How to Experience Route 66 in New Mexico

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Exploring the Land of Enchantment on Route 66

It’s hard to imagine a more iconic American road trip than Route 66. The Mother Road runs through eight states, and each one has something unique to offer. But New Mexico is perhaps the most fascinating stretch of all. From quaint towns full of history to stunning natural sights, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to see as you drive down this legendary highway.

Route 66 Travel in New Mexico

How to Experience Route 66 in New Mexico offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s rich blend of cultures, landscapes, and history. Stretching from the Texas border near Glenrio to the Arizona border past Gallup, this stretch of the Mother Road winds through wide-open deserts, colorful mesas, historic pueblos, and bustling cities. Key stops include Tucumcari, famous for its neon-lit motels and classic diners; Santa Rosa, home to the crystal-clear Blue Hole; and Albuquerque, where the old Route 66 corridor through Central Avenue bursts with vintage motels, neon signs, and eclectic shops. Santa Fe, though not on the later alignments, was part of the original 1926 Route 66 and remains a rewarding detour for travelers interested in art, history, and Spanish colonial architecture.

Continuing westward, travelers encounter the dramatic beauty of Native American lands, with places like Acoma Pueblo and Laguna Pueblo offering deep historical and cultural connections. Grants and Gallup provide a look at mining history and showcase strong Native American influences, especially visible in the vibrant trading posts and murals. Throughout New Mexico, Route 66 retains a sense of timeless adventure—whether you’re exploring historic main streets, marveling at desert sunsets, or savoring traditional New Mexican cuisine, the journey feels like stepping into a living piece of Americana.

About New Mexico

State Facts

Here’s a list of 15 interesting facts about New Mexico:

New Mexico became the 47th state of the United States on January 6, 1912.
Santa Fe is the state capital, and it is one of the oldest capital cities in the U.S., founded in 1610.
New Mexico is known as the “Land of Enchantment” because of its stunning desert landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history.
The state is a cultural crossroads, with a blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences shaping its identity.
New Mexico is home to 23 Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Pueblo, and Apache nations.
Los Alamos, New Mexico, is the site of the Manhattan Project, where the first atomic bombs were developed during World War II.
The state’s nickname “Land of Enchantment” comes from its breathtaking scenery, including mesas, canyons, and unique desert formations.
White Sands National Park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field, which spans over 275 square miles.
New Mexico is famous for its green chile, which is a staple in local cuisine and is often served with everything from burritos to burgers.
The state is home to the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, Acoma Pueblo, which has been inhabited for over 1,000 years.
New Mexico has a rich tradition in art, particularly in pottery, weaving, and painting, with many artists being inspired by the landscapes and Native American culture.
The Rio Grande runs through New Mexico, providing water to the region and adding to the state’s natural beauty.
The first nuclear bomb test, known as the Trinity Test, was conducted in 1945 in the desert near Alamogordo, New Mexico.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest ballooning event, attracting thousands of hot air balloons and spectators each October.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to over 119 caves, with the Carlsbad Cavern itself being one of the largest and most visited in the world.

The History of Route 66 in New Mexico

When Route 66 was officially commissioned in 1926, it charted a winding path across New Mexico, threading through some of the state’s most historic and rugged landscapes. This stretch of the highway became one of the most colorful and culturally diverse sections of the “Mother Road,” blending Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences along its way.

Initially, the route followed a complicated, zigzagging trail across New Mexico, reflective of older wagon paths and early automobile trails. From Glenrio on the Texas border, Route 66 traveled northwest through towns like Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Dilia, and Santa Fe, then continued southward to Albuquerque. This detour through Santa Fe was politically influenced, preserving the city’s historic importance. The road wound along ancient trade routes, including parts of the old Santa Fe Trail.

However, the original 1926 alignment, sometimes called the “Santa Fe Loop,” was relatively indirect and inconvenient for cross-country travelers. Under pressure to modernize the road system and make the route more efficient, a major realignment was completed in 1937. Spearheaded by New Mexico’s controversial Governor Arthur T. Hannett, who reportedly sought revenge against political rivals in Santa Fe, the new alignment created a straight, east-west corridor from Santa Rosa directly to Albuquerque, bypassing Santa Fe entirely. This new path shortened the distance by about 90 miles and established much of the Route 66 alignment still recognized today.

