Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, and Greater Palm Springs sits just two hours south of where the highway enters California. This Route 66 road trip planner maps out a three-day journey east to the Colorado River, then back west through desert ghost towns, volcanic craters, and roadside attractions that have endured since the highway's mid-century heyday.
Before You Go
The city of Desert Hot Springs sits about 30 minutes north of Palm Springs. Its mineral springs reach temperatures up to 170°F–ideal for a pre- or post-road-trip soak. Or, head east to the Coachella Valley / Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, where hiking trails wind through 20,000 acres of desert palm oases.
Day 1: The Colorado River to Ghost Town USA
Topock Gorge and Pirate Cove Resort
Start your journey by driving northeast toward Needles and the Colorado River. Near here, you'll find Pirate Cove Resort and the nearby historic Topock Gorge, which cuts dramatically through volcanic cliffs. Just south, the Topock Maze (a 15-acre geoglyph etched into the desert more than 600 years ago by the Mojave people) marks what many believe was a spiritual portal to the afterlife.
Amboy & Roy's Motel and Café
An hour west sit Roy's Motel and Café, now operating as a gas station and gift shop with its iconic 1950s neon sign still visible for miles. While full meals are no longer served, you can grab cold drinks and Route 66 memorabilia. Walk across the painted Route 66 shields in the road to the Amboy post office for a hand-stamped postcard.
Amboy Crater
Five minutes from Roy's, Amboy Crater rises as a nearly symmetrical volcanic cinder cone in the open Northern Desert. The rim hike isn’t easy (pack plenty of water), but the reward is sweeping 360-degree views across black lava fields that stretch for miles.
Day 2: Mining History and Cult Cinema
Ludlow
This former silver mining supply town maintains a small cluster of historic buildings. Stop at the Ludlow Cafe if you need fuel or food–options are limited in this stretch of the Mojave.
Bagdad Café, Newberry Springs
Film fans (particularly from France) make regular pilgrimages to Bagdad Café. German director Percy Adlon filmed his 1987 movie Bagdad Café here, after which the former Sidewinder Cafe adopted its current name. Today, flags from dozens of countries hang from the ceiling, and the walls are covered with stickers and signatures from visitors. The café serves drinks, milkshakes, burgers, and sandwiches.
Day 3: Barstow's Railroad Legacy
Route 66 Mother Road Museum
Located inside the historic Casa del Desierto Harvey House, the Route 66 Mother Road Museum showcases photographs and artifacts tracing the highway's evolution from early pioneer trails to the automobile era.
Wigwam Motel
The Patel family restored these 19 "wigwam" cabins that have welcomed travelers since 1949. Updated with modern amenities and a pool, the property still preserves its unmistakable roadside facade.
Back to Palm Springs
The return drive takes roughly three hours. End your Route 66 roadtrip at Melvyn's Restaurant or Workshop Kitchen + Bar, both serving California cuisine in mid-century modern settings that nod to the era that made Route 66 legendary.
Why Start Here
Greater Palm Springs provides the infrastructure Route 66 towns can't–reliable hotels, diverse dining, and easy arrivals through Palm Springs International Airport. The same desert landscape that frames Route 66 begins right outside your door, but you'll return each night to comfort and style.
Start planning your next Mother Road adventure from Greater Palm Springs.
