Monday, May 18, 2026

Albuquerque → Amarillo (Route 66)

Neon, spray paint, and a giant soda bottle's older cousin

  • 290 miles
  • 7–8 drive hours
  • Santa Rosa RAN first charge
  • Sleep in Airstream at Amarillo East Supercharger tonight

Weather: TX panhandle. Severe weather possible in May. Monitor forecast morning-of.

Stops, in order

The day

  1. optional photo

    ABQ Old Town (optional coffee)

    Hotel Albuquerque has trailer-friendly parking. 15 min.

  2. photo

    Santa Rosa Blue Hole

    Natural 80-ft artesian spring, crystal clear, 5 min off I-40. Quick photo + leg stretch.

  3. photo

    Blue Swallow Motel

    815 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari. Most iconic intact 1939 Route 66 neon motel. Ask at office for exterior photos. Owners Robert and Dawn are famously welcoming.

  4. photo

    Cadillac Ranch

    Buy spray paint at the shop up the frontage road. 100-yard walk. Golden hour is best. Free and 24/7.

  5. sleep at charger

    Amarillo East Supercharger (overnight)

    Eat at Mitch's BBQ. Walk dog. Lock truck. Sleep in Airstream.

Charging plan

Where the electrons come from

  • Rivian Adventure Network

    Santa Rosa RAN

    Only practical mid-route charging between ABQ and Tucumcari.

  • Tesla V3

    Amarillo East Supercharger (overnight)

    12 stalls, Wendy's, Mitch's BBQ, restrooms, pet area. Park END of row to not block stalls.

Photographs

Day 04 in pictures