Albuquerque, which benefited enormously from this realignment, grew into one of the major hubs of Route 66. Central Avenue became the city’s main thoroughfare, lined with motels, diners, neon signs, service stations, and curio shops catering to the booming car culture of mid-century America.

During the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s, Route 66 in New Mexico became a vital migration path for displaced farmers from Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas seeking better opportunities in the West. For many, towns like Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, and Albuquerque represented not just rest stops but possible new beginnings.

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Route 66 in New Mexico flourished as tourism expanded. Entrepreneurs developed countless motels, trading posts, cafes, and attractions that celebrated both Native American culture and the exotic image of the Southwest. Towns like Gallup became famous for their Indian trading posts and colorful neon-lit motels. Grants grew thanks to uranium mining, while Tucumcari adopted the slogan “Tucumcari Tonight!” to lure tired travelers into staying overnight.

By the late 20th century, as interstate highways rose to prominence, Route 66 was gradually bypassed. Interstate 40 replaced much of Route 66’s New Mexico path, and in 1985, Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a U.S. highway. Nevertheless, the romance of Route 66 endured, and preservation efforts have kept its memory alive. Many of New Mexico’s Route 66-era motels, restaurants, and neon signs have been restored, particularly in Albuquerque, which remains one of the most vibrant cities for experiencing the spirit of the old highway.

Today, travelers on Route 66 in New Mexico can still see an array of historic sites: vintage motels like the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, the Historic El Vado Motel in Albuquerque, nostalgic diners, and colorful murals that celebrate the highway’s rich past. Historic remnants of pre-1937 alignments through Santa Fe also survive and have been incorporated into local tourism trails.

Geography on Route 66 in New Mexico

The geography along Route 66 in New Mexico is remarkably diverse, offering travelers a striking cross-section of the state’s natural beauty. As the highway winds from the Texas border near Tucumcari to the Arizona line past Gallup, it traverses open high plains, colorful mesas, rugged badlands, and forested mountain foothills. Along the way, the road passes through iconic Southwestern landscapes, including the red sandstone cliffs near Laguna and the dramatic volcanic formations west of Albuquerque. Elevations vary widely, giving way to wide skies, desert flora, and stunning rock formations that have become symbolic of the American West.

Climate on Route 66 in New Mexico

Traveling Route 66 through New Mexico offers a diverse climate experience, characterized by its semi-arid steppe conditions. The state enjoys abundant sunshine, with many areas experiencing over 300 sunny days annually . This dry climate is marked by low humidity and a significant temperature range between day and night .

In the summer months, temperatures can soar above 100°F (38°C) in the eastern plains, while higher elevations like Santa Fe and Albuquerque remain cooler . Winters are generally mild, though northern regions may experience occasional snow. Travelers should be aware of seasonal weather hazards such as dust storms, thunderstorms, and wildfires, especially during dry and windy periods.

Where to Stay in New Mexico

Lodging in Kansas by city.

Towns Located on Route 66 in New Mexico

List of Route 66 Towns in New Mexico from east to west

Tucumcari
Santa Rosa

Albuquerque
Laguna

Grants
Gallup

A List of Route 66 Attractions in New Mexico

Tucumcari – Murals & the Blue Swallow Motel
Famous for its vibrant murals and historic Route 66 motels, including the iconic Blue Swallow Motel, a classic 1939 neon-lit stop.
Santa Rosa – Route 66 Auto Museum
This museum features a collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia from Route 66’s heyday.
Albuquerque – Old Town & Route 66 Diner
Albuquerque’s historic Old Town offers a charming glimpse into the city’s past, while the Route 66 Diner serves up classic American diner fare in a retro setting.
Albuquerque – The Albuquerque Sign
A famous Route 66 landmark, this neon sign has been a part of the city’s landscape for decades, symbolizing the spirit of the open road.
Laguna – Historic Route 66 Trading Post
A cultural and commercial hub, this stop offers Native American crafts and souvenirs, a reflection of the area’s indigenous heritage.
Grants – Mining Museum
The Grants Mining Museum gives visitors insight into the state’s rich mining history, showcasing minerals, artifacts, and the development of the area.
Gallup – El Rancho Hotel
A historic hotel that was a favorite of movie stars during the 1930s and 40s, El Rancho Hotel is a great spot to step back in time and experience the golden age of Route 66.
Gallup – Route 66 Diner
A classic stop for diner food and Route 66 memorabilia, this diner offers a retro experience with an old-school feel.
Milan – The House of Old Route 66
This small but interesting attraction celebrates the history and culture of Route 66 with vintage signs, photos, and memorabilia.
Moriarty – The Route 66 Auto Museum
Another stop dedicated to showcasing classic cars and Route 66 history, the Route 66 Auto Museum in Moriarty offers a fun stop for car enthusiasts.
Cedar Crest – Sandia Peak Tramway
Although slightly off Route 66, the Sandia Peak Tramway offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a scenic stop on the way to Albuquerque.
End of the Trail (Santa Monica)
While technically located in California, the End of the Trail marker is an iconic symbol of Route 66, representing the journey’s completion.

