EXPERIENCE NEW MEXICO WITH THE UK ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION
Land of Enchantment
Traveling along the historic Route 66 through New Mexico provides an authentic experience of the state, which proudly refers to itself as the "Land of Enchantment" on its license plates. While there are fewer remnants of the original road here compared to other areas, the many towns and ghost towns situated along I-40, which were largely built over Route 66, remain captivating. The route weaves around the historic center of Santa Fe, the state’s cultural and political hub, and cuts through Albuquerque, its expansive commercial heart. In some areas, discovering the old road and its bypassed towns may require a bit of effort, but the rewards are typically worthwhile. Western New Mexico boasts the richest sights and the most captivating landscapes, characterized by towering sandstone mesas in the foreground and high, pine-covered peaks in the distance. Running parallel to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, this route traverses the core of the region. There are several tempting detours—such as El Morro National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historical Park—that offer unforgettable experiences along the way. As you head east, the terrain becomes flatter and the environment drier as the road transitions from the Great Plains.
New Mexico Drive Time
Driving time today to travel the 280 miles from Amarillo to Santa Fe is about four hours via I-40 to Cline's Corners, and then north on U.S. 285. An alternate route is to take Exit 256 off I-40 onto U.S. 84 north after Santa Rosa; U.S. 84 then connects with I-25 to Santa Fe.
Road Trip for True Rt. 66 Fanatics (322.3 miles)
Road Trip for True Rt. 66 Fanatics.
Nat King Cole signed off on getting your kicks on Route 66—specifically naming Gallup near the Arizona border. But start instead in the east, with Tucumcari’s Route 66 Museum and timeless roadside motels and curio shop. Then head west, stopping in at historic service stations, trading posts and RV parks, and passing under the neon arches commemorating the highway on Albuquerque’s West Central Avenue. Culminate the tour at the historic and former Hollywood elites’ haunt, El Rancho Hotel.
The Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari
The Blue Swallow has been serving travelers along the Mother Road since 1939, and today, our guests enjoy a pleasant reminder of what it was like to travel across the USA in the “good old days.” Unlike the big corporately-owned chains, we are family owned and operated. With hospitality provided by owners Robert and Dawn, you will always be welcomed like family.
From the beautifully restored rooms, to the distinctive attached garages, to the fabulous neon display each night, a stay at the Blue Swallow is a unique experience that will leave you rested, refreshed, and with wonderful new memories. Come take a step back to a simpler time, meet your neighbors from around the world, and relax under the glow of the neon lights in the historic courtyard of the Blue Swallow Motel.
Tee Pee Curios, Tucumcari NM
Departing from Glenrio at the Texas-New Mexico border, Route 66 winds westward, passing through San Jon en route to Tucumcari. Further along, you'll find the towns of Montoya, Newkirk, Cuervo, and Santa Rosa. Today, Tucumcari thrives as a vibrant city, boasting an array of vintage motels and bright neon signs, catering to Route 66 enthusiasts and travelers alike. Established in 1901, Tucumcari is situated in Quay County and is home to over 5,000 residents. It holds the distinction of being the largest city between Amarillo and Albuquerque and has long championed the slogan "Tucumcari Tonite!" For many years, Tucumcari has served as a favored stop for those traveling along Interstate 40, and formerly on Route 66. A variety of businesses, service stations, restaurants, and motels sprang up to welcome tourists on their journeys down the Mother Road. Today, Historic U.S. Route 66 still traverses the heart of Tucumcari via Route 66 Boulevard. Many of the vintage motels, restaurants, and gift shops established during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s remain operational. Among them, the Blue Swallow Motel stands out as a particularly well-known establishment. We have had the pleasure of visiting Tucumcari multiple times and highly recommend checking out the classic Tee Pee Curios!
66 Diner, Albuquerque
Burgers and shakes abound at this classic 1950s-style diner, decorated with images of Elvis, Betty Boop, and Marilyn Monroe, a jukebox, and soda fountain. The restaurant runs out of a former Phillip’s service station. At their “Pile Up” and “Fender Bender,” a wall of road signs and advertisements make for a prime photo op.
Route 66 Arch- Grants
Grants now has its own Route 66 arch, 18 feet tall, illuminated in LED neon and shaped like the highway sign. Cars can pull right through and pause for a photo. The arches were installed in 2016 to wish a happy 90th year to the historic highway and as part of a downtown restoration effort.
Continental Divide, New Mexico
Interstate 40 crosses the Continental Divide at a place known as the Continental Divide. This location is perhaps the most recognized and visited point along the Divide. The town, situated at exit 47 of Interstate 40, lies 47 miles from Arizona and 108 miles from Albuquerque, positioned between exit 44 (Coolidge) and exit 53 (Thoreau). The Divide itself is marked by signs in the center of the interstate at an elevation of 7,275 feet. On the service road, you'll find the standard New Mexico historic roadside signs on either side of the highway. Over the years, this area has been known by various names, including Campbell Pass, Gonzales, and Summit. However, the local post office officially designates it as the Continental Divide, carrying the zip code 87312. While the route has been traversed by Indigenous peoples, wagons, and emigrants for centuries, it became a fixed path when the railroad established a line through this low pass in 1880, connecting Albuquerque to Southern California. Today, it remains a significant transcontinental corridor for BNSF. Established as Route 66 in 1926, remnants of the pre-interstate roadside can still be found, including two or three gift shops offering Native American souvenirs, given its proximity to the Navajo Nation, with Indigenous lands interspersed among railroad, state, and forest lands.
