Cruising Colorado: Route 66 & Old 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. 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 section of Route 66 - known as the "Mother Road" and the “Main Street of America” - around present-day Old Pasadena. 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.

This tour is generously sponsored by the Old Pasadena Management District.

• Total distance will be approximately 2.5 miles.
• We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, and a hat.
• We also recommend bringing water and a snack.

Please register in advance to help us anticipate the number of attendees.

• We encourage walking, biking or taking transit to all Walktober events. Check the Pasadena Transit and Metro websites for transit options. Google maps walking and biking directions can also be helpful.
• City installed bike racks are available at or near the start location.
• Street parking is available at or near the start location. Check the parking signs for restrictions or pay options.
• Paid off-street parking is available in the area.

This event is part of Walktober Pasadena 2025, made possible by the City of Pasadena Department of Transportation, Day One, and the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition.

Host or Publisher Day One, PasadenaCSC, Pasadena DOT