Things To Do
in Gallup
Gallup sits along historic Route 66 in the high desert of northwestern New Mexico. The town is a crossroads of Native American art, trading posts, and wide-open desert landscapes. You can expect warm hospitality, expansive skies, and colorful sunsets from the surrounding red rock mesas.
It's a compact base for exploring the Four Corners region while soaking in Indigenous culture and desert scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your morning with a stroll along Gallup’s historic downtown, admiring the vibrant murals and vintage storefronts. Pop into local coffee shops to sample a rich New Mexican brew and fresh baked goods. Chat with friendly shop owners about the town’s storied Route 66 heritage.
Visit the Rex Museum to learn about Gallup’s railroad and mining roots through engaging exhibits. Wander through the Gallup Cultural Center next door, checking out regional artwork and Native American jewelry. Relax on a shaded bench in David Skeet Park while enjoying the gentle breeze.
Dine at a local Southwestern restaurant, ordering blue corn enchiladas or Navajo tacos topped with fresh salsa. Attend an evening performance or community event at the El Morro Theatre when available. Finish the night with a walk under neon signs, listening to the hum of Route 66 traffic.
Head to Red Rock Park early to beat the heat and secure parking close to the trails. Hike the canyon rim loop, pausing to admire the sandstone formations glowing in golden morning light. Snap photos at scenic overlooks and breathe in the crisp desert air.
Cool off with a picnic lunch by the creek, surrounded by red cliffs and juniper trees. Explore the lower trails that wind past native desert flora and small pools of water. Keep an eye out for ravens and lizards basking on sunlit rocks.
Return to town for dinner at a roadside diner, sampling hearty home-style fare. Unwind at your lodging’s outdoor patio, watching the sunset paint the sky in pastel hues. Drift off early to the sound of crickets under a star-filled desert sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $60-120 |
| ☕Coffee or cafe drink | $3-6 |
| 🥗Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🚗Short taxi or rideshare ride | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Native American arts and cultural heritage
- Accessible desert landscapes and clear stargazing skies
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some services are seasonally based and quiet on weekdays
Places to Visit in Gallup
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic neon signs and colorful murals along Historic Route 66 provide classic Americana backdrops and vibrant street photography.
Desert red rock formations and expansive skies offer dramatic landscape shots, especially at sunrise and sunset.
A hub for Indigenous art with opportunities to capture traditional crafts and文化 exhibits in a cultural setting.
Scenic overlooks where the high desert meets the sky, perfect for panoramic landscape photography.
Food in Gallup
Gallup Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty frybread base topped with seasoned meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sometimes green chile.
Must-Try!
A staple fried dough that can be enjoyed sweet or savory, often served with honey, powdered sugar, or as a base for toppings like beans and cheese.
A warming stew featuring Hatch green chiles, potatoes, and pork or chicken; a comforting staple at many local eateries.
A traditional hominy-based stew flavored with pork or vegetables and red or green chile, commonly found in regional menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls along Route 66 offering frybread, tacos, and locally made snacks; great for a quick lunch or snack.
Casual, family-run stops where you can taste traditional frybread and Navajo-inspired street foods.
Seasonal market featuring local produce, handmade crafts, and regional snacks; check for weekend schedules.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Ask before photographing people or ceremonies; show respect at sacred sites and during cultural performances.
A polite greeting goes a long way; address elders with respect and avoid loud behavior in quiet areas.
Ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or families.
Safety
Tipping in Gallup
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 15–20% tip is standard. For bar service and cafes, $1–2 per drink or 15–20% is common. Tipping hotel staff($2–5) per service is appreciated.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. Carry some cash for street vendors and small markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days and cool nights; afternoons can bring monsoon storms. Hydration is essential, and mornings are ideal for outdoor activities.
Pleasant temperatures with colorful desert foliage and clear skies; great for hiking and photography.
Cold but dry with occasional snowfall; layering is important; some outdoor trails may be icy.
Mild temperatures and blooming desert plants; watch for windy days and seasonal storms.
Gallup at Night
Hiking in Gallup
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Various short to moderate hikes with scenic desert vistas close to town.
Easy to moderate routes offering expansive desert panoramas just outside Gallup.
Airports
How to reach Gallup by plane.
Small regional airport with limited domestic flights; convenient for quick hops and access to northern New Mexico.
Larger regional airport about an hour's drive north with more flight options.
Major international hub about 180 miles southeast; offers extensive domestic and international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population comes from the Navajo Nation, contributing to the region’s cultural richness.
A substantial presence adds to the cultural and culinary diversity of Gallup.
Numerous families and retirees contribute to the town’s services and local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport at local schools and community centers; often a community gathering point.
Rodeo events and traditional Western competitions are common in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gallup.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most eateries offer veggie burgers, salads, and frybread-based dishes. Request egg-free and dairy-free options where needed; many places can adjust meat broths or stock.