Explore NEW MEXICO with THE Route 66 Association
Clines Corners "Old" The Santa Fe Loop
Clines Corners "Old" The Santa Fe Loop
Clines Corners "Old" The Santa Fe Loop
Clines Corners has been here since 1934! before Route 66 was realigned across the desert between Santa Rosa and Moriarty.
A place where weary Route 66 travellers can stop to fill up at the service stations, eat at the restaurant and food court or buy their typical southewestern souvenirs at the gift shop (the largest one in New Mexico).
It is set just north of Pedernal Peak, in the empty vast arid shrubland area between Santa Rosa and Moriarty on the 1937-85 Route 66.
Plan your Route 66 road trip and visit Clines Corners in New Mexico's arid shrublands.
San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe
Clines Corners "Old" The Santa Fe Loop
Clines Corners "Old" The Santa Fe Loop
The oldest church in the continental United States.
The chapel is located in the Barrio de Analco, a national historic district of Santa Fe. Oral history holds that the barrio was founded by a group of Mexican Indians from Tlaxcala. The adobe church was constructed under the direction of Franciscan friars to serve a small congregation of soldiers, laborers, and Indians who lived in the Barrio de Analco. It was partially destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. The present building dates from 1710, although it has undergone significant structural changes.
Route 66 Auto Museum, Santa Rosa
Clines Corners "Old" The Santa Fe Loop
There are several Route 66 museums found along the historic route stretching across the country, but none of them quite compare to the passion instilled in the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa. The museum is a haven for car enthusiasts and those interested in re-living a pivotal era in automobile history.
Route 66 Auto Museum started as a business for restoring cars, and it has operated for over 40 years. The owner, Bozo Cordova, grew his passion for vehicles alongside his family to create one of the top local attractions.
KiMo Theatre, Albuquerque
A historic theater and landmark on Route 66!
In the heart of Downtown Albuquerque stands a majestic and historic theater unlike any other. Experience live performances, movies, art and more at this favorite Albuquerque landmark
Blue Hole of Santa Rosa
Nob Hill District. Albuquerque
The Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, or simply the Blue Hole, is a circular, bell-shaped pool or small lake located along Route 66 east of Santa Rosa, New Mexico that is a tourist attraction and swimming venue, and one of the most popular dive destinations in the US for scuba diving and training
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Nob Hill District. Albuquerque
Nob Hill District. Albuquerque
With over 300 business in the historic district, Nob Hill features a mix of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, breweries, wine bars, retail stores, art galleries, nightlife, entertainment, and more! Shop, eat, drink, play.
ROUTE 66 - MUST VISIT - THE RIO PUERCO BRIDGE
Location: 14311 Central Ave NW Albuquerque, NM 87121
Travelers heading west from Albuquerque on Route 66 can experience a picturesque descent from Nine Mile Hill into the Rio Puerco Valley, where a Parker through truss bridge spans the steeply eroded banks of the Rio Puerco River. This valley is home to Laguna Pueblo, inhabited by Puebloans since the 1300s. Due to the Rio Puerco's notorious flooding and erosion, the State Highway Department opted for a Parker through truss design for the bridge, which eliminates the need for a central pier and mitigates washout risks. In 1933, the Federal Government financed the construction of the bridge as part of President Roosevelt's initiative to utilize emergency funds for highway development. Completed within a year, this bridge opened the Laguna Cutoff to transcontinental travel. By 1937, the route was designated as U.S. Route 66 .
The Kansas City Structural Steel Company designed the structure, with construction overseen by F.D. Shufflebarger. The Rio Puerco Bridge boasts a 250-foot-long span, making it one of the longest single-span steel truss bridges in New Mexico. The bridge features ten panels, each measuring 25 feet and designed with top chords at varying angles, a hallmark of Parker truss bridges. Its 25-foot-wide deck is composed of concrete topped with asphalt and supported by steel stringers. This design was chosen not only for its common use in the late 1920s and 30s but also for its durability, essential for withstanding the floods that had previously washed away other bridges along the Rio Puerco. In 1957, the truss underwent renovations; the lower portal struts were replaced with lighter supports, raising the bridge's clearance. Metal guardrails were added for added safety. The bridge served Route 66 motorists for many years until the completion of I-40, after which it was incorporated into a frontage road crossing the Rio Puerco.
In 1997, the structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Although the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department replaced it in 1999, the historic bridge was preserved. Currently closed to vehicular traffic, it remains accessible for pedestrians, offering visitors a chance to glimpse the meandering path of the old Highway 66 as it fades into the expansive New Mexico desert. The Rio Puerco Bridge is situated off Interstate 40, parallel to the highway at exit 140, west of Albuquerque, NM. The post-1937 alignment of Route 66, now functioning as a frontage road, lies east of the bridge and reconnects with the interstate at exit 149. Visitors are welcome to walk across the bridge.