Gallup, NM—The Gateway to Native America
Considering they’re the original inhabitants of the land, Native American influence can be felt throughout the U.S. However, in few places does it remain as strong as in Gallup, NM.
This city of roughly 22,000 residents sits amidst the New Mexico desert, some 20 miles east of the Arizona border. Native American peoples have inhabited this rugged yet beautiful region for thousands of years, and continue to do so today.
Gallup is located next to the Navajo Nation and the Zuni Pueblo, and the Hopi Reservation (within the Navajo Nation) is also nearby. A full third of the city’s population either belongs to or traces their roots to these Native American peoples.
As such, it’s no wonder Gallup bears nicknames like the Gateway to Native America and the Indian Capital of the World.
Native American culture and crafts are on full display here. In fact, the Gallup area is responsible for 70-80% of the nation’s Native American jewelry manufacturing. Not only is this an important financial outlet for the surrounding tribes, but also a way for them to share and maintain their cultures.
Perhaps due to the distinctive terrain and history surrounding Gallup, Hollywood decided it was an ideal place to shoot cowboy movies. Several famous Westerns were filmed in the city in the ‘40s and ‘50s.
Of course, motorcyclists know Gallup from its place along Route 66. Even if you’ve never motored through the city, you’ve certainly heard it mentioned in Nat King Cole’s classic song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.”
Native Culture and Route 66
With its Native American and Route 66 history, Gallup is a treasure trove for any two-wheeled traveler rolling by. You should start exploring the city by visiting the Gallup Cultural Center.
The statues in front of the museum pay homage to both Native Americans and U.S. Marines. Developed in collaboration with Native and non-Native residents of the area, the Cultural Center showcases the entire breadth of local history, from Native American settlement to the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad and Route 66.
Within the Cultural Center, you’ll also find the Navajo Code Talkers Museum. Its exhibits highlight the crucial role of Navajo code talkers, whose native language helped keep Axis powers from deciphering American radio messages during World War II.
Across I-40 from the museum is the Route 66 Loop statue, depicting a stretch of the Mother Road turning in on itself. After checking it out, go also see the Giant Kachina statue in the nearby park.
For more Route 66 kitsch, you can go check out Gallup’s mural. Every self-respecting Route 66 town needs murals, and Gallup’s walls boast paintings commemorating all of the area’s history.
In Gallup, you can also find neon signs dating back to the days of Route 66. Many of them went up in the ‘40s and ‘50s and light up at night to this day.
One more historical curiosity is the El Morro Theater. Built in the Roaring Twenties, it lets you catch a movie in a historical setting.
Finally, before you continue your Route 66 ride, remember to browse the boutiques and gift stores in the Gallup Historic District to pick up a Native American souvenir.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Gallup Cultural Center and Navajo Code Talkers Museum
- Route 66 Loop Statue
- Murals
- El Morro Theater
Nearby Roads
Heading north out of Gallup is US 491. This road is also called the Devil’s Highway due to its old designation of US 666 and the high number of accidents and fatalities on the road. There’s some nice scenery along the 135-mile ride to Cortez, CO, but remember to ride very carefully.
A safer but still very scenic ride is the collection of roads taking you from Chinle to Shiprock through the Navajo Nation. Following the Canyon de Chelly, this route brings you awe-inspiring desert, canyon, and mountain vistas.
FInally, if you’re up for a much longer ride, you could hightail it out of Gallup to Española to take the High Road to Taos.
Recommended Lodging: El Rancho Hotel
The El Rancho Hotel has been providing housing to out-of-towners since 1937. At first, however, its guests weren’t Route 66 travelers. Instead, it functioned as a base for movie production, housing such stars as John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, Ronald Reagan, and the Marx Brothers.
You get to enjoy the same, well-sized and cozy rooms. You may have to carry your bags a short distance from the parking lot, but it’s worth it.
At El Rancho, you can sleep in a historical ambiance. It’s a time capsule that takes you to a time when Hollywood superstars arrived in Gallup along Route 66.
Food & Dining
New Mexico is famous for its green chiles, so you should make sure you try at least one dish that features them. Fortunately, almost every restaurant in Gallup serves them, so finding one that suits your tastes isn’t difficult.
- El Rancho Restaurant: The on-site restaurant of El Rancho Hotel is the best eatery you’ll find for miles and miles. The RoadRUNNER crew dines here during our Route 66 trip, and we were blown away by the Mexican and American specialties. Find it at 1000 E Hwy 66, Gallup, NM.
- Earl’s Family Restaurant: Earl’s is a local joint that serves you a delicious and straight-forward breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try the Navajo Taco for a different take on this Mexican favorite. Find it at 1400 E Hwy 66, Gallup, NM.
- Route 66 Diner: Of course, we’ll have to mention the Route 66 Diner. This small joint with friendly service is a quintessential R66 eatery with a Southwest twist. Find it at 2502 E E Hwy 66, Gallup, NM.
Best Time to Travel
It’s best to take your motorcycle to Gallup in the shoulder seasons. You can enjoy comfortable riding without cooking alive in your leathers, and it’s also easier to go around to visit the Native American pueblos and many of New Mexico’s natural attractions.