects them with departure cities, distances, and drive times.
Depart & Return to Route 66
Every detour starts and ends on Route 66. Your main itinerary stays intact — these are extensions, not diversions. Pick any or all 25 without breaking your route.
Flexible Duration: Half-Day to 3 Days
Half-day to 3-day detour options. Pick the ones that match your schedule, skip the rest. Every detour includes a time budget so you know exactly what you're committing to.
Works Offline, Anywhere
Many detour destinations — Grand Canyon, White Sands, Mojave — have no cell signal. GPS coordinates and the offline PDF keep you navigating deep in the wilderness.