Top 10 Things to do in Gallup, New Mexico
Written and Photographed by Caly Behymer
Gallup may be small, but it carries a big dose of Southwestern culture, history and wide-open beauty. The town blends Route 66 nostalgia with living Native American culture and striking desert scenery. Whether passing through on a road trip or staying to explore, this high-desert town offers a uniquely Southwestern experience.
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10. Gallup Cultural Center – Located in the historic Santa Fe Railway Depot, the Gallup Cultural Center offers an introduction to the region’s rich Native American heritage. Exhibits highlight Navajo, Zuni and Hopi history, Code Talkers and the area’s railroad legacy. It’s a great first stop for context before exploring the rest of town.
9. Rex Museum – Housed in a 1900s-era hotel building, the Rex Museum showcases Gallup’s colorful past. Displays cover Native American history, Route 66 memorabilia, local ranching and the area’s role in the uranium boom. The building itself is part of the story.
8. Downtown Route 66 Walk – Gallup sits along historic Route 66, and remnants of the Mother Road still line the downtown district. Vintage neon signs, trading posts and classic storefronts create a nostalgic atmosphere that’s especially photogenic in the evening.
7. Explore Local Trading Posts – Gallup is often called the “Indian Jewelry Capital of the World.” Trading posts throughout town sell authentic Native American jewelry, pottery, rugs and artwork. Many stores have been family-owned for generations, offering both craftsmanship and history under one roof.
6. Red Rock Park – Just east of town, Red Rock Park features dramatic sandstone cliffs and sweeping desert views. Hiking trails range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. The park also hosts the annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, one of the longest-running Native American cultural events in the country.
5. Visit the Navajo Nation Museum (Nearby in Window Rock) – About 30 minutes north in Window Rock, this museum offers deeper insight into Navajo history, governance and culture. The nearby Window Rock formation and Navajo Nation Council Chamber add to the experience.
4. El Morro National Monument – Roughly an hour’s drive southeast, El Morro features a massive sandstone bluff where travelers have carved inscriptions for centuries. Petroglyphs from ancestral Puebloans appear alongside Spanish and American explorer signatures. Scenic trails lead to ancient ruins atop the bluff.
3.Hike Church Rock Trail – One of the most recognizable formations near Gallup, Church Rock rises dramatically from the high desert landscape. The trail offers panoramic views and an up-close look at the rugged terrain that defines western New Mexico.
2. Attend the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial – Held annually in August, this multi-day event celebrates Native American culture with powwows, parades, rodeos, art markets and traditional dance competitions. It draws tribes from across the United States and remains one of Gallup’s signature events.
1. Drive the Scenic Red Rock Landscape – The surrounding red sandstone formations are Gallup’s greatest treasure. A scenic drive along Highway 491 or Interstate 40 at sunrise or sunset reveals towering cliffs glowing in deep reds and oranges. The landscape alone makes Gallup worth the stop.
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