What do you think?
Rate this book
The Backroads of Route 66: Your Guide to Adventures and Scenic Detours
This wonderfully illustrated, up-to-date guide to the natural, cultural, and historical gems hidden just off the legendary Route 66 outlines 30 trips for curious travelers.
Route 66 is arguably the world’s most famous highway (more than 60% of Route 66 adventurers are from overseas!)—its motels, diners, and roadside attractions comprising a time capsule of America’s love affair with the automobile. While many of the road’s iconic attractions have disappeared with time (along with large stretches of the road itself), others are as enduring as ever.
In this completely revised and updated version of The Backroads of Route 66 , author and Route 66 expert Jim Hinckley is your guide from the lowlands of the American Plains to the high plateaus of New Mexico and Arizona, from the Great Lakes to the mighty Pacific Ocean, and through major metropolises and remote country towns.
But rather than take the road oft traveled and the sites most photographed, Hinckley encourages you to branch off the Mother Road and discover the hidden gems beyond today’s familiar motels and tourist traps— quaint frontier communities that date to westward expansion; the legacy of native cultures ; and the awe-inspiring natural wonders that have graced these lands since time immemorial. There to be explored within a few hours’ drive from the path of Route 66 ,
The thirty trips in The Backroads of Route 66 offer new travel opportunities for you and the thousands of road-trippers who follow this legendary route, looking for something more.
Route 66 is arguably the world’s most famous highway (more than 60% of Route 66 adventurers are from overseas!)—its motels, diners, and roadside attractions comprising a time capsule of America’s love affair with the automobile. While many of the road’s iconic attractions have disappeared with time (along with large stretches of the road itself), others are as enduring as ever.
In this completely revised and updated version of The Backroads of Route 66 , author and Route 66 expert Jim Hinckley is your guide from the lowlands of the American Plains to the high plateaus of New Mexico and Arizona, from the Great Lakes to the mighty Pacific Ocean, and through major metropolises and remote country towns.
But rather than take the road oft traveled and the sites most photographed, Hinckley encourages you to branch off the Mother Road and discover the hidden gems beyond today’s familiar motels and tourist traps— quaint frontier communities that date to westward expansion; the legacy of native cultures ; and the awe-inspiring natural wonders that have graced these lands since time immemorial. There to be explored within a few hours’ drive from the path of Route 66 ,
The thirty trips in The Backroads of Route 66 offer new travel opportunities for you and the thousands of road-trippers who follow this legendary route, looking for something more.
- GenresTravelNonfiction
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
22 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Jim Hinckley
21 books43 followersTelling America's story. Inspiring road trips by telling people where to go. Sharing the adventure. It's what we do at Jim Hinckley's America.
We do this with books, 23 published to date including Route 66: 100 Years, Here We Are ... On Route 66, Backroads of Arizona, The Big Book of Car Culture, Ghost Towns of the Southwest, Murder and Mayhem on The Main Street of America: Tales From Bloody 66, Ghost Towns of Route 66, and The Illustrated Route 66 Historical Atlas. And we do it with the weekly Coffee With Jim podcast on Podbean, an official Route 66 centennial program. This as well as presentations made internationally illustrate why author, historian and humorist Jim Hinckley has earned the reputation of being a master storyteller.
We do this with books, 23 published to date including Route 66: 100 Years, Here We Are ... On Route 66, Backroads of Arizona, The Big Book of Car Culture, Ghost Towns of the Southwest, Murder and Mayhem on The Main Street of America: Tales From Bloody 66, Ghost Towns of Route 66, and The Illustrated Route 66 Historical Atlas. And we do it with the weekly Coffee With Jim podcast on Podbean, an official Route 66 centennial program. This as well as presentations made internationally illustrate why author, historian and humorist Jim Hinckley has earned the reputation of being a master storyteller.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 9, 2022
I like how this book is divided by states as it follows Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. The author includes photos of sites alongs the way along with route descriptions and side trips. I enjoyed the mix of historic photos and postcards along with modern photos of destinations and landscapes. When I think of Route 66, I think of Americana kitsch mixed with history and natural beauty. The route descriptions are informative and easy to read. Suggestions for places to eat and stay are much appreciated. I’m always interested in more specifics like hours of operations for sites like caverns or mines. Including local websites for more information would be useful too. Overall a very helpful book if planning to drive all or part of Route 66. Or fun to read through in the comfort of your chair and getting a good look at small town America. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Motorbooks for a temporary ARC in exchange for a review.
