We set out on our 1,149-mile journey on Sunday morning.
We knew just getting out of Texas was the longest part of any trip since we travel from deep South Texas, but our goal was to make it to Lubbock and stop for the night. I planned the route, allotted for pit stops and refueling, and estimated the drive to Lubbock in our Sprinter van would take approximately 8 hours. My online research showed no overnight parking at Lubbock Walmart locations, but I called ahead to both Bass Pro Shop (on 50th Street) and Cabela’s (on W. Loop 289) and knew we could overnight park there if we needed to. Our goal was to avoid camping charges on the way up and back and we were determined to find free camping spots.
We packed lunches and drinks for the road, so we didn’t waste time on the first leg of the trip. We travel Central to South Texas fairly regularly, so we made great time. In fact, when we got close to Lubbock, we realized it was only two more hours to Amarillo. So, we pushed on.
Antelope Flats: Palo Duro Canyon
We didn’t want to miss a little Route 66 exploration in Texas, “The Mother Road.” America’s most famous highway is home to iconic attractions, and a nostalgic throwback to yesterday. I heard about Palo Duro Canyon but didn’t think we would have time to check it out on this trip. The Canyon is a destination all its own, and we were on a schedule.
As luck would have it, we rolled into Palo Duro Canyon State Park at dusk. We paid $8/person to get in, but we found this a nominal fee for the grandeur of the Canyon. Due to our time constraint, we did the driving tour and stopped here and there to take it all in. We drove the Sprinter van through the Canyon and had zero trouble navigating the road or the incline.
Palo Duro is the second largest canyon in the US, second only to the Grand Canyon and it did not disappoint! I was in awe of the expansive beauty. Watching the sun go down and cast shadows on the canyon created a breathtaking experience. If horseback riding, camping, ziplining or hiking appeals to you, all are available, and more details can be found on the Palo Duro Canyon Website.
The Big Texan
We decided to check out The Big Texan for dinner in Amarillo after the Canyon. Again, definitely not a disappointment if you’re expecting nostalgic, fun and even a kitschy atmosphere and yummy food. They offer a free meal if you can eat a 72 oz steak and all the fixings in the allotted timeframe. There was a parking lot behind the restaurant, and we easily parked the van there and headed inside. The wait was reasonable, and we sat in the bar area waiting for our table. We were seated upstairs which gave us a full view of the restaurant and our server was fantastic!
When it was time to leave, I confirmed with the waitress we were parked in a spot where we could stay all night. She confirmed we were fine and said if we felt more comfortable walking back to our van (after dark) the police officer standing in front would be happy to walk us out. He did, and we felt safe and sound next to the Horse Hotel. Seriously. Horse Hotel. It’s a real thing, with real horses. If you’re on Route 66, you don’t want to miss it. More details can be found on the Big Texan’s website.
Cadillac Ranch
Up early the next morning, we headed about 15 minutes down the road to the infamous Cadillac Ranch. Embracing my inner hippie, I walked out into the middle of a farm field and enjoyed adding my own touch to a few Cadillacs. We got there between 9-10 a.m. and there was already a crowd of people of all ages, but there was plenty of room for everyone. Spray paint and even cute t-shirts were available for purchase on site. Rumor has it the first Cadillac was put in the ground in 1971 and it definitely felt like we had stepped back in time. You don’t want to miss Cadillac Ranch on your Texas stretch of Route 66.
Iconic Route 66 Casino
We even caught a bit of Route 66 in New Mexico on our return trip when we stayed at the iconic Route 66 Casino. We ate dinner and spent a few dollars on the penny slots and camped in the parking lot overnight. The weather was perfect for sleeping with the windows open.
Out of the eight states Route 66 runs through, we were glad to visit the Texas portion. Looking forward to seeing the rest of this slice of America’s history!
Adventure on!
