4 States, an Impractical Convertible and a whole lot of Take Away.
So here is the route we took, by destination.
But first a little about the impractical car...
We had picked the car up from the LAX airport (Hertz)- Convertible Red Camaro of course! Probably not the most fuel efficient or practical car we could have chosen. But why the heck not! We both had big bags, I definitely don’t travel light - whoops (something I’m working on). So any time we needed to get our bags we needed to put the roof down, as the were squished in the back seats. They didn’t fit in the boot lol!
This was all part of our experience!
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, California
This is a super unique yard that is open for all to visit! Unfortunately Elmer had passed away a few weeks before we had visited, which is a shame.
This place wasn’t busy, while we were there we just had one couple walking around with another pulling up as we left! It’s just a house in the middle of nowhere on a highway! So random, if you are passing through and have the time definitely check it out!
Barstow, California
Barstow was just a place along Route 66 we had stopped for lunch, but it was a gorgeous old town, and has a McDonald built into an old train!
Not too busy of an area, just a lovely old town.
Oatman Ghost Town, Arizona
This ghost town is incredible! An old gold mining town which actually now has more wild burrows living there than people. These little guys just wonder the streets. While we were there I believe we had only seen one other car drive through! Truly is a ghost town. However, during the 'open hours' it can be quite popular.
Kingman, Arizona
This is a small city which is along the historic Route 66. The thing we wanted to see here, and recommend you visit is the massive water tanks! These tanks use to supply water to the rail road steam engines. They are more than 100 years old. It’s free to visit it is just on the side of the road near a rail road.
Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona
WOW! This was a breathtaking sight, unfortunately there were sooo many tourists right at the first look out, but just go past it. If you walk a little bit further the crowds thin out and you can actually experience the view!
Tip #1
One big tip we have, is if you plan on visiting a few national parks it’s might be more value for you to buy a pass that lets you into most parks.
We had bought the Annual US Park Pass - $80 USD. The pass admits the pass holder and an additional 3 adults and is valid for 12 months. Might sound expensive, but when it cost on average $35 USD per vehicle for entrance to one park, it really can add up quickly.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Not too much to say about this area, we didn’t get in till late and then left early the next day for more adventures. It was a nice area to stay, and the town is mentioned in the “Route 66” song haha.
Page, Arizona
While in Page, we visited two main attractions; Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend. We did our Canyon tour with “Antelope Canyon X by Taadidiin Tours” we went with this company because the timings available worked best for us. Pricing is all pretty similar but this company had smaller group tours and more time inside the canyons for photos etc. Canyon X is about 10mins away from the other 'Antelope Canyons'. This really is a must see. Such an incredible experience.
Tip #2
If you want those people free shots, all you need to do is hang at the back of the group. Most people will be after the crowd free shot and are happy to work with you.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Unfortunately the Horseshoe Bend park fee isn’t covered by the national park pass as it is owned by different people. But again another must see! It's quite busy during the afternoon which is when we visited. The walk is nothing too strenuous, slight decline on the way there and then back up the hill on the way back to the car park.
It is possible to get some amazing shots here (as millions have), just be careful.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The entertainment capital of the world, as some say!
We aren’t big partiers or gamblers but we still had a great time here. Getting day drunk on over priced frozen cocktails by the pool - what more could you want.
We had a slap on the pokies at the big names like Caesar’s Palace and the Bellagio. We got a free drink each at one of them while on the pokies and I felt pretty guilty as we weren’t betting big!
Our highlight was watching Penn and Teller’s Magic Show at Rio Las Vegas. We've seen all their shows on Netflix so thought it would be good to see them live. The show was better than we expected.
Hope this has give you some idea of great spots to visit during your road trip.
Mandy and Michael xo