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Cannonball Run — United States — Adventure
North America

Cannonball Run

United States

In short: Cannonball Run is a 4,608 km adventure road trip in United States, typically driven over 29–36 hours (flat out) / 10–14 days (road trip), best in Year-round. Highlights: Red Ball Garage, Indianapolis, St. Louis Gateway Arch.

Distance
4,608 km
Duration
29–36 hours (flat out) / 10–14 days (road trip)
Best Season
Year-round
NotableEasyAdventure

The legendary coast-to-coast dash from the Red Ball Garage on Manhattan to the Portofino Inn on Redondo Beach, dreamed up by Brock Yates in 1971 after the 55mph national speed limit threatened to kill American road culture. Dan Gurney ran it in 35 hours 54 minutes at an average of 80mph. The record stands at just under 26 hours.

~8 refuels
~16 charges
Practical notes
This is a long, high-speed interstate run across major metros, so traffic, toll plazas, and weather matter more than road difficulty. Winter storms can slow the Midwest and Rockies, while desert legs demand fuel planning and heat awareness. No permits or borders are involved, but fatigue is the main risk on the full road-trip version.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Red Ball Garage — Departure — Cannonball Run — United States
Departure
Red Ball Garage
The midnight starting line on East 31st Street where Brock Yates launched cars west in 1971. One rule: reach the Portofino Inn in Redondo Beach as fast as possible.
Hotels
Indianapolis — City — Cannonball Run — United States
City
Indianapolis
The Crossroads of America at the route's midpoint. Flat Midwest interstates made this the natural fast corridor, and the city's motorsport DNA fits the spirit of the run.
Hotels
Flagstaff — City — Cannonball Run — United States
City
Flagstaff
Ponderosa pine country at 2,100 metres, the last high-altitude stop before the Mojave descent. I-40 west follows the old Route 66 corridor through dramatic Southwest scenery.
Hotels
Barstow — City — Cannonball Run — United States
City
Barstow
The last Mojave outpost before the LA basin, a strip of truck stops and diners where the desert highway surrenders to Southern California sprawl.
Hotels
Portofino Inn, Redondo Beach — Arrival — Cannonball Run — United States
Arrival
Portofino Inn, Redondo Beach
The Pacific finish line. Gurney and Yates arrived in 35 hrs 54 min in 1971; the outright record fell to 25 hrs 55 min in 2019. Touch the ocean and note the time.
Hotels

Things to Do

St. Louis Gateway Arch — Landmark — Cannonball Run — United States
Landmark
St. Louis Gateway Arch
The 192-metre stainless steel arch marks the Mississippi crossing and the traditional gateway to the West. Cross the river and the landscape opens into the Great Plains.
Cadillac Ranch — Landmark — Cannonball Run — United States
Landmark
Cadillac Ranch
Ten Cadillacs buried nose-down in a Texas Panhandle wheat field, a pop-art monument to American car culture. The terrain shifts from plains to mesa country heading west.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum — Museum — Cannonball Run — United States
Museum
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Explore the history of auto racing at the home of the Indy 500 with exhibits and historic cars.
Gateway Arch National Park — National Park — Cannonball Run — United States
National Park
Gateway Arch National Park
Visit the iconic 630-foot arch symbolizing westward expansion, with museum exhibits and tram rides to the top.
Petrified Forest National Park — National Park — Cannonball Run — United States
National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Discover ancient fossilized trees and colorful badlands along historic Route 66.
Meteor Crater — Natural Landmark — Cannonball Run — United States
Natural Landmark
Meteor Crater
Visit the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth, with a visitor center and observation decks.
Calico Ghost Town — Historic Site — Cannonball Run — United States
Historic Site
Calico Ghost Town
Explore a restored silver mining town from the 1880s with shops, mine tours, and reenactments.
Santa Monica Pier — Landmark — Cannonball Run — United States
Landmark
Santa Monica Pier
Enjoy ocean views, an amusement park, and dining at this historic pier marking Route 66's end.
Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum — Museum — Cannonball Run — United States
Museum
Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum
Learn about the history of Route 66 through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits.

Where to Eat

St. Elmo Steak House — Steakhouse — Cannonball Run — United States
Steakhouse
St. Elmo Steak House
Established in 1902, this iconic spot offers renowned steaks and a famous shrimp cocktail in a classic setting.
Pappy's Smokehouse — Barbecue — Cannonball Run — United States
Barbecue
Pappy's Smokehouse
Known for Memphis-style BBQ, this joint serves slow-smoked ribs and pulled pork in a casual atmosphere.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch — Steakhouse — Cannonball Run — United States
Steakhouse
The Big Texan Steak Ranch
Home of the 72-ounce steak challenge, offering hearty meals in a Western-themed setting.
El Tovar Dining Room — Southwestern — Cannonball Run — United States
Southwestern
El Tovar Dining Room
Located on the Grand Canyon's rim, it offers fine dining with panoramic views and regional cuisine.
Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In — American Diner — Cannonball Run — United States
American Diner
Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In
A quirky Route 66 landmark serving classic burgers and shakes with a side of humor.
Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe — Diner — Cannonball Run — United States
Diner
Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe
A historic Route 66 diner known for its homestyle burgers and friendly service.
The Original Pantry Cafe — American — Cannonball Run — United States
American
The Original Pantry Cafe
Since 1924, this 24-hour diner has been serving hearty breakfasts and comfort food classics.

Explore related routes

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Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Cannonball Run drive?

The Cannonball Run covers 4,608 km from start to finish.

How long does the Cannonball Run take to drive?

Most travellers spend 29–36 hours (flat out) / 10–14 days (road trip) on the Cannonball Run, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Cannonball Run?

The recommended season for the Cannonball Run is Year-round.

Where does the Cannonball Run start and end?

The Cannonball Run runs from Red Ball Garage to Portofino Inn, Redondo Beach.

What are the main stops on the Cannonball Run?

The Cannonball Run passes through Red Ball Garage, Indianapolis, St. Louis Gateway Arch.

Can I drive the Cannonball Run in a regular car?

Yes — the Cannonball Run is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Cannonball Run?

Plan around 8 refuels (or about 16 EV charges) along the Cannonball Run, based on its 4,608 km length.

Is the Cannonball Run safe to drive?

This is a long, high-speed interstate run across major metros, so traffic, toll plazas, and weather matter more than road difficulty. Winter storms can slow the Midwest and Rockies, while desert legs demand fuel planning and heat awareness. No permits or borders are involved, but fatigue is the main risk on the full road-trip version.

What scenic tier is the Cannonball Run?

The Cannonball Run is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.