Route 66: America's Greatest Road Trip

Ray Mears: The great outdoors

Route 66: America's Greatest Road Trip

Show Notes

When you think of Route 66, tarmac, classic cars and neon signs might be the first things that come to mind. But the Mother Road is also home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. In this episode, legendary explorer Ray Mears joins Sean Fletcher to share his experiences of the natural wonders found along the route, as well as the unique wildlife that inhabit the US heartland.

Sean and Ray also speak to author and historian Jim Hinckley, whose unrivalled knowledge of Route 66 brings the journey to life. He offers fascinating insights into Petrified Forest National Park, along with other must-see attractions in Arizona and beyond.

Thank you to our contributor: https://jimhinckleysamerica.com/

To see Sean and Ray in the studio, watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_CeqC_Odk

Subscribe here for your weekly dose of Route 66: America's Greatest Road Trip with Sean Fletcher and read more at https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/discover-america/

Route 66: America's Greatest Road Trip with Sean Fletcher is brought to you by Visit The USA and produced by Telegraph Media Group.

CREDITS Host: Sean Fletcher

Telegraph Media Group Executive producers: Abby Draycott, Jasmin Nahar, Rachel Truman, Vanessa Woodgate Creative director: Jonathan Clayton-Jones Video producer: Ed Emsley Designer: Dan Knight

Platform Media Producer: Alice Tilley Executive Producers: Mick Tucker, Aidan Seymour-Judd

#telegraph #visittheusa #partnerships #podcast #raymears #nature #outdoors #seanfletcher #roadtrips #america #usa #route66 #americancentenary #campaign #ad #celebrityinterviews #celebrityinterview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Route 66: America's Greatest Road Trip

Sep 23, 2026

We’re nearly at the end of our journey along Route 66, but we certainly won’t be taking it easy. Joining Sean in this episode is Phoebe Schecter, an American football expert and the NFL’s first female British coach. They’ll be exploring the highway’s final state, California, and all of the sporting opportunities it has to offer.

Sep 16, 2026

Route 66 has long been a deeply ingrained aspect of American culture, and in this episode, Sean is joined by pop star Sinitta to explore how the road has become a symbol of the country’s identity and hope.

Sep 9, 2026

Route 66 is lined with some of the world’s most unmistakable artwork, and over the highway’s 100 year history, it has acted like a huge living canvas for American art. In this episode, Sean is joined by fashion, lifestyle and travel journalist and author Zoey Goto to explore the route’s striking visual identity, from glowing neon motel signs to giant roadside sculptures to folk art.

Sep 2, 2026

Route 66 serves up a mouth-watering taste of America, with flavours and influences from around the world. In this episode, Sean Fletcher hits the road with legendary TV chef Ainsley Harriott to explore the people, dishes and stories behind the food of the Mother Road.

Aug 19, 2026

One hundred years. 2,500 miles. Eight states. Route 66 is a living, linear museum: a road where every mile has a story. Joining Sean Fletcher is author, TV presenter and avid motorcyclist Henry Cole, who has travelled the Mother Road not once, but three times.

See all episodes →