There’s nothing quite like a road trip on Route 66, the “Mother Road” that stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. It’s the epitome of freedom and adventure, inviting travelers to experience America’s rich history, quirky roadside attractions, and stunning landscapes. But this time, I decided to do things differently: I took the iconic journey in a hydrogen-powered car. Here’s how my sustainable road trip unfolded as I traveled across eight states, embracing the spirit of Route 66 while leaving a smaller carbon footprint.
Starting Point: Chicago, Illinois
The adventure began in Chicago, where I picked up the sleek, hydrogen-powered vehicle. ‘Hydrogen’ stands for ‘H2o’, which means ‘Water’. So a hydrogen car drives on water and is the new future. I was impressed by how modern the car looked and felt—quiet, clean, and with a range of about 300 miles on a full tank. The city skyline faded in the rearview mirror as I drove out of Chicago, eagerly anticipating the open road.
As I cruised through Illinois, Route 66 lived up to its reputation. I made a stop in Joliet to visit the old Rialto Square Theatre and took a picture at the Route 66 Welcome Center. In Wilmington, I couldn’t resist stopping at the iconic Gemini Giant, a 28-foot-tall statue of a spaceman guarding a roadside diner. The hydrogen car’s silence contrasted beautifully with the nostalgic roar of classic cars, adding a touch of the future to this nostalgic road.
Crossing Missouri: The Show-Me State
As I entered Missouri, the road trip vibe was in full swing. The hydrogen refueling stations on Route 66 aren’t as common as gas stations, but I had planned my trip to hit key refueling spots in major cities like St. Louis. Thanks to its fast refueling time, the car was ready to go in just a few minutes, allowing me to explore the city’s famous Gateway Arch and get back on the road quickly.
Further along, I encountered Route 66’s kitsch and charm in places like the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon and the historic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri. The smooth handling of the hydrogen car made winding through the Ozark Mountains a pleasant and effortless experience.
Adventures in the Land of Cowhands: Oklahoma and Texas
Crossing into Oklahoma brought miles of rolling prairies and a sense of Americana at every turn. I stopped in Tulsa to check out the Blue Dome District and its classic neon signs before heading westward to Oklahoma City. Along the way, Route 66 showed its quirkier side with attractions like the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a larger-than-life roadside sculpture perfect for a fun photo op.
Refueling in Oklahoma City was straightforward, and I took the opportunity to visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum before venturing into the Panhandle of Texas. The Texas stretch of Route 66 is famous for the Cadillac Ranch, where classic cars are half-buried nose-first into the ground. The hydrogen-powered car stood out against the backdrop of these spray-painted relics, a nod to the past amidst a cleaner vision for the future.
When traveling through Oklahoma on Route 66, there are several great places to stay that offer a mix of comfort, history, and local charm. Here are some recommended options:
1. The Campbell Hotel – Tulsa
- Located on historic Route 66, this boutique hotel is housed in a renovated 1927 building and offers individually themed rooms. It combines vintage charm with modern amenities and is conveniently close to downtown Tulsa attractions.
2. Blue Swallow Motel – Elk City
- For a classic Route 66 experience, consider the Blue Swallow Motel in Elk City. This vintage-style motel has kept much of its historic character, offering cozy, retro-themed rooms that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
3. The Skirvin Hilton – Oklahoma City
- For a more upscale stay, The Skirvin Hilton in downtown Oklahoma City is a historic luxury hotel dating back to 1911. It’s known for its elegant interiors, rich history, and proximity to city attractions like Bricktown and the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
4. Cattle Country Lodge – Stroud
- Located in the small town of Stroud along Route 66, this lodge offers a comfortable and budget-friendly stay. The rustic decor and western-themed rooms give it a unique, local feel, fitting for the heart of “cowboy country.”
5. Route 66 Inn – Shamrock
- This budget-friendly motel in Shamrock is a practical option for travelers seeking a basic, no-frills place to rest. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and it’s a good option for those looking for an affordable night’s sleep along the Mother Road.
