The most iconic road trip in American history just hit a painful milestone of its own.
The Centennial That Nobody Planned to Pay This Much For
Motorists commemorating the centennial of U.S. Route 66 — a celebrated symbol of carefree road trips — were paying $6 a gallon for gasoline in California on Thursday, the highest price in two years and a brewing political flashpoint as elections loom.
The U.S. government’s Route 66 Centennial Commission and independent motorists have scheduled a series of events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 2,400-mile route — often called “The Mother Road” — that stretches through eight states to connect Chicago with Los Angeles. About 41% of Americans planned to visit at least parts of Route 66 during the 2026 centennial celebration, an AAA survey showed.
For California drivers, the timing could not be worse.
“I don’t believe gas in California should cost this much at all… I cannot afford this gas,” said Amanda Martinez, a video editor who recently moved to California from Texas. She added that if gas prices rise further, she would consider driving less and is already planning to ask her employer for more remote work days or a gas card.
Why California Is Paying So Much More Than Everyone Else
The Golden State has some of the highest gasoline prices in the country because of stringent emissions standards, a state gas tax of $0.61 per gallon — the highest in the nation — and its heavy reliance on imported petroleum. California relies heavily on Asian refiners for imports, and those refiners have cut production and restricted exports as they struggle to find crude to replace barrels blocked by the Iran war’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Mono County, along the Nevada border, is already at $6.95 per gallon — the highest average of any California county. For a Route 66 traveler filling up a 20-gallon tank there, that is nearly $140 for a single fill-up.
The Centennial Is Still Worth Celebrating — Here’s How to Do It Smarter
Despite the pump pain, Route 66 travel guides recommend filling up in Needles or Barstow where prices tend to run lower than Los Angeles or the Inland Empire. The Santa Monica Pier End-of-the-Trail Centennial celebration in November is expected to be the biggest Route 66 event on the West Coast this year, with live music, a classic car showcase, and sunset fireworks.
Analysts warn the pain could worsen as the Iran conflict stretches into the peak U.S. summer travel season starting around Memorial Day. If you are planning the Mother Road centennial drive, this weekend might be the best window you get before prices climb further.
Sources: Reuters / Detroit News — Drive the Nation Route 66 Centennial Guide — AAA — The Center Square — May 1, 2026
