Route 66 travels through close to 500 miles of New Mexico and boasts the greatest disctance border to border of the highway. Known as the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico is stuningly beautiful with widespread plains, vast mesas and huge mountains. There are centuries and centuries of history in tradition steeped in New Mexico's past. Leaving Texas and venturing through a few small towns leads you to Tucumcari, home to perhaps the best known motel on the Route, the Blue Swallow. Built in the 1940's, it's neon sign has become synonymous with Route 66 and most traveling the route make it a point to spend the night there. But there's much more to this town then just the Blue Swallow or the many billboards proclaiming "Tucumcari Tonight!". There are many, many vintage roadside businesses that are must sees most with classic neon signs and hand painted murals galore. Traveling west through Santa Rosa you'll want to take the Santa Fe loop and visit this very historic city. Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the US, dating back to 1610. Interestingly, this is older than most eastcoast colonial cities and capitals. Spend some time in Santa Fe enjoying their museums, cuisine and many art galleries. From Santa Fe it's 100 miles further to Albuquerque. Route 66 through the city is the 18-mile long Central Avenue. Containing plenty of vintage motels and shops you're going to want to allow lots of time to explore this historic area. Check out the KiMo theater built in 1927 and the University of New Mexico campus both on Central avenue. There's a self guided walking tour in the area of the KiMo that showcases much of the town's Pueblo architecture. Leaving Albuquerque you'll cross the Rio Grande and ascend Nine Mile Hill You are now on the Colorado Plateau and will remain at this higher elevation through most the rest of New Mexico and part of Arizona. Travel westward through Grants, across the Continental Divide and into Gallup. Here you'll want to see (and perhaps stay at) the historic El Rancho Hotel, which is truly a one-of-a-kind establishment. 20 miles west of Gallup lies the Arizona border and the town of Lupton.

Tucumcari, NM	Santa Rosa, NM
Albuquerque, NM	Gallup, NM

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