You want the real West? You got it.

This high-desert town in northwestern New Mexico isn’t called the “Gateway to Indian Country” for nothing. Route 66 travelers have long stopped here to explore Native American culture and art, with proud Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni nations just beyond city limits—and the town hosts one of the longest-running Native American events in the USA too. Gallup also played a major role in Hollywood history, with execs loving the rugged landscape for big-sky scenes in films like Billy the Kid (1930), Ace in the Hole (1951), Escape from Fort Bravo (1953), and Natural Born Killers (1994). John Wayne was practically a regular—his old room is still available.

Founded as a railroad town in 1881, Gallup was named for David Gallup, a paymaster for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad whom workers sought on payday (“gotta go find Gallup”). It soon grew into a hub for trade and coal mining and landed on Route 66 in 1926. With a population of 22,000—nearly half Native American—it’s the biggest stop on Route 66 between Albuquerque (two hours east) and Flagstaff (just under three hours west), and one of the smallest towns name-dropped in the song “Route 66.”

Native America!

Gallup has plenty of old neon signs like many Route 66 stops, but the most unforgettable highlights are cultural. Year-round, visitors can explore the  Gallup Cultural Center (201 E Hwy 66, gallupculturalcenter.org), housed in a restored Santa Fe Depot. Inside, the Navajo Code Talkers exhibit honors local men who used their language as an unbreakable WWII code. A new Route 66 film celebrates the road’s centennial. The center is open daily except Sundays. 

Route 66 originally ran along Coal Avenue, where you’ll find colorful murals and legendary trading posts. Long-standing, family-run stores—like Richardson Trading Post (est. 1913, richardsontrading.com) and Perry Null Trading Co. (turquoisetraders.com)—represent top Native American artists. Expect superb jewelry, rugs, pottery, and artwork for sale. 

More than 120 New Deal–era artworks were commissioned here during the 1930s–40s. Explore them virtually at gallupnewdealart.org. 

On summer nights (Tues–Thurs), visit the courtyard outside the McKinley County Courthouse (207 W Hill Ave), just south of Coal Avenue, to witness Native American dances starting at 6 p.m. 

Held over 10 days in early August, the annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial is one of the country’s oldest and longest-running Native American festivals. It features traditional dances, parades, pageants, art vendors, rodeos, and outdoor movies—including at Red Rock Park, just east of town. 

The Hollywood Connection

With its rugged red mesas and wide-open views, Gallup became a favorite setting for films needing that “Wild West look.” Stars like John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Errol Flynn, and Katharine Hepburn frequently passed through, often staying at the still booming Hotel El Rancho (1,000 E Hwy 66, elranchohotel.com), opened in 1937 by the brother of filmmaker D.W. Griffith. Its Western-style lobby features a grand staircase, Navajo rugs, and displays of past guests. Drop by for a drink in its bar; ask for the John Wayne Suite (room 169) if you’re going all out. 

One famous scene shot nearby appears in Superman (1978), where Lois Lane “dies” after her car is swallowed during an earthquake. The site, about 7 miles north of I-40 on Superman Canyon Rd, near Cliff Dwellers Canyon, isn’t marked—but this video shows how to find it. (Spoiler: Superman rewinds time to save her.) 

To see a modern movie, visit the historic El Morro Theatre downtown, which still boasts its 1928 Spanish colonial façade. See elmorrotheatre.com for showtimes.

Bird’s Eye Views

About 8 miles east of downtown, 640-acre Red Rock Park stuns with its sandstone buttes and unique views of Route 66. Brian Leddy, McKinley County Brand Manager, who shares local finds on McKinley County’s Instagram, says there are two scenic three-mile trails: one up Church Rock, the other to the 7,487-foot summit of Pyramid Rock. 

“From there, you can really see how rugged and challenging it was to travel across the country here in the 1920s and after,” says Leddy. 

The park also has a museum with Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi artifacts, and an arena used for rodeos and events during the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial. More at co.mckinley.nm.us. 

Zuni Detour

One of Route 66’s most rewarding side trips lies 40 minutes south in McKinley County at Zuni Pueblo—a fascinating town of art trading posts, restaurants, and local guides who can take you to otherwise restricted cultural sites. 

Begin at the Zuni Visitor Center (505-782-7238, zunitourism.com), where you can arrange tours of the pueblo or archaeological hikes to sites tied to the 16th-century Spanish myths of the “Seven Cities of Cibola.” 

One of the most important destinations is Dowa Yalanne Mesa, a brilliant red butte rising from the desert floor. The eight-mile round-trip hike to the top, past ancient petroglyphs, is strenuous but stunning. As Brian Leddy puts it, “I can’t tell you how beautiful it is.” 

The visitor center also lists places to stay, including the charming Inn at Halona, linked to the original 19th-century Dutch homestead here. 

More Information

• Gallup Tourism: visitgallup.com
• McKinley County: co.mckinley.nm.us
• Intertribal Ceremonial: gallupceremonial.com/home
• Native American Cultural Videos: Southwest Indian Foundation YouTube