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Portable generator, check. Dog food, check. Spray paint, check. These were just a few of the essentials I packed for a two-week summer road trip with my pup, Radcliff. Our final destination: the healing landscapes of Colorado. But first, we made a colorful pitstop in Amarillo, Texas, to cross Cadillac Ranch off my bucket list—just in time for the lead-up to Route 66’s Centennial in 2026.
A Colorful Detour: Why Cadillac Ranch Made the Cut
Sure, there was a more direct route between Southwest Florida and Colorado, but a whimsical detour to Cadillac Ranch wasn’t too far out of the way. As a passionate road tripper, traveling Route 66’s entire 2,448 miles has been a goal. The iconic highway was commissioned in 1926 and weaves through eight states between Chicago and Los Angeles. Interestingly, the Mother Road was decommissioned in 1985 when it was removed from the United States Highway System and replaced by parts of the Interstate Highway System.
Having lived and worked in Death Valley, Everglades, and Yellowstone National Parks, I’ve crisscrossed the country a few times while driving a bit of Route 66. A sucker for celebratory moments – like next year’s Centennial – I decided to get my kicks and a little splash of color in Amarillo.
Radcliff and I rolled in late, grabbed a good night’s rest at a Red Roof Inn (always pet-friendly) and woke up relatively early to an overcast morning, ready to take on the day, Cadillac Ranch.
Spray Paint & Paw Prints: Radcliff’s First Art Installation
Goosebumps tingled up my back and down my arms as we rolled over the graffitied road and parked by the entrance gate at around 8:30 a.m. For years I’ve heard about and seen photos of Cadillac Ranch and dreamed of visiting. Finally, the day arrived.
In the middle of what looks like a wheat field, a broad dirt path leads to 10 vintage autos, nose-down in a straight line in the earth. The art collective, Ant Farm, created Cadillac Ranch in 1974. Each Cadillac represents a different model from 1949 to 1963 tilting at the same angle as the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Visitors—including creative canines—are invited to leave their mark by spray painting the cars. If you don’t bring your own cans of spray paint, like I did, you can try your luck and hope someone leaves a can or two behind (there were several) or find a kind visitor (like me) who gifts you their leftover paint.
I was so focused on visiting this iconic Route 66 attraction that I didn’t give much thought as to what I’d paint on a car. Graffiti isn’t something I’ve done before. Now that I was there and I was soaking up the layers of paint and vibrant colors, my creativity stalled. I went with “Solo Travel Girl,” and Radcliff patiently watched as I first painted a rectangle in yellow and then spraying the letters in teal. Posing for a selfie, I admired my amateur work knowing it would soon be covered by someone else’s temporary art.
Layers of Legacy: Reflections on the Painted Cadillac
It’s mind-blowing thinking about all the people who’ve visited this quirky attraction over the years. Looking closely at the cars, I could see the layers of paint and in one small section, the paint was cut away and I saw what looked like a three-dimensional rainbow. It resembled viewing a mountain cross-section, with each sediment layer marking a distinct era. Wow.
Our time was short because we needed to make it to our Colorado destination well before sunset so I could set up camp. As we walked back to the car, more people arrived, eager to leave behind their creative mark. A trailer had set up shop, selling spray paint and souvenirs. More cars lined up the roadway and I was glad we arrived before 9 a.m.
Howdy, Cowboy!
On the way out, I noticed a very tall cowboy sculpture, so we went to check him out. Standing at 22 feet, he’s the “Second Amendment Cowboy”, wearing a yellow shirt, blue jeans, white cowboy hat and cowboy boots. Two six shooter barbecue grills flank him on either side. He’s a Muffler Man, one of several fiberglass Muffler Men placed along Route 66 between 1963 and 1972. Behind him are three 1959/1960 Cadillacs on ramps with a mannequin sitting in each driver seat. They represent Elvis, John Wayne and Willie Nelson. There’s a gift shop (which wasn’t open) and fun photo opportunities.
Route 66 Reads: Two Books to Inspire Your Trip
Our time enjoying this Route 66 attraction was brief and I hope we find our way back next year to celebrate the Centennial. In preparation of the celebration, here are two new books about Route 66 that I’m aware of and worthy of checking out.
Route 66 Reflections: Jim Hinckley’s Centennial Tribute
The first is “Route 66: 100 Years,” curated by veteran Route 66 author and historian Jim Hinckley with contributions from a panel of Mother Road historians.
Highlights about this book:
- Insightful essays exploring Route 66’s legacy across all eight states, penned by regional historians and storytellers
- Archival images of memorabilia and maps that trace a century of travel and transformation
- Vintage and modern photographs capturing iconic roadside landmarks and unforgettable stops
- Engaging sidebars highlighting pop culture cameos, offbeat detours, lost attractions, curious tales, and the passionate individuals who preserve Route 66’s spirit
“Route 66: 100 Years ,” is available Nov. 4, 2025. Preorder on Amazon.
Eat Your Way Through Route 66: Linda Ly’s Tribute to Travel & Taste
The second is “The Route 66 Cookbook: The Best Recipes from Every Stop Along the Way,” by bestselling author Linda Ly. She’s gathered and refined 66 standout recipes from beloved eateries along Route 66, inviting readers to savor the spirit of the open road. From nostalgic drive-ins and cozy diners to upscale steakhouses and hidden culinary gems, the cookbook celebrates a rich tapestry of flavors: classic American comfort food alongside German, Mexican, and Indigenous dishes.
“The Route 66 Cookbook” isn’t just a guide to good eating: it’s a tribute to the journey itself. With every recipe and roadside stop, it honors the cultural diversity woven into America’s most iconic highway, reminding us that the road holds just as much meaning as the destination.
Some of the delicious recipes include:
- Egg Cream – Monarch Pharmacy and Soda Fountain, Baxter Springs, KS
- The Elvis Ugly Crust Pie – Midpoint Cafe, Adrian, TX
- Spicy Seafood Soup – The Albright, Santa Monica, CA
“The Route 66 Cookbook: The Best Recipes from Every Stop Along the Way,” is available Oct. 28, 2025. Preorder on Amazon.
On Route 66, every mile tells a story, and at Cadillac Ranch, every spray of paint leaves a whisper of joy.
Plan Your Visit: Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch
13651 I-40
Amarillo, TX 79124
- Open 24 Hours, rain or shine.
- After the rain, it can be muddy.
- Area is dog-friendly, but keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.
Driving directions:
Take I-40 to exit 60. Follow the frontage road to the south side of I-40 (old Route 66) east for one mile.
Cadillac Ranch is on the south (right) side.
Park on the shoulder.
Follow the dirt pathway.
Second Amendment Cowboy
2601 Hope Rd.
Amarillo, TX 79124
Find a gift shop and quirky photo opportunities.
View Additional Photos from My Trip on Flickr
