The Route 66 → Sequoia Adventure Loop

A California Road Trip from Desert Highways to Giant Trees

In 2026, the legendary Route 66 turns 100 years old, and travelers across the country are hitting the road to celebrate the “Mother Road.” First established in 1926, Route 66 became America’s most famous highway, connecting small towns, neon diners, desert landscapes, and generations of adventurous road trippers.

If you're exploring Route 66 in California, one of the most exciting stretches runs from Needles to the Los Angeles area, where the historic highway crosses through classic desert towns, vintage roadside attractions, and unforgettable landscapes.  But here’s a little-known twist to make the trip even better: Add a scenic detour to Kernville, the southern gateway to the Sequoia National Forest, where towering mountains, giant trees, and the Kern River offer the perfect outdoor break from the highway.

Here’s a fun, family-friendly Route 66 road trip itinerary that mixes Americana history, outdoor adventure, and memorable stops for travelers of all ages.

For travelers celebrating the centennial of Route 66, this adventure loop adds something most Route 66 trips miss: a gateway into California’s wild mountain landscapes.  Instead of simply driving from the Mojave Desert to Los Angeles, this loop detours north into the southern Sierra Nevada, visiting the charming river town of Kernville before climbing into the forests surrounding Sequoia National Forest and eventually Sequoia National Park.

The route blends vintage Americana, desert landscapes, mountain rivers, giant trees, and classic California beach culture. 

Total distance: about 450–520 miles depending on stops.

Ideal trip length: 3 to 5 days.

Overview of the Loop

Needles → Amboy → Barstow → Kernville → Sequoia → Bakersfield → Los Angeles → Santa Monica

Key icons along the way include:

• Mojave Desert volcanoes • vintage Route 66 neon signs • whitewater rivers • giant sequoia trees • historic Los Angeles neighborhoods • the Pacific Ocean

It’s the kind of road trip where every day looks completely different from the last.

Stop 1

Needles – Start Your Route 66 Journey

Begin your trip in Needles, one of the most historic towns on Route 66.

Sitting along the Colorado River, Needles was a major railroad stop during the golden era of cross-country travel.

Things to do

• Explore the historic El Garces Hotel • Walk classic Route 66 streets • Spot massive freight trains crossing the desert

This is where the adventure officially begins.

Stop 2

Mojave Desert Icons

Follow Route 66 west into the heart of the Mojave Desert. Two stops here are legendary among road-trip photographers.

Amboy Crater

Amboy Crater rises dramatically from the desert floor and offers a short hike to the rim of a real volcano. Kids love the “we climbed a volcano” bragging rights.

Roy’s Motel & Café

Just down the road sits the famous neon sign of Roy's Motel and Cafe.

This towering retro sign has become one of the most photographed locations on the entire highway.

Stop 3

Route 66 History in Barstow

Continue west to Barstow, a major hub of Route 66 culture. The highlight here is the fascinating Route 66 Mother Road Museum. Expect classic cars, vintage gas pumps, and stories from the golden age of American road trips.

Stop 4

The Secret Detour: Kernville

Now your road trip takes a turn many travelers never discover. Leave the desert behind for a couple of days and drive north into the Sierra foothills to reach the river town of Kernville, CA. This charming mountain community sits along the powerful Kern River and serves as the southern gateway to the Sequoia National Forest.

After hours of desert landscapes, the change feels magical: pine forests, rushing river water, and cooler mountain air.

Top Activities in Kernville

Outdoor adventure seekers can enjoy:

• whitewater rafting • fishing and swimming • riverside hiking • mountain biking trails • stargazing in dark mountain skies

Many travelers build in a stay overnight along the river before continuing their loop.

Stop 5

Giant Trees in the Sierra Nevada

From Kernville, the road climbs higher into the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Explore the towering forests of Sequoia National Forest or venture into nearby Sequoia National Park.

Here you’ll find some of the largest trees on Earth. Walking beneath these ancient giants makes the Mojave Desert feel like another planet entirely.

Stop 6

Return Through Bakersfield

Head back toward the Central Valley through Bakersfield. Music fans may want to visit the Kern County Museum or catch live country music at Trout's Nightclub or Ethel's Old Corral to celebrate the Bakersfield sound of classic country music. This stretch offers great food stops before returning toward Los Angeles.

Stop 7

Finish the Route in Los Angeles

Complete the classic Route 66 experience by driving through the historic neighborhoods of Pasadena and Hollywood. Finally, celebrate the end of the journey at the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica. The famous sign at the Santa Monica Pier marks the traditional end of Route 66. Standing there with the ocean breeze and a camera full of photos is the perfect way to celebrate 100 years of America’s most legendary highway.

Pro Tip for Route 66 Travelers: When planning your Route 66 centennial road trip, consider adding at least one night in Kernville to experience California’s mountain wilderness before continuing to Los Angeles.  Many road-trippers discover that the river, forests, and slower pace of this town become the highlight of their entire Route 66 adventure.