Gallup

Day Trips

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.

Visit the nearby Navajo Nation Museum to gain insight into the history and traditions of the Navajo people. Participate in a guided weaving demonstration, learning about the significance of intricate rug patterns. Chat with local artisans to understand the symbolism behind their crafts.

Travel to a traditional hogan where a Navajo elder shares stories and legends passed down through generations. Sample a home-cooked meal featuring mutton stew and frybread. Take part in a hands-on pottery or sandpainting workshop guided by skilled craftsmen.

Attend a Navajo storytelling session by a crackling fire under the open sky. Enjoy evening refreshments of herbal tea and roasted corn while listening to ancient tales. Return to Gallup with a deeper appreciation for the living traditions of the region.

Pick up a classic convertible or vintage car for a scenic drive along historic Route 66. Cruise eastward from Gallup, stopping at iconic neon signs and retro motels for photo ops. Pop into quirky roadside museums to explore memorabilia from the golden age of American road trips.

Grab lunch at a classic 1950s-style diner, sampling a juicy burger and milkshake. Continue eastward to ponder the desert landscape dotted with abandoned gas stations and faded billboards. Pause to experience the open road feeling, windows down and desert breeze in your hair.

Return to Gallup in time for dinner at a downtown steakhouse, savoring a perfectly grilled cut. Share stories of forgotten Americana over local craft beers. Wind down at a Route 66 jukebox bar, dancing to rock ’n’ roll classics under neon lights.

Set out early for the two-hour drive south to El Morro National Monument, an ancient waterhole and sandstone bluff. Hike the Inscription Trail, reading petroglyphs and historic engravings carved by travelers for centuries. Witness the cliffside alcoves where Ancestral Puebloans once sheltered.

Enjoy a packed lunch in the cool shade beneath massive sandstone walls. Explore the ruins of Atsina Pueblo perched on a mesa above the trail. Photograph the vibrant lichens and weathered rock faces revealing layers of geologic time.

Return to Gallup as dusk settles over the desert. Dine at a family-run New Mexican eatery, sampling signature red and green chile sauces. Conclude the day with stargazing in a dark-sky area just outside town.

Drive north toward the Zuni Mountains for a day of high-country adventure. Hike a scenic forest trail surrounded by towering pines and cool mountain streams. Keep an eye out for deer, wild turkeys, and vibrant wildflowers in bloom.

Pause at a scenic overlook for a picnic lunch with panoramic views of rolling hills and distant mesas. Continue your hike to a hidden waterfall where you can dip your toes in crystal-clear pools. Breathe deeply as the scent of pine needles and fresh earth fills the air.

Return to Gallup for a hearty dinner of southwestern comfort food, like green chile stew. Warm up by a firepit at your cabins or lodge, swapping trail stories with fellow travelers. Slumber to the gentle whistle of pine trees in the mountain breeze.

Embark on a morning drive east to Petrified Forest National Park, where ancient fallen trees turned to stone await discovery. Explore the Painted Desert Vista to see colorful badlands under wide, blue skies. Hike the Blue Mesa trail, marveling at waves of lavender, teal, and cream rock layers.

Enjoy lunch at the park’s visitor center, reviewing maps and petroglyph panels. Walk the Giant Logs trail to get up close to massive petrified logs, some over 200 million years old. Snap photos of fossils and ancient ripple marks preserved in stone.

Head back to Gallup, arriving in time for an early supper at a local brewpub. Try regional craft beers infused with juniper or prickly pear. Relax on a patio overlooking the city lights as night envelops the high desert.

Drive southeast to Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument to view one of the largest collections of rock art in the region. Stroll the short boardwalk trail, deciphering the thousands of petroglyphs etched into the sandstone panel. Reflect on the stories and symbols left by Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont peoples.

Continue to the nearby Indian Creek Recreation Area for a riverside picnic lunch. Explore old trails that wind through cottonwood groves and sandstone outcrops. Search for hidden alcoves and small glyphs off the beaten path.

Return to Gallup for dinner at a cozy local café offering Southwestern vegetarian dishes. Enjoy green chile mac and cheese or stuffed poblano peppers with a cold craft soda. End the evening with a moonlit stroll around the plaza, soaking in the desert serenity.

Set out before sunrise for a drive north to Bluewater Lake State Park, a scenic reservoir framed by cliffs. Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle across calm waters as the morning mist lifts. Watch for waterfowl and osprey diving for fish along the shoreline.

Break for lunch on the grassy shore, grilling sandwiches or enjoying picnic fare. Hike a nearby loop trail that circles the lake, offering varied lake views and hidden beaches. Take a refreshing swim or fish for bass and catfish from the docks.

Return to Gallup and refuel with a classic southwestern burrito at a local burrito stand. Unwind at an ice cream parlor sampling chile-pepper infused flavors. Head back to your accommodations to pack for departure, listening to the desert night sounds.

Spend your last morning exploring Gallup’s famous trading posts, browsing colorful rugs, turquoise jewelry, and handcrafted pottery. Chat with Native American vendors about the meaning behind intricate beadwork and silver designs. Pick up unique souvenirs that tell a story of the Four Corners region.

Enjoy a farewell lunch at a trading post café, sampling frybread tacos and traditional stews. Visit a nearby gallery to view contemporary Native American paintings and sculptures. Reflect on your journey while sipping on spicy New Mexican hot chocolate.

Conclude your trip with a sunset drive along the desert outskirts of Gallup, watching the sky erupt in shades of orange and pink. Dine one last time on local cuisine, savoring every spicy bite. Depart with memories of red rock canyons, ancient petroglyphs, and warm Southwestern hospitality.