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‘Just Beyond Your Backyard’: Aspen’s tie to California’s Route 66 sites
By Kimberly Nicoletti Follow at Aspen Times
· June 23, 2026
· 5 min read
It’s a big year for travel in terms of destinations highlighting a number of milestones: America’s 250th, Colorado’s 150th and Route 66’s 100th.
Maybe it started with visions of driving my dad’s 1969 GTO down at least a portion of Route 66, or maybe it’s my general obsession with the decade ...
Key takeaway And although I’ve been to Santa Monica, I had to revisit it in 2026 as a tribute to Route 66.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen 's connection to Route 66's centennial celebration may seem distant, but the nostalgia for America's iconic road trip resonates with locals who appreciate the town's own rich history. The idea of embarking on a journey, whether along Route 66 or through the Rocky Mountains, speaks to the sense of adventure that draws visitors to Aspen. With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, Rio Grande Park's carnival games and rides will evoke a similar carefree spirit found at Santa Monica Pier's permanent amusement park. The parallel between these two destinations highlights the shared value of community gatherings and festive events. As Aspen celebrates its own unique heritage, the town's residents and visitors can appreciate the broader cultural context that binds them to other iconic American destinations like Route 66's California endpoints. This connection underscores the town's place within the larger American narrative.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Aspen Times . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? It’s a big year for travel in terms of destinations highlighting a number of milestones: America’s 250th, Colorado’s 150th and Route 66’s 100th.
Maybe it started with visions of driving my dad’s 1969 GTO down at least a portion of Route 66, or maybe it’s my general obsession with the decade ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kimberly Nicoletti Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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