New Mexico offers a blend of cultural landmarks, historic motels, and Route 66 nostalgia. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or roadside attractions, this stretch of the highway offers plenty to see and explore.

Route 66 Attractions in New Mexico that are Listed in the National Register

Albuquerque:

KiMo Theatre – 423 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque
El Vado Auto Court – 2500 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque
De Anza Motor Lodge (site remains) – 4301 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque
Jones Motor Company – 3222 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque
Maisel’s Indian Trading Post – 510 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque
Monterey Motel – 2402 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque
Old Route 66 (Central Avenue Segment) – Through Albuquerque (portions recognized)

Santa Rosa:

Blue Hole (Route 66 tourist attraction) – 1085 Blue Hole Rd, Santa Rosa
Route 66 Auto Museum (not individually listed, but adjacent historic district covers some sites)

Tucumcari:

Tee Pee Curios – 924 E Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari (part of Route 66 historic landscape)
Tucumcari Historic Districts along Route 66 (including motels like the Blue Swallow Motel, although technically not separately listed, the corridor is historic)

Grants:

New Mexico Mining Museum – While itself modern, nearby historic Route 66 segments are NRHP-listed.
Grants-Milan Historic Route 66 Corridor

Gallup:

El Rancho Hotel – 1000 E Hwy 66, Gallup
Rex Museum (formerly Gallup train station and commercial buildings along Route 66)

Other notable Route 66-related NRHP sites:

Cuervo Historic District – Ghost town remains, Cuervo, NM
Santa Fe Loop of Route 66 – Early pre-1937 alignment that went through Santa Fe, featuring historic sections.
Dead Man’s Curve (Old Route 66 alignment near Mesita) – Early dangerous curve section west of Albuquerque.
Route 66 through Laguna Pueblo – Historic sections recognized.

Other Sites: Hotels, Districts, and More

Classic Route 66 Motels in New Mexico

The El Rancho Hotel
- Address: 1000 E. Route 66, Gallup, NM 87301
- Known for its Hollywood history, this classic hotel has welcomed stars of western films and retains its vintage charm.
The Blue Swallow Motel
- Address: 815 W. Route 66 Blvd., Tucumcari, NM 88401
- One of the most iconic motels on Route 66, famous for its neon signs and restored mid-century rooms.
Motel Safari
- Address: 1411 E. Route 66 Blvd., Tucumcari, NM 88401
- A retro motel offering colorful rooms and classic Route 66 ambiance, this spot is a favorite for travelers on the historic highway.
Route 66 Motel
- Address: 107 E. Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
- A small, charming, and family-run motel that celebrates the history of Route 66 in Santa Rosa.
Rainbow Inn
- Address: 2215 Historic Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
- Known for its classic Route 66 appeal and vintage roadside charm, this motel offers an inviting stay in Santa Rosa.
Roadrunner Lodge
- Address: 1201 E. Route 66 Blvd., Tucumcari, NM 88401
- A vintage, mid-century-style lodge that offers a comfortable stay in Tucumcari, featuring beautifully restored rooms and neon signage.
Americana Motel
- Address: 1021 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
- Located in Albuquerque, the Americana Motel combines retro style with modern comfort and Route 66 nostalgia.
Desert Inn Motel
- Address: 1515 W. Route 66, Gallup, NM 87301
- A cozy and historic motel in Gallup, offering a convenient stop with a classic roadside feel.
Sky City Motel
- Address: 1301 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- This Albuquerque motel offers vintage Route 66 charm and easy access to the city’s attractions.
Wagon Wheel Motel
- Address: 1721 W. Route 66, Gallup, NM 87301
- A rustic and charming Route 66 motel that embraces the old-fashioned roadside appeal of the highway.

