Cruising Colorado: Route 66 & Pasadena's Car Scene

In November 1926, Route 66 was established as part of the U.S. numbered highways system, connecting cities like Pasadena to far flung locations across the country. Running from Chicago to Los Angeles (and eventually Santa Monica), the “Mother Road” became a favorite route for road trippers as the automobile gained traction in American society. The highway soon burst into pop culture and attained legendary status, featured in books, movies, and music over the course of the 20th century. On this tour, we’ll walk a small section of the “Main Street of America,” along Colorado Boulevard. In addition to Route 66 lore, we’ll talk more broadly about car culture in Pasadena, and the dealerships, manufacturers, and service stations that helped drive a thriving city throughout the 20th century and into a new millennium.

• Starting Time: 5:30 pm
• Starting Point: Defenders Park (450 West Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, 91105) At the Northern end of S Grand Avenue 
• Distance: 1.7 miles
• Duration: approximately 2 hours
• Ending Location: Colorado Blvd & El Molino Ave - *Please note that the ending location is 1.7 miles from the starting point (approximately 35 min walk)