Abstract: This application describes systems and methods directed to route optimization for routes comprising large numbers of waypoints. When large numbers of waypoints make up a route, developing an optimized route can be computationally intensive, requiring far too much time to develop a solution that is practicable for most needs. Thus, systems and methods of the inventive subject matter involve grouping subsets of waypoints into clusters and then optimizing those clusters according to genetic algorithm development techniques. The end result is a highly optimized route developed in an amount of time that would have been impossible using standard techniques.