Gallup, NM

Be sure to tour Gallup at night, because it has one of the best set of preserved neon signs along Route 66.

Gallup is known for its many Native American jewelry shops. There are beautiful pieces that can be bargained for.

The El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, with its bright neon sign that spells out the name of the Hotel in rope looking script, is my favorite hotel along Route 66. Going there is a step back in time. It boasts the "Charm of yesterday and the convenience of tomorrow."

The El Rancho was built by D W Griffith's brother in the 1930s and was used by the casts of many old time movies when they were filming in New Mexico. The lobby is the most unique of all motels along Route 66, and features an atrium with ornate chandeliers with a Western flare, along with hand crafted wooden furniture and a large fireplace. There is an old fashioned elevator that requires an operator for its use. There are autographed photos of John Wayne, Tom Mix, Ronald Regan, Humphrey Bogart, Allen Ladd, Mae West, Katherine Hepburn, and dozens more.

Each room is named after a movie star who stayed there. The biggest is the Ronald Reagan Room, but my favorite id the Kirk Douglas Room, which has a nice little portico.

Most importantly, the El Rancho has one of the best bars on Route 66, and was named as one of America's 50 best Dive Bars by Esquire Magazine. This is a must stop place.

The American Bar is a great place that is rough around the edges. On busy nights they have a policeman at the door to check patrons for weapons and to act as a bouncer. There are lots of pool tables and lots of local photos. 

The Coal St Pub is a few doorways doen from the American bar. It has great food..

Vergies is open for late night food.

Near Gallup are many ancient Ananazi and other ruins.

Also close by is the much photographed Window Rock in Window Rock AZ. It is sacred Navajo place consisting of a large face of red rock through which the wind has eroded a large hole or "window." The seat of the Navajo government is there. If you are going to see just one Navajo site along your trip, this is the one to see. It is only a half an hour ride from Gallup.

Gallop is at the Western end of the Route 66 New Mexico Motor Tour , in which classic cars are driven over the old alignment of Route 66 from Tucumcari to Gallup each June. It is sponsored by the New Mexico Route 66 Association.