Exploring Route 66 in New Mexico
If you haven’t yet fallen in love with Route 66, a journey through New Mexico’s stretch of the “Mother Road” is guaranteed to win you over. The high-speed I-40 conveniently connects travelers to some of the best-preserved sections of Route 66, revealing enchanting towns, historic landmarks, and iconic Americana. From red rock mesas to arid deserts, New Mexico’s Route 66 offers an unforgettable road trip experience. This guide takes you on a journey east to west, highlighting the must-see stops and hidden gems along the way.
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Planning Your Route 66 Adventure
New Mexico’s portion of Route 66 spans roughly 487 miles and features two distinct alignments. While it’s possible to cover the route in a single day, doing so would mean missing the magic that makes Route 66 so special. To fully immerse yourself in this journey, plan for at least 2-3 days, or even a week if you want to explore every nook and cranny. If you have time, I highly recommend doing the north alignment to Santa Fe as it is a beautiful drive and amazing city.
Before starting out on your trip, make sure you have checked your car to make sure it’s ready for a long trip. To get a great checklist, click here. Also, make sure you have lots of water with you as some parts of this journey will lead to long stretches with nowhere to stop for supplies. It’s a smart idea to make sure you have travel insurance for those unexpected accidents or emergencies. We recommend Faye. Click banner below for more information. Plan where you want to stop at night and make reservations ahead as some places may not have availability.
Glenrio: A Ghost Town on the Border
Your adventure begins at Glenrio, a ghost town straddling the Texas-New Mexico border at Exit 0. Though abandoned, Glenrio still holds the charm of a bygone era, with remnants of motels, cafes, and Route 66 bridges visible to those paying attention along I-40.
Tucumcari: The Quintessential Route 66 Town
Tucumcari, your first major stop, embraces its rich Route 66 heritage. Known for its murals, neon signs, and fun attractions, the town exudes nostalgia. The old road travels through the town center, where it’s known as Tucumcari Boulevard. You can admire the stunning murals that adorn the buildings, the neon signs that light up the night, and the bronze dinosaurs that showcase the local talent and craftsmanship. There are several retro locales to stop here where you can shop, explore, or stay for the night and get those great photos.
Teepee Curios (924 E. Rte. 66 Blvd): A Route 66 icon with a teepee-shaped facade. Stop for photos, souvenirs, and to get your Route 66 passport stamped.
La Cita Restaurant (820 S. 1st St): Look for the giant sombrero sign! This family-friendly eatery offers classic Mexican cuisine. At the very least, get a great photo of the sombrero!
Blue Swallow Motel (815 E. Rte. 66 Blvd): Step back in time at this historic 1939 motel, where neon lights, mural-adorned carports, and vintage decor capture the essence of Route 66 road trips. The hotel dates to 1939 and continues to be family-owned and operated today. Many of the hotel rooms’ carports include murals—a common sight in Tucumcari—with themes reflecting the Mother Road. Inside, the rooms have decor from the halcyon days of American road trips, including rotary phones and magazines from the time period. The most coveted suite is dedicated to and named after the long-time owner Lillian Redman. The two-room suite features the original 1940s hardwood floor in the parlor and a claw-foot bathtub in the bathroom.
Motel Safari (722 E. Rte. 66 Blvd): Right across the street from Blue Swallow this mid-century modern gem offers retro vibes and is run by a true Route 66 enthusiast. And you can’t miss Clyde the camel on top of the sign.
Mesalands Dinosaur Museum (222 E. Laughlin Ave): Dinosaur lovers will enjoy touching bronze models and viewing fossils from local dig sites. The museum cultivates specimens from exclusive local dig sites. Guests can view Paleontology students and the curator through a viewing window as they preserve specimens located in the exhibit hall. Witness history as it’s uncovered and assembled in the laboratory.
Tucumcari Historical Museum (416 S. Adams St): Explore the town’s local history and exhibits dedicated to Route 66. Here you’ll see everything from Native artifacts to old telephone and post office equipment.
Santa Rosa: A Desert Oasis
Santa Rosa is a real green oasis and is also famous for its lakes, which are a great attraction for all diving enthusiasts and water lovers alike.
Blue Hole & Perch Lake: Perfect spots for a swim or a diving adventure. It is worth visiting both the Blue Hole and Perch Lake where, even if you are not an experienced diver, you can still take a refreshing break.
Route 66 Auto Museum (2436 Historic Route 66): A car lover’s paradise showcasing classic and vintage vehicles. This mom-and-pop museum is a must-visit for its sprawling collection of classic and vintage cars. The owner, James Cordova, has been in the vehicle restoration business for more than 40 years. The warehouse-like space is also covered in Route 66 memorabilia, including gas station signs and pumps.
