In May of 2025, I gave myself twelve days to ride Route 66 from west to east. I had a few doubts on whether I could pull this off or not, but I learned to silence the noise and focus on taking the trip one day at a time. Shortly after, each day brought a rhythm I came to love.
If you are planning on riding Route 66, there are two things I’d like you to remember. First, you will not be able to see everything, and that’s OKAY. Second, there's no “right” way to do Route 66. Some might disagree, but no matter how much you try to chase that perfect route line, parts of old Route 66 end in the middle of nowhere. Expect a few scenic u-turns along the way. With that in mind, let's dive right into some of my favorite spots.
Pisgah Crater in the Mojave Desert is one of those places that makes you feel like you've left Earth entirely. The Lavic Lake volcanic field with its black lava rock and vast open space, is wild, rugged, and beautiful in the most alien way. Riding into the crater is no small feat for a beginner, but something about this place pulls you forward. If you’re ever in the area, I hope you make the trip. Hike to Glove Cave too if you get a chance.
About 45 miles from Pisgah you’ll find Amboy Crater, surrounded by miles of cracked lava fields and black rocks that seem to go on forever. With enough water and about an hour and a half to spare, you can do the 3 mile hike to the top of the crater. But hey, if you decide that climbing a volcano in motorcycle boots isn’t your thing, I promise the view from the parking lot is absolutely stunning too. No judgment, sometimes the best adventure is just soaking it all in with both feet planted firmly on the ground.
Now, let me tell you about Oatman, Arizona. This is one of those rare places where the ride and the destination are equally unforgettable. Oatman Highway is among the most beautiful stretches of pavement you’ll find in the region. The road winds up and over steep, rocky hills and tight switchbacks. One minute you’re hugging the edge of a mountain, and the next you’re out in the open desert looking at sweeping views of desert mountain ranges.
Rolling into Oatman on a motorcycle feels like riding straight onto the set of an old Western. Which reminds me, have you ever petted a donkey? Well, this is your chance! Be prepared, because you’ll end up with a hundred photos of donkey faces and a story you’ll be telling for years. The town itself is small but full of character, old-time saloons, and shops selling everything from vintage Route 66 memorabilia to paper bags full of donkey food.
The burros here (that’s Spanish for donkeys) aren’t just any donkeys. They’re descendants of donkeys once used to carry gold out of the mines during the gold rush. When the mines closed, the burros were released into the desert, and ever since, they roamed the area, happily blocking the road and causing their own kind of traffic jams. Over time, they’ve become a beloved and iconic symbol of Oatman. I highly recommend this little town, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era.
The next routes take you into New Mexico. In Laguna Pueblo, I highly recommend leaving the main route and following the old road towards Dead Man’s Curve. That’s quite a name isn’t it? Ride as slowly as you can, not because it’s actually deadly, but because it’s absolutely breathtaking. Did I mention that this is where I took my second tumble? Deep, loose sand is not my friend. Luckily, the sand was surprisingly soft and cushiony. Honestly, it gave me the perfect excuse to stay a little longer and soak in the scenery. And it really was spectacular.
Remember I said, there’s no “right” way to ride Route 66? The beauty of this road is that you get to decide exactly how you want to ride it. If you find yourself near Albuquerque, New Mexico, I highly recommend checking out Sandia Crest Road. This scenic route winds up the eastern slopes of the Sandia Mountains and leads all the way to the summit. Since I was riding an adventure motorcycle, I decided to venture off-road a little. If you’re looking for a beautiful, beginner-friendly dirt road to add to your Route 66 (or New Mexico) itinerary, NM-165 should be at the top of your list.
The road starts as smooth pavement, then gradually turns to dirt as it winds up through the canyon. You’ll ride between pines and rugged rock formations, with sweeping views of the Sandia Mountains at every turn. NM-165 is unpaved, but very manageable, perfect if you’re a beginner or simply curious to try off-road riding without committing to anything too technical. The trail itself is about 14 miles long, and once you descend out of the mountains, it connects back to I-25, where you can cruise straight down to Albuquerque. If you’d like a map of this route, I recorded the whole ride on the REVER app. Click here to see it and follow along turn by turn.
I could go on and on about this road and my experience riding it, but it’s time to wrap this up. During this trip I learned to trust my instincts, to act decisively, to trust in the kindness of strangers and the locals. I was constantly reminded that I was never truly alone out there. The Mother Road is stitched together by communities who still believe in the spirit of travelers. Every diner, every historic motel, every landmark feels like it’s cheering you on. If you're thinking about riding Route 66, just pack your bags and go, the rest falls into place.
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