These motels are not only great places to rest but also offer travelers a taste of the history and nostalgia of Route 66. Many of them have been lovingly restored and continue to preserve the iconic charm of the Mother Road.

Classic Service Stations in New Mexico

Whiting Brothers Gas Station (Moriarty)
- Address: 601 U.S. Route 66, Moriarty, NM 87035
- A surviving building from the once-massive Whiting Brothers gas station chain — a true Route 66 relic.
Whiting Brothers Gas Station (Gallup)
- Address: 1305 E. Historic Highway 66, Gallup, NM 87301
- A now-closed, weathered Whiting Brothers station still stands with original signage and structures.
Tee Pee Curios (originally a gas station)
- Address: 924 E. Route 66 Blvd., Tucumcari, NM 88401
- Though no longer selling gas, this building started as a service station and maintains its quirky vintage architecture.
Joseph’s Bar & Grill (former gas station site)
- Address: 1775 E. Historic Route 66, Tucumcari, NM 88401
- Once a gas station and drive-in, now a famous diner along Route 66 — you can still see hints of its service station past.
Glenrio Ghost Town Gas Station
- Address: Glenrio, NM/TX border (roughly at the end of Historic Route 66, Glenrio, NM 88434)
- Several abandoned service stations here, including a Standard Oil gas station, now part of a ghost town.
Old Texaco Station (Santa Rosa)
- Address: Near 500 Historic Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
- A weathered Texaco station visible from the main road in Santa Rosa, reflecting 1930s–50s Route 66 life.
Budville Trading Post and Gas Station
- Address: 11 Old U.S. Highway 66, Budville, NM 87026
- A historic trading post and gas station site, famous for its colorful past and original signage.
Laguna Pueblo Gas Station
- Address: Off Old U.S. 66, Laguna, NM 87026
- A small and simple historic station serving travelers through Laguna Pueblo territory — no longer operating but part of Route 66 history.
San Fidel Gas Station (near Budville)
- Address: 5 Old Route 66, San Fidel, NM 87049
- Another small, classic service station structure that once served the Route 66 crowds.
Camaraderie Gas Station (San Jon)
- Address: Near Main St. (Historic Route 66), San Jon, NM 88434
- San Jon has several abandoned service station sites right along Historic Route 66, capturing that faded, nostalgic feel.

Note:

Some old gas stations, especially in places like Glenrio and San Jon, are abandoned and don’t have exact street addresses today — but they are still easily found along the old Route 66 alignments.
Some former gas stations have been repurposed into shops, restaurants, or museums while keeping the vintage look.

Historic Theaters & Drive-In Theaters

Historic theaters and drive-ins located along Route 66 in New Mexico — including those still operating, repurposed, or abandoned but still notable:

Historic Theaters

KiMo Theatre – Albuquerque
- Address: 423 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM
- Opened: 1927
- Notes: A Pueblo Deco landmark, beautifully restored; still active for performances and events.
El Rey Theater – Albuquerque
- Address: 622 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM
- Opened: 1941
- Notes: Originally a movie house, now a live music and events venue.
Guild Cinema – Albuquerque (near historic Route 66)
- Address: 3405 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM
- Opened: 1966
- Notes: Independent theater showing art house and classic films; near the Nob Hill section of Route 66.
State Theatre (formerly El Sol Theatre) – Santa Rosa
- Address: 104 S 4th St, Santa Rosa, NM
- Opened: Early 20th century
- Notes: Operated as both El Sol and later State Theater; historic facade remains, though interior use has varied.
Tucumcari Odeon Theater – Tucumcari
- Address: 123 S 2nd St, Tucumcari, NM
- Opened: 1937
- Notes: Beautiful Art Deco design; a longtime cultural anchor, currently undergoing preservation efforts.
Lyric Theater – Tucumcari
- Address: 219 S 2nd St, Tucumcari, NM
- Opened: Early 1900s
- Notes: Historic but closed; facade still visible near Route 66.
Mission Theater – Gallup
- Address: 233 W Coal Ave, Gallup, NM
- Opened: 1920s
- Notes: Historic movie theater; now used for community events.
El Morro Theatre – Gallup
- Address: 207 W Coal Ave, Gallup, NM
- Opened: 1928
- Notes: Restored historic theater used for movies and community performances.

