The Insider's Guide to Route 66's Must-Stop Spots
Get your kicks... well, you know the rest. New Mexico's stretch of Route 66 is unique and varied — and the rest of the state is, too. Whether you're looking to pull right off the Mother Road, hit a quick day trip, or planning to explore all of the Land of Enchantment, we've got recommendations for every kind of cruiser.
RIGHT ON THE ROUTE
No need to stray far from the Mother Road for some uniquely New Mexican adventures.
Route 66 Roadside Oddities
Perfectly created for Instagramability, these are some of the route’s classics: neon signs, architectural one-of-a-kinds, and can’t-miss curiosities on the Mother Road.
Santa Rosa Lake State Park
Pull off the route to check out the gorgeous high plains just outside of Santa Rosa and get your fishing fix on at the 3800-acre Santa Rosa Reservoir.
Petroglyph National Monument
Drawings have been etched into the rock in Albuquerque for hundreds of years, so grab your binoculars and play amateur archaeologist while spotting the Puebloan artwork from the main trail.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
As you cross over the famous Rio Grande, stop off and get acquainted with the mighty river. This center is just off the route and provides nature-viewing opportunities as well as river access.
Bluewater Lake State Park
Take in the stunning Zuni Mountains of western New Mexico on the banks of this well-stocked reservoir, which also hosts even ice fishing in the winter months.
Gallup Nightly Indian Dances
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings during the summer months, members from area tribes fill the Gallup Courthouse Square, wearing colorful costumes and headdresses and sharing their traditional dances. These dancers — often accompanied by music from drums, rattles, and flutes — offer interpretation from tribal members on their traditions and meanings.
Pecos National Historic Park
This historic site is nestled at the southernmost point of the magnificent Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Humans from all cultures and Ancestral backgrounds have traveled through the Pecos Valley for thousands of years, from Puebloans to Spanish missionaries, Mexican and Anglo armies, settlers, and travelers along Route 66. Take a detour onto the original alignment of Route 66 and visit the Ancestral sites located at the park to get a glimpse into the historical significance of Pecos and its previous inhabitants.
Battle of Glorieta Pass Scenic Marker
On the way from Pecos to Santa Fe lies the historic location of the Battle of Glorieta Pass, often called "the Gettysburg of the West." During the winter months of 1862, 400 Union and 400 Confederate soldiers clashed here as the Confederate forces sought to push north toward the gold mines of Colorado. The Union forces repelled the attack and ended the Confederate conquest into the Southwest, with casualties from both sides amounting to nearly 400.
El Rey Court
El Rey Court opened its doors along historic Route 66 in 1936 as a 12-room motor inn for passing travelers. The landmark features a traditional adobe-style building but has been renovated and expanded upon throughout the years. El Rey Court now features an outdoor pool and hot tubs, and it incorporated the neighboring property in the 1990’s. In 2016 new owners opened La Reina bar, that offers live music and refreshing mixed drinks. Stop by for a rejuvenating reprieve during your trip on Route 66
San Miguel Chapel
San Miguel Chapel — also recognized as the oldest church in the U.S. — is located just outside of the historic Santa Fe Plaza on the original alignment of Route 66 and features the adobe walls from its estimated construction date in 1610. Although the chapel was partially destroyed, rebuilt, and remodeled over the course of its existence, the main structure remains to this day. Visit the chapel to engage in Sunday mass or to admire the preserved adobe construction and magnificent interior.
Loretto Chapel
Located just down the road from San Miguel Chapel on the original Route 66 alignment, this chapel was established in 1873, more than 200 years after San Miguel. The Loretto Chapel is starkly different to the surrounding adobe buildings with its gothic-style architecture. Before the chapel was completed, the architect died, and the Sisters of Loretto were left without a staircase to their choir loft. Legend has it that the Sisters prayed for a solution, and a carpenter appeared on the last day of their prayer to St. Joseph. This person built what is now dubbed the “Miraculous Staircase” for its physics-defying spiral design with no visible means of support. The staircase stands today, so stop by to view this feat of architecture and admire the rest of this majestic chapel!
