The most iconic road trip in American history just reached a painful milestone.
The centenary that no one wanted to pay that much for
Motorists commemorating the 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 66 — a celebrated symbol of carefree road trips — paid $6 a gallon for gasoline in California on Thursday, the highest price in two years and a sultry political flashpoint as the election looms.
The U.S. government’s Route 66 Centennial Commission and independent motorists have planned a series of events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 2,000-mile route – often called “The Mother Road” – that stretches through eight states to connect Chicago to Los Angeles. About 41% of Americans planned to visit at least parts of Route 66 during the 2026 centennial, an AAA survey found.
For California drivers, the timing couldn’t be worse.
“I don’t believe gas should cost this much in California…I can’t 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 fuel card.
Why California pays so much more than everyone else
The Golden State has some of the highest gasoline prices in the country due to strict emissions standards, a state gas tax of $0.61 per gallon — the highest in the nation — and heavy dependence on imported petroleum. California relies heavily on Asian refineries for imports, and those refineries have cut production and limited exports as they struggle to find crude oil to replace the barrels blocked by the Iran war’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Mono County, along the Nevada border, is already there $6.95 per gallon – the highest average of any California county. For a Route 66 traveler filling a 20-gallon tank there, that’s almost $140 for a single fill-up.
The centenary is still worth celebrating – here’s how to do it smarter
Despite the pumping pain, Route 66 guidebooks recommend this fill in Needles of Barstow where prices are generally lower than in Los Angeles or the Inland Empire. The Santa Monica Pier End-of-the-Trail Centennial celebration in November is expected to be the largest Route 66 event on the West Coast this year, with live music, a classic car showcase and fireworks at sunset.
Analysts warn the pain could worsen as the conflict in Iran extends into the peak U.S. summer season, which starts around Memorial Day. If you’re planning the Centennial Drive on Mother Road, this weekend may be the best time before prices rise further.
Sources: Reuters / Detroit News – Drive the Nation Route 66 Centennial Guide – AAA – The Center Square – May 1, 2026