June 27, 2023
This book is a lovely travel guide with amazing photography and an occasional picture post card from days gone by. I recommend it to anyone who likes to take side trips and explore the countryside. (Sometimes, Google maps just takes the fun out of traveling without a specific destination.) This book is filled with many options for day trips, weekend adventures and even longer trips, depending on your plans. I bought this book right before the pandemic with the intention of taking a summer road trip from Chicago to Kansas City, MO. The plan was to focus on baseball stadiums, national parks and Route 66. Those plans were cancelled, but someday, I might reconsider the trip or think about an alternate route. I will bring this book with me whenever I do decide to hit the road.
September 12, 2022
One of my husband’s bucket list trips is to drive the entire length of Route 66, so I knew I had to get my hands on “The Backroads of Route 66.”
This fascinating guide is broken down by state and works its way along the Mother Road east to west: Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The attractions featured here aren’t the just the ones that everyone thinks of, these are lots of little side trips along the way to explore the heartland of America and beyond. It’s perfect for travelers who want something more than the typical tourist attractions.
Loaded with gorgeous photos, interesting off-the-beaten-path attractions, and practical tips for travelers, you’ll definitely want to add this book to your list if you’re planning to travel along Route 66 or even if you’re looking for unique individual excursions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks for providing me an advance copy of this book.
This fascinating guide is broken down by state and works its way along the Mother Road east to west: Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The attractions featured here aren’t the just the ones that everyone thinks of, these are lots of little side trips along the way to explore the heartland of America and beyond. It’s perfect for travelers who want something more than the typical tourist attractions.
Loaded with gorgeous photos, interesting off-the-beaten-path attractions, and practical tips for travelers, you’ll definitely want to add this book to your list if you’re planning to travel along Route 66 or even if you’re looking for unique individual excursions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks for providing me an advance copy of this book.
August 26, 2022
If you've always been intrigued by and drawn to the idea of a Route 66 road trip, this book is for you. It will function as a coffee table book as well as an actual guide so it will be appreciated by a range of readers. I liked the focus on eateries since that's always a draw for any type of travels and the photography is classic. The book works as an incentive for travel and notes many fun side trips off of Route 66 as well. Quite useful and fun!
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
July 29, 2022
I’ve read a few different short picture books now about Route 66 because I find the topic really fascinating and close to my heart. This one has breathtaking photos and interesting descriptions of each state. It is so cool to see multiple photos of places I’ve been (and lived right next to) in a book! Show-me state represent!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Motorbooks, and the author for an advance review copy!
Thank you to NetGalley, Motorbooks, and the author for an advance review copy!
July 18, 2009
Great info for our trip across the country! Loved this book!
April 13, 2018
Not a guide to Route 66, but a guide to the side trips off Route 66 where you get to see the good stuff. It's an interesting way to plan a book, and I could see it being indispensible. If, for example, you were a person who decided to travel the entire route in a leisurely series of one to two week travels, you'd want to have this book along to goad you into getting off the interstate, the feeders, and the few stretches of the original road. You'd want to see museums, botanical gardens, lakes and volcano craters.
And it's gorgeous, too. Don't try to sit down with this and read it through, but definitely pick it up whenever you're planning a trip in those areas. My list of places I must go somewhere has doubled overnight.
And it's gorgeous, too. Don't try to sit down with this and read it through, but definitely pick it up whenever you're planning a trip in those areas. My list of places I must go somewhere has doubled overnight.