Historic Drive-Ins

Route 66 Drive-In (formerly Sky-Vue Drive-In) – Santa Rosa
- Address: Historic Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM
- Notes: Originally operated mid-20th century; now abandoned, but the screen and remnants are visible near Route 66 travelers.
Fort Wingate Drive-In (defunct) – Gallup area (near Fort Wingate)
- Address: Near old Route 66, Gallup, NM
- Notes: Little remains today, but it was once a drive-in serving Gallup residents along the highway.

Bonus: Nearby Notables (close to Route 66 corridor)

The Lensic Theater – Santa Fe
(Though not directly on Route 66, it’s historic and connected to travelers heading through the region.)

Vintage Route 66 Bridges in New Mexico

Rio Puerco Bridge
- Location: Near Laguna Pueblo, west of Albuquerque
- Built: 1933
- Details: A Parker through truss bridge, one of the most iconic Route 66 bridges in New Mexico, still preserved for pedestrian use.
San Jose River Bridge
- Location: Near Grants
- Built: 1936
- Details: A small concrete bridge that served Route 66 travelers crossing the San Jose River.
Gallegos Canyon Bridge
- Location: Near San Fidel
- Built: 1936
- Details: A concrete deck girder bridge crossing Gallegos Canyon, still in use with original features.
Rio San Jose Bridge (Old Route 66)
- Location: Near McCartys
- Built: 1930s
- Details: Another important crossing along the Rio San Jose, featuring early 20th-century concrete construction.
Old Pecos Arroyo Bridge
- Location: Santa Fe alignment, near Santa Fe
- Built: Early 1930s
- Details: Associated with the original Santa Fe loop of Route 66, before the realignment in 1937.
La Bajada Hill Bridges
- Location: Near Santa Fe (Old alignment)
- Built: 1920s-1930s
- Details: Multiple small stone and concrete bridges associated with the dangerous La Bajada Hill section of early Route 66.
Canyon Diablo Bridge (abandoned alignment)
- Location: Between Newkirk and Cuervo
- Built: Early 20th century
- Details: Small, abandoned bridge structures linked to older alignments.
Rio Felix Bridge
- Location: Near Santa Rosa (along older alignments)
- Built: 1930s
- Details: Early concrete bridge crossings of smaller watercourses.
Barranca Draw Bridge
- Location: East of Santa Rosa
- Built: 1930s
- Details: Carries early 66 travelers over the Barranca Draw, now bypassed by I-40.
Bridge at Laguna Pueblo
- Location: Laguna area
- Built: 1920s-1930s
- Details: Smaller bridge crossing a wash, part of the historic roadbed.

Many of these bridges are now bypassed by I-40 but are still accessible via historic Route 66 alignments. Some are preserved for walking or scenic drives, especially around Laguna Pueblo, San Fidel, and Santa Rosa.

Trading Posts, Cafes, Shops, and Stores

Santa Fe – Start your journey in Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico and one of the oldest cities in the US. Spend some time exploring its rich history, beautiful churches, and world-class museums. Don’t forget to sample some delicious local cuisine while you’re here!

Albuquerque – Drive west from Santa Fe until you reach Albuquerque, where you can explore several interesting attractions along the way. Check out Old Town Albuquerque for a taste of traditional southwestern culture, or visit Petroglyph National Monument for a glimpse into ancient Native American life. There are also plenty of outdoor activities available here like hot air balloon rides and hiking trails.

Cuba – As you drive further west on Route 66, be sure to stop in Cuba for some classic small-town charm. You can take a tour through El Santuario de Chimayo—a Catholic church full of religious art—or check out a few roadside attractions like La Bajada Hill or La Ventana Arch. There are also many great restaurants in town serving up delicious traditional dishes like green chile stew!

Route 66 offers so many opportunities for exploration that it’s impossible to cover them all here! But if you’re looking for an exciting road trip with plenty to see and do every step of the way then look no further than New Mexico’s portion of this iconic highway. From Santa Fe’s rich history and cultural sites to Albuquerque’s outdoor activities and Cuba’s small-town charm – there really is something for everyone! So get ready for an unforgettable journey along America’s most famous stretch of road – Route 66!