These route 66 maps have been created using Google Maps. Within each map the route has been sub-divided into sections to allow you to focus on one chunk at a time. Each sub-division may be enabled or disabled at any time using the checkboxes provided.
Where appropriate alternative/optional alignments are included - these may also be enabled/disabled at any point.
Route 66 has existed in many different alignments and therefore there is no single way of making this trip. These maps are based on the EZ66 Guide and therefore follow Jerry McClanahan's book's philosophy of a fun, easy to follow tour. If every alignment/fragment of road were to be accounted for, these maps would very quickly become too cumbersome and difficult to use.
Each state map is based on the East to West journey. There will be some amendments needed in order to travel West to East (all of which are detailed in the EZ66 Guide and I urge everyone to get a copy). The "EZ66 Guide for Travelers" is an essential purchase for anyone considering driving route 66. The guide includes a thorough and detailed account of every step of the journey, including many alternate alignments, and highlights many of the must-see attractions and motels along the way.
The Illinois Route 66 road map is divided into 5 sections:
Mostly post-1930 alignment. A minor Google Maps error forces the driver onto the I-270 half a mile earlier than should be the case.
Includes an optional 1926-1930 alignment via Carlinville.
The Missouri Route 66 road map is divided into 4 sections:
It is mostly post-1930 alignment although it does follow older alignments through Springfield and Joplin.
Includes and optional 1926-1932 alignment through St Louis.
The Kansas Route 66 road map incorporates the detour across Rainbow Bridge and the older '66 option south of Baxter Springs.
The Oklahoma Route 66 road map is divided into 5 sections:
The optional pre-1937 alignment south of Miami (known as 9-Foot Hwy) is quite rough and gravelly. Heavy vehicles should avoid so as to preserve the fragile surface.
Includes an optional pre-1937 alignment west of El Reno.
The Texas Route 66 road map is divided into 2 sections:
The optional pre-1932 alignment west of McLean is a gravel/dirt surface and should be avoided when wet.
The Route 66 road map through New Mexico takes the pre-1937 path through Santa Fe. It is divided into 4 sections:
There is a short path near Laguna that Google will not recognise as a passable road. I have indicated this section with a red path.
The optional pre-1950s alignment is an 18 mile unpaved stretch of '66 of gravel/dirt. A very scenic and peaceful drive - avoid when muddy. The optional post-1937 alignment west of Santa Rosa is for those who wish to bypass Santa Fe.
The Route 66 road map through Arizona is divided into 3 sections:
The optional post-1931 alignment is a dirt stretch of route 66 - avoid when wet.
The optional post-1952 alignment is recommended for RVs and those who wish to bypass the Oatman Hwy - a recommended but very winding road flanked by steep drops.
Includes a pre-1941 alignment west of Flagstaff.
The Route 66 road map through California is divided into 3 sections:
The final section of the map passes through the "post-1936" terminus at the intersection of Lincoln Blvd and Olympic Blvd, and the "unofficial" terminus at the junction of Santa Monica Blvd and Ocean Ave.
To reach the original terminus in downtown LA follow the OPTIONAL 1926-1931 ALIGNMENT.
Thanks to Scott Peotrowski for his advice on the various alignments in Los Angeles.
There are a number of excellent route 66 guidebooks and maps out there to help you plan your road trip and I'd recommend reading a good selection as different authors will have a different perspective. However, many people would consider these four to be true essentials, whether as research or on-the-fly reference. Check out more options here.