October 15, 2022
This is the third Route 66 book that I have read from Jim Hinckley, and being quite a Route 66 fan I am happy to add “The Backroads of Route 66: Your Guide to Adventures and Scenic Detours” to my library. I believe that this is an update to the 2008 guide, a fun edition that looks at what’s just beyond the mother road.
Similar to just about every Route 66 book, this looks at the road state-by-state, from Illinois to California. Each chapter starts with a basic primer of what you will find along the Route: some commentary, highlights, and even places to sleep and eat. But then Mr. Hinckley takes you off the beaten path, providing four or five side trips in each area that are similar enough that they would fit in to a Route 66-themed vacation but different enough that they are worth a side trip. Some of the trips are only a half-day round trip, but others will definitely extend your journey by a few days. There’s a combination of natural beauty, manmade wonders, and historic finds. As with his previous books, one of the joys of this guide are the pictures: Mr. Hinkley does a great job of combining vintage pictures, old postcards, and current-day photos to entice one to get behind the wheel and head on west for an unforgettable journey. Not a standalone guidebook for a road trip, but a great addition to a Route 66 library.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks via NetGalley. Thank you!
Similar to just about every Route 66 book, this looks at the road state-by-state, from Illinois to California. Each chapter starts with a basic primer of what you will find along the Route: some commentary, highlights, and even places to sleep and eat. But then Mr. Hinckley takes you off the beaten path, providing four or five side trips in each area that are similar enough that they would fit in to a Route 66-themed vacation but different enough that they are worth a side trip. Some of the trips are only a half-day round trip, but others will definitely extend your journey by a few days. There’s a combination of natural beauty, manmade wonders, and historic finds. As with his previous books, one of the joys of this guide are the pictures: Mr. Hinkley does a great job of combining vintage pictures, old postcards, and current-day photos to entice one to get behind the wheel and head on west for an unforgettable journey. Not a standalone guidebook for a road trip, but a great addition to a Route 66 library.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks via NetGalley. Thank you!
August 11, 2022
The Backroads of Route 66, another interesting book from Jim Hinckley, offers a fun twist on the usual Rte 66 trip, short excursions just off the beaten path.
I have only driven the length of Rte 66 twice, the first for pure fun back in the late 70s. Other than that, I have traversed sections when I could or when it made for a nice side trip. But with these sidetrips, I think another full trip might be in order just to see these detour destinations.
Organized by state, these excursions are more than just another way to enjoy Americana. Putting Rte 66 aside for a moment, anyone who might be visiting any of these areas or even living close by might benefit from this book. Sometimes we miss the places we live the closest to. I lived in NYC for a couple years and didn't make the trip to the Statue of Liberty until I had moved away and took a friend to see the city.
Even if no physical trips are in your immediate future, this will make for some wonderful armchair traveling. The pictures and the explanations of the sights make for great reading. I didn't try it (yet) but street view on maps might even be fun.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
I have only driven the length of Rte 66 twice, the first for pure fun back in the late 70s. Other than that, I have traversed sections when I could or when it made for a nice side trip. But with these sidetrips, I think another full trip might be in order just to see these detour destinations.
Organized by state, these excursions are more than just another way to enjoy Americana. Putting Rte 66 aside for a moment, anyone who might be visiting any of these areas or even living close by might benefit from this book. Sometimes we miss the places we live the closest to. I lived in NYC for a couple years and didn't make the trip to the Statue of Liberty until I had moved away and took a friend to see the city.
Even if no physical trips are in your immediate future, this will make for some wonderful armchair traveling. The pictures and the explanations of the sights make for great reading. I didn't try it (yet) but street view on maps might even be fun.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
October 1, 2022
This was a brilliant read. It was fascinating learning about cool areas off the great road. I am never going to go on route 66 let along discover its back roads. That is why I read books like this one as its a way of travelling in a affordable way. It's the next best thing. Travelling the world from the comfort of your own armchair. This book had so many colourful and very interesting photographs. Which really made the journey all the more fun to go on. So many of these places where on the original route 66 before it was rerouted. Not living in the states. I just couldn't believe how long this road was and how many states it actually went through. I liked the way the book was separated into states and then into drives. It was obvious that the author has travelled these roads many times. It was a brilliant history of an area /towns. Places worth eating and visiting were in each drive. It was so entertaining and well wrote that I could definitely imagine myself there. I definitely recommend reading this book if you love travelling from your own home or if you are interested in travelling the area. It's definitely well worth a read.
Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this fantastic book that will take you on a journey of a lifetime.
Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this fantastic book that will take you on a journey of a lifetime.
August 1, 2022
Image that you go over to visit your Uncle Jim, and while your there you get snowed in by an unexpected squall. So now you are stuck in the house with your most boring relative, without anyway to get away from him. Jim says, "while your here, let me show you my slides (slides??) from my trip along the (most of it) original roadway of the famous Route 66". Your thinking at least it's not of the annual family picnic.
Not only did good old Uncle Jim travel this vintage highway, but he had a guide book that showed all of the really interesting places and oddities, all the way to California (LA actually). Since Uncle Jim is a seasoned traveler of "unusual" places, he also takes side trip off the highway to view additional "interesting" towns, mines, and artifacts like the second largest rocking chair in the country (if not the World).
I mean how many pictures could he take, right! How about enough to fill a 192 page book. It's actually interesting if your the type of person who reads National Geographic of Conde Nast Traveler.
Not only did good old Uncle Jim travel this vintage highway, but he had a guide book that showed all of the really interesting places and oddities, all the way to California (LA actually). Since Uncle Jim is a seasoned traveler of "unusual" places, he also takes side trip off the highway to view additional "interesting" towns, mines, and artifacts like the second largest rocking chair in the country (if not the World).
I mean how many pictures could he take, right! How about enough to fill a 192 page book. It's actually interesting if your the type of person who reads National Geographic of Conde Nast Traveler.
July 29, 2022
The Backroads of Route 66 is a fully updated version of the author's book previously released under the same title. This guide book offers trip ideas for travelers looking for something new to experience along Route 66.
The book is divided up by state and gives several touring options for each area. There are a variety of attractions and historical sites listed for each option. The author has filled this book with helpful tips for both seasoned and new travelers. There are beautiful photographs all throughout the book.
The Backroads of Route 66 would be a great companion book to the author’s other book released earlier this year, Here We Are… on Route 66: A Journey Down America’s Main Street.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Motorbooks!
The book is divided up by state and gives several touring options for each area. There are a variety of attractions and historical sites listed for each option. The author has filled this book with helpful tips for both seasoned and new travelers. There are beautiful photographs all throughout the book.
The Backroads of Route 66 would be a great companion book to the author’s other book released earlier this year, Here We Are… on Route 66: A Journey Down America’s Main Street.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Motorbooks!
August 11, 2022
This book takes readers on a journey from Chicago to Los Angeles following good ole Route 66. The book is divided by state and provides both photos and route descriptions. The photos are in color, except for a few historical photographs, and include brief captions. I enjoyed that there was a mix of old photographs from closer to they heyday of the route as well as more modern pictures. I'll just put it this way, many of the modern photographs truly capture the kitsch of small town America. The descriptions were easy to read an follow, but I do wish there had been more practical information like hours of operation, suggested places to stay, and resources like websites to look at for more information. I did appreciate that Jim provided tips for the journey including suggestions of the best places to eat along the way. Thank you to Quarto Publishing for the ARC.
September 22, 2022
When I think of Route 66 I have wonderful memories of watching ‘Lightning Macqueen’ or Billy Connelly! This book is the perfect guide for actually travelling along this legendary road, or dreaming of all the amazing places to visit!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well researched book. The secrets of otherwise unknown attractions are revealed, the photos and the history are truly amazing, a special gift to all who read this gem!
As a travelling companion or a wonderful coffee table book, to return to time and again, this is a fabulous addition to treasure for years to come!
Huge thanks and congratulations to Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks, NetGalley and the author for providing an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well researched book. The secrets of otherwise unknown attractions are revealed, the photos and the history are truly amazing, a special gift to all who read this gem!
