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Route 66
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There is not much of original Route 66 in New Mexico; rather less than in neighbouring Arizona. The road used to cross the state east-west through Tucumcari, Albuquerque and Gallup but most has now been converted into I-40. Apart from a few short stretches through several towns to the east such as San Jon and Endee, the only significant parts are from the Arizona border to Laguna, 30 miles east of Grants. This makes for an interesting half day's drive, along generally quiet roads with many reminders of the recent history of this region.
Gallup: The first appearance of Route 66 after the Arizona border is through the small town of Manuelito, then there is a 26 mile section either side of Gallup, a major trading town for the Navajo and Zuni tribes. The route forms the main street through town and has a fine collection of old buildings and craft shops. There is then a gap of 14 miles, and continuing east requires travelling on I-40 for a few junctions, across the continental divide. The original road may be rejoined at exit 53 - starting from Thoreau it then crosses generally empty prairie land through several small towns for an uninterrupted 65 miles to Laguna, an historic Indian pueblo village.
Prewitt - Milan: Particularly evocative is the section of Route 66 between Prewitt and Milan. The road is wide but little used, a reminder of busier days now forever past. Abandoned motels and empty gas stations are scattered at intervals, with faded decor typical of the 60s and 70s. A railway runs alongside to the north; this too has more tracks than seems necessary, and is becoming partially overgrown. The surrounding land is not particularly scenic, but seems somehow appropriate; distant low hills, greyish in color, in keeping with the drab abandoned buildings. There are several lava flows in the region, associated with the much larger deposits of the nearby El Malpais National Monument.
Hotels: Major towns with hotels alomg Route 66 in New Mexico are (west to east) Gallup, Grants, Albuquerque, Moriaty, Santa Rosa and Tucumcari.
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Similar Places
Route 66 in Arizona - here 165 miles of the original road remain
Route 66 in California - across the Mojave Desert | |
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