Meow Wolf Santa Fe
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary experience that is Meow Wolf Santa Fe’s House of Eternal Return. Opened in 2016 by a collective of Santa Fe artists interested in public art displays, Meow Wolf has evolved into a colorful, creative, maximalist exhibition that envelops the visitor with quirky interactive arrangements and creations.
El Rancho De Las Golondrinas
El Rancho de las Golondrinas or “The Ranch of the Swallows,” was a historic ranch and is now a living museum. Located along the historic Camino Real, the operators would peddle their goods to the caravans that traveled the route from Santa Fe to Mexico City. Now the property exists to provide a hands-on experience for visitors that are interested in the storied history of ranching culture in New Mexico. Enrich your knowledge of the Southwest with this engaging living museum.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya
Relax at this spa and resort located in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains on the Santa Ana Pueblo. Learn about Puebloan culture at the on-site Native American Cultural Center, rejuvenate at the spa, or take in the beautiful scenery of central New Mexico.
Balloon Fiesta Park
Ballon Fiesta Park is home to the largest hot air balloon event in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. If you’re interested in the history of hot air ballooning, you can visit the Anderson Abruzzo Balloon Museum, which is also located at the park. The park also features a driving course and pitch and putt for golf-lovers, and open fields if you’d like to take a break from driving and stretch your legs.
Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm
Looking for a charming place to shop, eat, or stay on your journey across historic Route 66? Designed in 1932, Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm is located in the heart of the Rio Grande River Valley amongst the sprawling cottonwood trees. Experience the allure of its charming design and décor, sample their curated menus, distilled drinks, and artisan spa products whether you lodge there or are just stopping by.
ABQ BioPark
Explore a vast display of wildlife at the ABQ BioPark on your trip through Albuquerque. Featuring a zoo, botanic garden, and aquarium, there is a myriad of extraordinary experiences to be had in this beautiful living environmental park!
Old Town Albuquerque
Predating the formation of the United States, Old Town Albuquerque is a historic farming community and town that is now home to over 150 shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums. Experience the charm of the historic architecture or relax at one of the assorted restaurants and breweries. Whether you are stopping for a quick visit or lodging at the variety of hotels, Old Town is a charming stop on your travels.
National Hispanic Cultural Center
The NHCC is home to exhibits and events dedicated to preserving Hispanic history, culture, and arts. Experience a rotating set of exhibitions, take a guided tour, drop in for events spanning a variety of artforms, or sample cultural cuisine at their on-site restaurant.
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Interested in learning about the Atomic Age? Stop by the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History and explore their exhibitions, get educated at an event, or take a tour for a more in-depth dive into all the museum has to offer!
Wildlife West Nature Park
Dedicated to preserving the native wildlife of New Mexico, Wildlife West Nature Park houses and cares for animals that are not suited for release into the wild. Visit the park to learn more about the heritage of wildlife native to New Mexico and to support their efforts in caring for these majestic animals.
Route 66 Auto Museum
If you have a love for all things classic cars and vintage Americana, the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa is a haven for gear heads. Explore the vintage car collection, take a tour, or stop by for an event with local car enthusiasts.
New Mexico Mining Museum
Discover the deep history of mining in New Mexico at the New Mexico Mining Museum in Grants. From interactive exhibits to a vast collection of artifacts and memorabilia, the museum gives visitors an in-depth look into the everyday lives of miners and their families.
Hotel El Rancho
Since the 1940’s Hotel El Rancho has embodied the spirit of the Wild West and been a host to some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and movie makers. Stay at El Rancho or drop by for some libations and get a taste of the old Western vibes on your road trip.
Red Rock Park
Red Rock Park is more than just a recreational area and highlighted by the astonishing red cliffs formed millions of years ago, the park is home to a myriad of events as well. Whether you stop here for an event or to view the magnificent rock formations, it is a great destination for your trip!
A SHORT DRIVE FROM THE ROUTE
No more than an hour out of your way, these destinations show a breadth of New Mexico’s culture and landscape.
Tinkertown
A living example of inspired folk art, Tinkertown is the product of one artist’s desire to, yes, tinker. Check out 22 rooms of intricately carved figurines that took more than 40 years to create.
