Route 66–Gallup, New Mexico

We left Santa Fe on Monday to make our way to Phoenix for an extended stay and visit with our daughter.  To break up the drive we stopped in Gallup, New Mexico, which is about half way.  Beautiful country but not a lot to do in Gallup unless you are into Indian jewelry as there are shops everywhere.  What is cool is that the town is right on the old historic Route 66 and many old buildings and signs from that bygone era remain.

The best one from the “old days” is the El Rancho Hotel/Motel.  This was the place to stay back in the 40’s and 50’s and it is still well maintained.  Many westerns from back then were filmed here because of the red rock and famous mountains.  The stars of the movies would stay at the El Rancho so the second floor of the lobby is lined with autograph pictures of these stars.

After the El Rancho we took a drive out to Red Rock park to see Church Rock and Pyramid Rock.  There are two famous rock formations in the area.

Church Rock

Pyramid Rock

Earlier this year, my aunt and uncle who are quasi-full time rv’ers were driving Route 66 and stopped in Gallup.  My uncle took a picture of restaurant sign and posted it on Facebook.  I thought it was hilarious but had forgotten all about it until we were driving down Route 66 on our way to Red Rock Park and saw the sign.  I just started laughing!  I will post his picture so you all can get a laugh.

I did not try the food.