Route 66 New Mexico
Route 66 New Mexico
(source National Park Service)
Miles: 535 (approx.)
In New Mexico, Route 66 dips, curves, and winds across arid range land, mesas, railroad towns, tribal communities, and National Monuments. Settlements were established according to topography and availability of water and are usually separated by many miles. The area is renowned for its cultural diversity and rich mixing of tribal, Spanish, and American history.
Route 66 through New Mexico initially followed the Santa Fe Trail north from Santa Rosa to Romeroville and Santa Fe, then south along the Camino Real through Santo Domingo Pueblo and Albuquerque, to Los Lunas and Isleta Pueblo. By 1937, Route 66 was officially realigned to bypass this North-South path, adopting instead an East-West routing from Santa Rosa directly through Moriarty, Albuquerque, and Laguna Pueblo. This major re-routing reduced the cross-country journey by about 100 miles, and is known as “Hannett’s Joke”.
Preservation
In 1989 the New Mexico Route 66 Association was formed to educate, preserve, and promote the road. By 1994, Route 66 was designated a National Scenic Byway. The National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program has supported 25 cost-share grant projects in New Mexico including numerous neon sign restorations, El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, and the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari. New Mexico travel.
Tucumcari New Mexico Billboard advertising travel destination on Route 66
Albuquerque
One of the many cars shows on Route 66
Photo credit - Lowrider Magazine
Resurgence of Route 66 New Mexico and New Mexico travel
Route 66 officially ran through Albuquerque from 1926 to 1985. Today it is the longest urban stretch (18 miles) of Route 66.
The Duke City and Burque founded in 1706 by Nuevo Mexico governor Francisco Cuervo y Valedes as La Villa de Alburquequerque .
Albuquerque hosts the International Balloon Fiesta in October - the worlds largest gathering of hot air balloons on 47 acres.
Route 66 Diner - Albuquerque
Nostalgic Decor
Best Burgers and Shakes
Super Friendly Service
You’ll think you’ve stepped back into the 50’s and 60’s with our eclectic ambiance! Betty Boop, Elvis, Marilyn, vintage and neon signs, juke box, soda fountain and Pez collection are just some of what you’ll experience when you visit us. Route 66 New Mexico is alive.
Super Friendly Service
Best Burgers and Shakes
Super Friendly Service
It’s hard to imagine a more photographed location in all of Albuquerque! We invite you to have fun taking and sharing photos of you and your friends on Route 66 New Mexico.
Best Burgers and Shakes
Best Burgers and Shakes
Best Burgers and Shakes
Our guests come from coast to coast and from around the world to experience our authentic food and historic ambiance on New Mexico Route 66.
Your visit to Albuquerque’s not complete without a trip to 66 Diner. A New Mexico travel destination.
Blaze -in-Saddle RV Park
45 Full Service Sites
Horse Pens & Horse Motel
Situated along the historic Route 66 lies the quiet, peaceful desert environment of Blaze-in-Saddle RV Park. Settle into one of our clean and spacious sites featuring views of Tucumcari Mountain and enjoy new friends with brilliant sunsets and cool nights.
Horse Pens & Horse Motel
Horse Pens & Horse Motel
Candy and Kevin Lieberenz became the new owners of the Blaze-in-Saddle RV Park in May 2022. They originally came from the Fort Myers/Naples, Florida area. Together they have three grown children, four grandchildren and two golden retrievers.
Enjoy Tucumcari "66"
Enjoy Tucumcari "66"
2500 E. Rte. 66 Blvd.
Tucumcari, NM 88401-4328
Telephone: (575) 815-4085
E-mail: blazeinsaddlervpark@hughes.net
Exit #335 off I-40
Route 66 New Mexico
Santa Rosa and Classic Cars
New Mexico Tourism Department:
" Santa Rosa’s stretch of Route 66 is forever memorialized in American film history in Steinbeck’s epic novel, Grapes of Wrath with a memorable train scene, as a freight train steams over the Pecos River railroad bridge in the center of town. The grand dream of making the entire U.S. accessible was realized in 1926 with the creation of Route 66. Tourists flocked onto America's “New Main Street.” Besides offering a delightful watering hole to weary travelers, Santa Rosa provided additional comforts in an era of tough traveling. Fortunately, it is not too difficult to relive the golden era of Route 66 New Mexico. You can still get a taste of the old days at some of the classic cafes that refused to be forgotten. Visitors from all over the world still wind their way along the historic road."
Route 66 Auto Museum
Route 66 Auto Museum
Classic Cars
Classic Cars
Classic Cars
Route 66 Auto Museum on Route 66 New Mexico is a must-see on your travels through the Mother Road! It has over 30 privately owned cars on display, including classics, vintage, chrome, street rods, and more! Route 66 Car Museum. New Mexico travel adventure.
Custom Cars
Classic Cars
Classic Cars
Owner James "Bozo" Cordova has been rebuilding, modifying and restoring vehicles for over 40 years. With his wife Anna Cordova and their children they have built a business that is loved and respected around the world on Route 66 New Mexico.
Street Rods
Classic Cars
Street Rods
Reservations are not required, but are helpful for large groups. With this service, we ensure all details are simple, seamless and handled in a timely manner. Whenever you work with ROUTE 66 AUTO MUSEUM, you can trust that you’re in great hands. A classic New Mexico travel destination.