Comet II (Santa Rosa) Started in 1929, Comet has been in the same family for generations. It’s known for its made-from-scratch Mexican fare featuring Puerto del Luna green chile. The Comet was originally a drive-in, but it hasn’t had carhops since 1994 when the original Comet burned down, thus the name Comet II. It was voted one of the top diner stops by Route 66 enthusiasts.
Keep an eye out for the Edge of the Plains Historical Marker Location: Near Clines Corner, New Mexico As you drive along past Santa Rosa but before Clines Corner you come to a historical marker that signifies the edge of the plains.
Here, the route splits into two alignments—north toward Santa Fe or south straight to Albuquerque. Once you’ve left the city of Santa Rosa behind you, you’ll have to choose which road to follow, the one to the north that follows the older route of the road or the one to the south that follows the section built around the 1930s. This division will end in Albuquerque when the two routes join again.
Northern Route: History & Culture
If you choose the older northern alignment, here’s what you will find:
Pecos National Historical Park: The first major attraction you’ll come across is the Pecos Pueblo which, before being abandoned in the 1830s, was home to more than two thousand people. You can then visit the Pecos National Historical Park which houses the ruins of the pueblo and those of two Spanish missions.
Santa Fe: Rich in history, Santa Fe’s Plaza and La Fonda Hotel offer glimpses of Route 66’s early days. The city was one of the larger cities on Historic Route 66 during its earlier alignments. Route 66 passed through downtown near the Plaza and the historic La Fonda on the Plaza Hotel. This city is all about history and you can find many things to do here. This was along the old alignment of Route 66. To learn more about this amazing city read our blog.
Southern Route to Albuquerque: Unique Stops
Traveling south brings you back onto the 1930s alignment, with quirky attractions like:
Coronado Historic Site in Bernalillo, New Mexico. This ancient pueblo village was founded by the Spanish Conquistador Coronado when he was on his quest to find the seven cities of gold. What you see now are some ruins and replicas of the village along with a very small museum and plenty of outside space to explore.
US Southwest Soaring Museum (Moriarty): A quirky museum situated just as you enter the town of Moriarty. It’s focus is on soaring and gliders (one of only 2 museums dedicated to the subject in the US) and there’s plenty of historic crafts on display in the hangar for you to enjoy and learn about.
Whiting Brothers (Moriarty) Once upon a time, Whiting Brothers gas stations and hotels dotted Route 66. In New Mexico, the Whitings had either motels or gas stations in Gallup, Tucumcari, Moriarty and between McCartys and San Fidel. The special thing about the Moriarty station is that it is the last operating location among the iconic chain. Today, it is locally known as Sal & Inez’s Service Station, (and doesn’t sell gas), but the iconic red and yellow Whiting Brothers sign (refurbished in 2014) still beckons travelers. Another great photo op for your Route 66 memories.
Wildlife West Nature Park (Edgewood): A family-friendly rescue park showcasing local wildlife.
Albuquerque: The Heart of Route 66
Albuquerque is the epicenter of Route 66 in New Mexico, where 17 miles of the historic route pass through the city.
Sandia Peak Tramway: Before you arrive in the actual city of Albuquerque you might want to explore some of the amazing countryside around the Sandia Peak area. Heading to the Sandia Peak Tramway is a perfect way to get the views even if hiking is not your thing. With cable cars taking you to the top you get stunning views over the city and surrounding area. There are hiking trails at the top if you want to hike some before you come back down.
Route 66 Diner (1405 Central Ave): Route 66 travels through some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods including the indie Nob Hill shopping and dining district. Route 66 Diner is a traditional soda fountain that dishes out burgers, shakes, and malts on the edge of Nob Hill. A wall adjacent to the diner is covered with classic road signs and is a must-have Instagram photo for many visitors.
Fourth Street & Central Avenue: The unique intersection where Route 66 intersects itself at a 90-degree angle. Intersection of Route 66 and Route 66- Route 66’s original 1926 path through New Mexico looped north from around Santa Rosa through Santa Fe, then dropped back to Albuquerque. In 1937, the government re-aligned the highway’s path to cut directly west from Santa Rosa to Albuquerque. That change in alignment created one of the most unusual places along the whole of the Mother Road: Route 66 intersecting itself! It’s a quick stop, but a unique one.
