“[Route] 66 is the mother road, the road of flight.”
JOHN STEINBECK
The Grapes of Wrath
Resources for Your Route 66 Trip Through New Mexico
We have collected information to help you get started. Whether you're planning a quick trip or a longer, more leisurely journey, we suggest you build in a little time to visit with the locals and get to know the real Route 66.
With three cultures and their histories together in New Mexico, the state is rich with multi-cultural heritage. It's geography is also more diverse than expected. With 32 state parks, seven National Forests, and three National Parks, there is no vast desert to traverse. The tail-end of the Rockies brings volcanoes, canyons, rivers, and spectacularly long, wide, views to enjoy it all!
With three cultures and their histories together in New Mexico, the state is rich with multi-cultural heritage. It's geography is also more diverse than expected. With 32 state parks, seven National Forests, and three National Parks, there is no vast desert to traverse. The tail-end of the Rockies brings volcanoes, canyons, rivers, and spectacularly long, wide, views to enjoy it all!
Stops Along the Route in New MexicoHere are some of the major cities and towns along the route in New Mexico.
Photo: Sunset and clouds over Albuquerque, photo by Brandon Stephensen |
Maps and ItinerariesNational Parks Service
You can plan your route in segments from Chicago to Santa Monica, or just take it all in! PDF Map Driving Route 66 A collection of maps created using Google Maps Explore Route 66 Maps Courtesy of Route 66 Roadtrip Explore Route 66 Discover the Historic Route in America Explore Photo: 1972 map of Albuquerque, map by Arrow Map Co. |
National Parks, Recreation, Forests, Monuments, and Ancient RuinsNational Parks Service
The National Forest and the National Parks Service have considerable land holdings in New Mexico and along historic Route 66. They include hiking trails, campgrounds, monuments, picnic areas, and scenic roadways. Explore Federal Scenic Byways The Federal Highway Administration maintains a comprehensive site. Explore Coronado State Monument Coronado Historic Site and the ruins of Kuaua Pueblo are located just minutes north of Albuquerque in Bernalillo. Explore El Malpais National Monument Rivers of Ancient Fires: The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais offers solitude, recreation, and adventure. Explore Pecos National Historical Monument Pecos is a natural and cultural crossroads through which hunters, gatherers, traders, missionaries, immigrants, soldiers, ranchers, and other travelers passed and lived. Explore Petroglyph National Monument Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. Explore Photo: Pecos National Historical Park, NPS Photo |
New Mexico Tribal OrganizationsTrading posts and way stations were a common site along the Route 66 corridor.
Today, there are 23 Indian tribes located in New Mexico, 19 Pueblo, 3 Apache tribes (Fort Sill Apache Tribe, The Jicarilla Apache Nation, The Mescalero Apache Tribe) and the Navajo Nation. Each Tribe is it's own sovereign nation, with it's own government, life-ways, traditions and culture. All welcome visitors, please remember to check ahead of your visit, as some close for religious celebrations or other cultural observations. Be aware that you are visiting sovereign nations and respect their native traditions and the rules that govern their land. Read More Photo: White Ladder to a Kiva, Acoma Pueblo, by Tadson Bussey |