As a travelling companion or a wonderful coffee table book, to return to time and again, this is a fabulous addition to treasure for years to come!
Huge thanks and congratulations to Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks, NetGalley and the author for providing an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 16, 2013
Great descriptive text and photos of areas not often seen that are just off the Mother Road. Many great ideas to expand your Route 66 road trip!
Like the road to Hannibal, MO.
One of the few detours I have taken away from Route 66 is a visit to Branson, dropping down from Springfield, MO. Described in this book, it made a very enjoyable day trip for me--saw the World's Largest Toy Store!
I have also made the trip from Shamrock, TX to Liberal, KS. Check out the Land of OZ in Liberal!
In New Mexico, I would recommend the Cedar Crest to Chama route, and the Tucumcari to Taos road for some great scenery.
In California, the routes from Santa Monica are great too--down to San Diego, or up to Monterey.
Like the road to Hannibal, MO.
One of the few detours I have taken away from Route 66 is a visit to Branson, dropping down from Springfield, MO. Described in this book, it made a very enjoyable day trip for me--saw the World's Largest Toy Store!
I have also made the trip from Shamrock, TX to Liberal, KS. Check out the Land of OZ in Liberal!
In New Mexico, I would recommend the Cedar Crest to Chama route, and the Tucumcari to Taos road for some great scenery.
In California, the routes from Santa Monica are great too--down to San Diego, or up to Monterey.
August 18, 2022
This is a really cute guide to some stuff around Route 66. I bit the 66 frenzy upon a trip to Texas so I’m really interested in doing a Route 66 trip. This book was picturesque and filled with great sight seeing photos.
What did I like? I guess I like the feel of the book as it navigates you from state to state with some memorable sights. It gives you some background and some ideas of what to see or eat. It’s also full of great photos!
Would I recommend or buy? This is the type of guide I’d buy before embarking on a road trip. It was fun and informative! Five stars!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left this opinion!
What did I like? I guess I like the feel of the book as it navigates you from state to state with some memorable sights. It gives you some background and some ideas of what to see or eat. It’s also full of great photos!
Would I recommend or buy? This is the type of guide I’d buy before embarking on a road trip. It was fun and informative! Five stars!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left this opinion!
August 21, 2022
My best memories are our annual summer trips along Rt. 66 from Californi to see family in Indiana and Ohio. Oddly, we had specific stops along the way that we did every single time. This book brought those memories back. While it didn't cover the specific stops we had (other than those tee pees!) I was able to remember times that are priceless; a slower time. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for an e-ARC of this title for my review. All opinions are my own.
March 1, 2015
I don't think I've ever read a travel guide book from front to back, just like a regular book...but I did this one! It was really done nicely (altho I did think it ended real abruptly!) It really points out a lot of neat places to see thru out the route, & had beautiful pictures! I discovered some new places to explore!
May 1, 2023
Having visited LA and done a little travelling on route 66 this seemed like a great book to dip into! I wasn’t wrong! This book gives you insight into the nitty gritty of route 66 all the insider information you could ever want or need!
When I visit again I’m armed now with more knowledge than before so am 100% ready to tackle those other areas which we didn’t get to bison our first trip!
When I visit again I’m armed now with more knowledge than before so am 100% ready to tackle those other areas which we didn’t get to bison our first trip!
September 7, 2023
I traveled to New Mexico in June for a class reunion and I traveled over to Tucumcari to see this area again after 60 years absence . And I read in the reading of this book about some of the areas that I visited and some that I missed. This guide is great as it covers areas that are off of the major roads but are so interesting to me .
January 4, 2014
Beautiful, large photographs. There is an awesome 1960s-era poster with postcards highlighting a bunch of Route 66 attractions in the introduction. This book makes me want to take this route for the opportunity alone to be able to take photos of so many amazing old neon signs!
January 18, 2014
Great tour of the backroads around Route 66 - this will be on our must buy list for upcoming trips! Great photographs!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews