Take a ride through red rock country and along the high desert spine of New Mexico as we follow a storied 10-mile segment of Historic Route 66 through Gallup. This stretch of the Mother Road blends railway grit with southwestern charm, serving as a vivid reminder of Route 66’s enduring role in the cultural and commercial heartbeat of the American Southwest.
We begin our journey just off Interstate 40 at exit 26, where Route 66 picks up its westward path on East Highway 66. The landscape is dry and open here, framed by the rugged outlines of sandstone mesas and the persistent hum of the BNSF rail line, which shadows us closely on the right. Gallup’s long-standing role as a rail hub is immediately evident; freight trains thunder by with rhythmic certainty, and tracks slice through town like veins of steel. Within minutes, we reach the intersection with NM-564 and Boardman Drive, where development becomes denser and the wide desert begins to give way to the low-slung buildings and signage that mark the entrance to town.
After a brief stop at the local Walgreens, we resume the drive and quickly spot one of Gallup’s most iconic landmarks: the El Rancho Hotel. Once a glamorous stopover for movie stars during Hollywood’s western boom, the El Rancho still exudes a vintage charm with its rustic stone-and-log façade and neon signage that seems to glow with stories of yesteryear. The road bends gently as we approach Gallup’s central business district, where a cluster of historic buildings—including the Rex Museum—lines the road. The museum sits in the former Rex Hotel and offers a compact but rich dive into Gallup’s past, including its ties to Native American art, railroads, and Route 66 culture.
As we head further west, the town thins out. The traffic signals give way to open stretches of road flanked by signs for trading posts and long-established local businesses. At the junction with NM-602, a vital connection south to Zuni Pueblo and beyond, we begin to see the transition from commercial center to quieter outskirts. Passing the Gallup Municipal Airport—an aviation outpost perched above the highway—we sense the last few breaths of urban activity before desert terrain reasserts itself. Soon, we angle left and merge onto Interstate 40, marking the end of our brief but rich tour of one of New Mexico’s most authentic Route 66 towns.
Gallup has always been more than a dot on the map; it’s a cultural crossroads, where Native American artistry, railway heritage, and Route 66 nostalgia all meet under the expansive skies of the Southwest. Driving this stretch, it’s easy to see why the town still holds onto its place in the hearts of travelers. Whether you’re chasing the past or just seeking a good story and a scenic drive, Gallup delivers—mile by mile, memory by memory.
🗺️ Route Map
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