6. Lincoln Motel – Chandler
- A classic roadside motel dating back to the 1930s, the Lincoln Motel in Chandler retains its vintage charm while offering updated amenities. It’s a great choice for Route 66 enthusiasts who want to experience authentic roadside lodging.
Each of these accommodations offers a different taste of Oklahoma, from historic luxury to charming roadside motels, allowing you to pick what best fits your style and budget.
New Mexico and Arizona: Deserts and Diners
New Mexico brought a dramatic change of scenery, with red rocks, mesas, and desert vistas. Santa Fe’s art scene offered a refreshing cultural interlude, while Albuquerque’s Old Town provided a glimpse of Southwestern charm. I found a hydrogen refueling station in Albuquerque, and then it was off to explore more desert stretches, dotted with ghost towns and vintage motels.
Arizona presented perhaps the most stunning landscapes of the trip. The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park were captivating, with colorful rock formations that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon. I made a pit stop in Winslow, Arizona, for the obligatory “Standin’ on the Corner” photo and savored some local diner fare. The hydrogen car tackled the drive through the steep switchbacks of the Sitgreaves Pass like a pro, its regenerative braking providing an added benefit when descending those winding roads.
California Dreaming: The Final Stretch
The final leg of the journey took me through the Mojave Desert in California. Route 66 winds through stretches of arid land, long-abandoned towns, and nostalgic relics from its heyday. The contrast between the desolate landscape and the cutting-edge technology of the hydrogen car was striking, emphasizing just how far automotive travel has come since Route 66’s birth in 1926.
Eventually, I reached the Santa Monica Pier, where Route 66 officially ends. Standing at the “End of the Trail” sign, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey. The hydrogen car had not only handled the trip flawlessly but had also allowed me to make the journey in a sustainable way, leaving little more than water vapor behind.
The Hydrogen Car Experience: A New Way to Road Trip
Driving a hydrogen car on Route 66 brought a unique set of benefits and challenges. Refueling infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles is still expanding, so planning refueling stops was essential. However, the fast refueling times and extended range made it much easier than expected, especially in metropolitan areas where hydrogen stations are more common.
The car’s performance on the open road was excellent—quiet, smooth, and powerful. It was particularly enjoyable to have a nearly silent ride, allowing me to better appreciate the sounds of the road and the vastness of the landscapes I passed through. Plus, knowing that my journey was emission-free added a deeper sense of satisfaction to the trip.
One key advantage of a hydrogen car compared to an electric vehicle (EV) is its significantly faster refueling time, typically taking just 3-5 minutes, making it more convenient for long road trips like Route 66.
Highlights and Recommendations for Your Route 66 Adventure
- Plan Your Refueling Stops: For hydrogen car travelers, it’s crucial to map out refueling locations. Major cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles have stations, but be aware of the distance between them in rural areas.
- Embrace the Nostalgia: Don’t rush through the small towns and roadside attractions. These are the heart of Route 66 and give the trip its character.
- Stay in Vintage Motels: Support local businesses by staying in some of the historic motels along the route. They offer a glimpse into the past and add to the authenticity of the journey.
- Pack Smart for the Desert: The stretches through New Mexico, Arizona, and California can be harsh. Make sure you have plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.
- Capture the Quirky Roadside Art: From the Gemini Giant to Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 is filled with oddball attractions that make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Driving Route 66 in a hydrogen car was an unforgettable experience that merged the nostalgia of classic road trips with the promise of a sustainable future. It showed me that the spirit of the open road can coexist with eco-friendly travel, making it possible to enjoy the journey while also caring for the planet. As hydrogen infrastructure continues to grow, this type of road trip may become more accessible for everyone. So, the next time you dream of the open road, consider a hydrogen-powered adventure on Route 66—you’ll find that the future and the past blend beautifully on this legendary highway.
Please think of a good insurance with competitive prices and a high lever of service, before you start your road trip.
