Route 66 Photography Tour

Spend a day exploring and photographing historic Route 66 between Goffs and Amboy, CA.

This is a moderate activity — less than 5 miles of walking, multiple hours outdoors in the elements.

Sandi Wheaton is a photography instructor based in Windsor, ON, and the Salton Sea, CA. After downsizing from General Motors in 2009, she embarked on a life-changing drive across America on historic Route 66, creating three photography projects and an award-winning travel blog. One of Sandi’s greatest passions is the ecologically troubled Salton Sea in southern California.

Route 66 through the Mojave Desert offers exceptional photographic opportunities. Photography instructor/tour guide Sandi Wheaton will share her knowledge of the many great shooting locations along this historic stretch of highway. During this photo outing, you will explore Route 66 from Goffs to Amboy, capturing storied abandoned sites, iconic vintage landmarks, and sweeping desert landscapes. The day will begin at the Goffs Schoolhouse Museum with a presentation about the history of Route 66, the areas we will be visiting, and tips for photographing these locations. The outing will end with a sunset shoot at the picturesque salt flats near Amboy.

The driving distance we will cover is approximately 60 miles between Goffs and Amboy. Photo opportunities include old-school neon motel signs, iconic Route 66 shields painted on the road, the classic mid-century modern Roy’s Cafe/Motel in Amboy, and a wide array of vintage mining, railroad, and other equipment at the Goffs Schoolhouse Museum’s 75-acre outdoor site. (Fun fact: November 11 is Route 66’s birthday — 98 years old in 2024!)

Several accommodation options are available in Needles, about a half hour from Goffs, if you wish to spend the night closer to the start point before the program. Fuel up your vehicle in an urban area before arriving in Goffs, as fuel is extremely expensive on this isolated stretch of Route 66. If staying in Needles, fuel is cheaper in Arizona, so consider crossing over to fill up. A cell phone will be beneficial if you get lost or separated from the caravan. Note that some stretches of old Route 66 are still closed due to washed-out bridges, so we will take I-40 for 30 miles between Fenner and Amboy unless the road opens up in time for our day!

Required items:

• Water: 3-4 liters per person for a full-day outing
• Food and snacks: Easily packed and eaten in the field
• Close-toed athletic shoes or hiking boots (no sandals, not even hiking sandals!)
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Warm layers for cooler mornings/evenings (it can be surprisingly cold!)
• Daypack to carry food, water, and any personal items
• Camera (smartphone camera is fine)
• Lenses (zoom and/or prime lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto)
• Camera user manual (if you need technical support)
• Extra camera batteries
• Camera bag
• Lens cleaning cloths or tissues

Additional recommended items:

• Tripod (recommended for sunset and night shots, if staying after dark)
• Filters (optional): UV (to protect lenses), polarizer (circular polarizing filter recommended)
• Extra memory cards
• Camera battery charger and car adaptor/inverter (to charge batteries in the car)
• Remote shutter release (optional, useful in low-light situations)
• Rubber boots (if there have been recent rains and you want to photograph in the salt flats near Amboy)

Photo credit: Chris Andersen, Desert Institute Volunteer