In New Mexico, the Historic Route 66 winds through more than 600 miles of breathtaking and culturally significant landscapes. From the vibrant red rock mesas to Mt. Taylor, one of the four sacred mountains to the Navajo people to the desert terrain of Acoma Pueblo’s Sky City, one of the oldest inhabited communities dating back to approximately1150 AD.  

Traveling by RV is a great way to experience the Mother Road, we recommend you stay 2-3 nights at each destination and not to drive more than 300 miles daily. This allows travellers to enjoy each destination,  rest and take care of vehicle maintenance, grocery shopping and laundry.

Traveling east from Arizona, Gallup, New Mexico makes an ideal stop for RV travelers. Parking at the Fire Rock Casino west parking lot or Red Rock Park Campground & RV. Exploring this area offers a rich blend of Native American history, to cinematic history and opportunities for local hiking adventures in stunning screnery.

A must-see attraction is the Gallup Cultural Center which was formerly the old Santa Fe Railway depot. The Center now features a Storyteller Museum, Gallup Visitor Center, a coffee shop and the Navajo Code Talker exhibit.

Within less than 40 miles, drive to Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park & Veteran Memorial, one of the most photographed tribal parks. Window Rock is also the Navajo Nation capital, home to the Office of the President and Vice President, with neighboring buildings of the Legislative Branch and Council Chambers.

While in Window Rock, visit the Navajo Nation Museum, Library and Visitor’s Center. See the current exhibits highlighting Navajo history and culture and visit the Gift Shop. Next door, the Navajo Nation Zoo & Botanical Park offers free admission to the only tribally owned and operated zoo in the United States. The zoo’s unique cultural connection is reflected in the Navajo and English signage for the animals.

Approximately 80 east of Gallup, is the Acoma Pueblo community, another memorable destination. The Sky City Casino RV Park offers full-hook ups, free wi-fi, a pool and hot tub, laundromat and shuttle to the casino. With so much to do, plan to spend multiple nights here.

Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum offers guided walking tours of the Museum and the Village at the top of the mesa. The museum is a good place to start, book a tour you will learn more about Acoma history, ceremonial events, see local arts & crafts and enjoy some native cuisine at Yaak'a Café.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby hiking trails at El Morro National Monument, including Headland Trail and Inscription Rock Trail. Plan for approximately three hours to experience both trailsStop at the El Morro Visitor Center for weather information and trail conditions.

A short drive away, El Malpais National Monument offers primitive backcountry camping and hiking trails through its dramatic volcanic landscape. Stop at the visitor center for maps and additional information for La Ventana Natural Arch, Sandstone Bluffs Overlook, Lava Falls Trailhead, Zuni-Acoma Trailhead, El Calderon Trailhead and Ice Caves & Bandera Volcano.

Next stop, Albuquerque, where RV travelers have a variety of choices depending what amenities you need. Route 66 Casino Hotel & RV Park located 20 miles west of Albuquerque offers full-hook ups. Eleven miles south of the city, the Lakes and RV Park at Isleta Resort & Casino offers full hook ups and  nearby Sandia Resort & Casino offers parking in designated area, no hook ups.

Spending multiple days to explore, you have plenty to do, golf enthusiasts can enjoy championship courses at Isleta Golf Club, Twin Warriors Golf Club, Santa Ana Golf Club and Sandia Golf Club.

Dine at local tribally owned eateries : Indian Pueblo Kitchen at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the World-Famous Laguna Burger near the Route 66 Casino Hotel and fine dining restaurants within the casino properties.

Shop for unique Native American arts and jewelry at Arrowsoul Trading Post, Bear Paw Indian Arts and Gallery, Bien Mur Indian Market, the Indian Pueblo Store and Tamaya Cultural Learning Center.

Outdoor recreation activities at Petroglyph National Monument include five hiking trails wfrom one to six and a half miles from the visitor center.  Boca Negra, Rinconada and Piedras Marcadas Canyon trails are open year-round to view ancient petroglyphs.

Depending on the season and your interests, you might want to plan a staycation for the Acoma Pueblo Christmas Luminarias Ceremony around Christmas time or Catholic Mass with traditional dances. Check Sky City Acoma guidelines to confirm public events.

Next blog will feature Oklahoma Historic Route 66.