El Morro National Monument
Naturally occurring water in this part of the state means that El Morro has been a stopping place for hundreds of years: first by Puebloans, then by the Spanish, and finally by U.S. railroad prospectors — all of whom carved their marks into the sandstone bluff.
Acoma Sky City
Route 66 will bring you within 20 minutes of the Acoma Pueblo, home to one of North America’s oldest continually inhabited communities. At Sky City, you’ll find yourself atop a 367-foot sandstone bluff that’s been home to the Acoma people since at least 1150 CE.
El Malpais National Monument
Stretch your legs on the craggy, black-basalt terrain of ancient lava flows, the oldest of which is a million years old. Lava tubes created caves that you can explore with a permit from the park.
Zuni Pueblo
Experience Zuni's unique artistry in their tiny, carved-rock “fetishes” and the sacred ancestral cliff dwellings that are endemic to the Zuni culture — situated in this part of New Mexico for the last 1300 years and the site of the first contact between Europeans and the Native people of the Southwest.
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
Open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with guided tours at noon and 3. During the summer season the sanctuary has a campground where volunteers and guests are permitted to stay to hear the wolves sing them to sleep.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
After a lengthy closure, this magnificent geological formation is open again to the public. The cone-shaped rock formations resembling tents were created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Take a moment to stretch your legs and explore this amazing monument, just be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
Sandia Peak Tramway
Take in the beautiful view from atop Sandia Peak, over 10,000 feet above sea level. Not for the faint of heart, the tramway rises just outside metropolitan Albuquerque to the crest of the Sandia Mountains and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Have a meal at Ten 3, the mountainside restaurant, before you take the tram or a vigorous hike back down the mountain.
Conchas Lake State Park
Located northwest of Tucumcari, Conchas Lake is one of New Mexico’s largest lakes. Explore the miles of shoreline and beautiful views, take some time to fish, or stay the night at one of the campsites that include RV hookups.
Crownpoint Rug Auction
View authentic Navajo rugs, wall hangings, and wraps for purchase at the Crownpoint Rug Auction. This monthly auction has been held since 1968, showcasing large collections of woven Native creations, for sale at well below retail prices.
Harvey House Museum
Dive into the past and experience the hospitality industry along the railways of the Southwest. Fred Harvey struck a deal with the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad to have exclusive rights to operate hotels and eating destinations along their routes. See historic artifacts and explore what a day in the life of a Harvey Girl was like!
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Walk along the interpretive loop trail at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument and learn about early interactions between the Spanish and the Ancestral Puebloans. Take in the stunning sights of the Manzano Mountains as you explore the ruins of past inhabitants.
Bandelier National Monument
Spanning over 33,000 acres of canyons and mesas, Bandelier Monument features Ancestral dwellings, structures, and ancient petroglyphs. Experience a pristine example of Ancestral life in the cliffs of the Southwest and expand your knowledge of the history of New Mexico
Santuario de Chimayó
Located along the High Road to Taos, El Santuario de Chimayó is a prominent pilgrimage destination and has been a place of worship for hundreds of years. The location is believed to have healing earth by the Ancestral Puebloans and draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year. Experience this sacred place and its stunning architecture just a short drive from historic Route 66.
READY TO ROAM?
New Mexico is the fifth-largest state in the nation, and there are infinite things to explore — here are some ways to get off the route and into the rest of the state.
New Mexico’s Ghost Towns
Some are accessible by traveling Route 66, but many others are dotted across the state, remnants of New Mexico’s boom-and-bust mining economy. Experience every kind of ghost town, from Old West leftovers to deserted railroad stops.
Native Culture in New Mexico
If you're curious about the prevalent Native culture in the Land of Enchantment, there are 23 Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations throughout the state, most of which welcome respectful visitors. All of these communities have their own languages, cultures, governments, laws, and visitor policies, so be sure to call ahead of time before visiting.
New Mexico’s Scenic Byways
Enjoy a pretty drive? We’ve got a lot of ‘em. New Mexico has a whopping 25 scenic byways to explore, and these roads will deliver you to a vast diversity of experiences: antelope-filled grasslands to the gun-slinging history of Billy the Kid to the serene awe of the deep Taos Gorge.
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