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DRIVE TRIP

Route 66 - Western New Mexico

181.9 miles: 4 hours, 8 minutes

On this Mother Road haul through the “Land of Enchantment,” you'll travel Northern New Mexico's high desert from a classic Route 66 town (Gallup) to the state's biggest city, Albuquerque. Along the way, switching back and forth between old 66 and modern 1-40, you'll delve into Native American culture, and of course, see plenty of vintage roadside kitsch.

TRIP STOPS

1

Gallup to Grants

69.8 miles: 1 hours, 27 minutes

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Route 66 runs through the middle of Gallup, a time capsule of mid-century Americana—from funky old motels and diners to Southwestern pottery and jewelry shops. Crossing the desert, passing red-rock mesas, you'll climb to the Continental Divide and its wonderfully cheesy trading post. Up next is Grants, which retains a healthy amount of its old Route 66 character.

Recommended Stops

2

Grants to Albuquerque

112.1 miles: 2 hours, 41 minutes

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Departing Grants, the Mother Road traverses the Acoma Indian Reservation, home to a must-visit adobe pueblo that dates back centuries and sits high atop a sandstone mesa. Further down the highway, you'll roll into modern Albuquerque. Here, Route 66 becomes busy Central Avenue, chock-a-block with historic motels, restaurants, shops and glowing neon signs.

Recommended Stops

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