Old Town Plaza: Explore adobe homes, boutique shops, and museums centered around a historic square. Old Town Plaza Albuquerque’s founding neighborhood is at the center of many things in the city including Route 66. Just off the road, travelers can explore a shady square anchored by San Felipe de Neri, a more than 300-year-old parish. Some 150 restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and museums cluster around the plaza. Many of the attractions are housed in historic adobe homes dating to the 1700s that have evolved over the centuries. You will find many amazing adventures in Albuquerque. I love visiting here with all of the great architecture and history, mostly I love the shopping! For even more information on fun things to do in Albuquerque click here.
El Vado Motel (2500 Central Ave SW): This beautifully restored 1930s motel combines history with modern Southwestern style. In 1937, El Vado Motel opened as one of the state’s first motels welcoming Route 66 travelers. After extensive renovations the historic hotel is once again a beloved stop for travelers. It reopened in 2018 as a combination hotel, shopping center, and dining destination. The striking white and blue exterior and the hotel’s interior which exudes modern Southwestern style, makes it a fun stop.
Petroglyph National Monument: Discover ancient petroglyphs and short hiking trails just outside the city. For history lovers and those interested in Native history, the petroglyphs are worth visiting.
Route 66 Casino: A lively stop with gaming, dining, and accommodation for road-weary travelers. This is one of our favorite places to stop when vacationing in this part of New Mexico. It’s nice to be a little out of the city and we love to gamble so it’s a win-win!
Grants: Mining, Neon, and Scenic Stops
Route 66 Neon Drive-Thru: Pull off the highway for a quick photo op at Route 66 Neon Drive-Thru in Grants. It’s best visited at night, when the archway shaped like a Route 66 highway shield sign is illuminated with neon. If travelers happen to drive by during the day, the sign is also painted with flames.
New Mexico Mining Museum: This museum is quite small, but it has a lot of history and is worth the stop if you enjoy history. There’s a replica mine shaft with all the sights and smells of what a real mine would be like.
Continental Divide: The Continental Divide is a geological spine running through much of North and South America. It marks the dividing point between water running toward the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. And the original (1929-1937) alignment of Route 66 crosses it at a non-descript point between Albuquerque and Gallup. The point has been a significant landmark for indigenous peoples, Spanish explorers, the railroad, and Route 66 travelers. Those enthusiasts can visit the remains of a Whiting Brothers Service Station and Motel, dating to Mother Road’s prime time. Today, a trading post and a sign mark this significant spot.
Gallup: The Last Stop in New Mexico
Gallup, located near the Arizona border, is a vibrant town brimming with history and Native American culture.
El Rancho Hotel (1000 E Hwy 66): The El Rancho Hotel remains an icon within the state and the whole of Route 66. The style reminds you of park lodges with a grand lobby, detailed with exposed wooden beams, a stone fireplace, and a red-carpeted staircase. The hotel literally and figuratively rolled out the red carpet for Hollywood stars of yesteryear, who came to the area to film Westerns. Fun place to visit.
Native American Trading Posts: Gallup sits on the edge of the Navajo Nation and nearby Zuni Pueblo, so it has become a hub for Native American art. Native American trading posts, including Richardson Trading Co., dot the town. It’s a perfect place to purchase a souvenir to remember a Route 66 road trip through New Mexico.
Gallup Cultural Center (201 E. Highway 66) In 1996 the City of Gallup turned to the Southwest Indian Foundation for help, requesting that the Foundation take possession of the historic and newly renovated Santa Fe Train Depot, and turn the building into a cultural center for Gallup’s larger community. Dedicated in May of 1923, The El Navajo Hotel aka the “Train Station” is a historical treasure! The Storyteller Museum, Master’s Gallery, Code Talker, Route 66, and Fred Harvey exhibits offer a unique glimpse at the history of the Southwest. All of these are vital to the history of not only the Navajo but to the city of Gallup. The Navajo Code Talkers Museum is a great tribute to the Navajo heroes who played a vital role in World War II communications. I really enjoyed all of the cultural center and highly recommend you stop here.
Final Thoughts
Route 66 in New Mexico is more than just a road—it’s a journey through history, culture, and the soul of America. Whether you spend a few days or a week exploring, the memories made along this iconic route will last a lifetime. From ghost towns and neon-lit motels to breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures, New Mexico’s stretch of Route 66 offers something for every traveler. So pack your bags, hit the road, and let the adventure begin!
We personally love traveling in the southwest and New Mexico is one of our favorite states to wander. Between the fun things to on Route 66, all the National and State parks and of course for us, all of the casinos, we can’t seem to get enough of New Mexico. We love to tell people about our adventures and give them tips so that they can plan their adventures and have a wonderful experience. We hope to inspire people to get out and explore even if it’s a day trip close to home. Go out, have fun and don’t forget your camera to preserve your memories.
