If you’re looking for a destination along Historical Route 66 to eat, rest, and play, look no further! There are plenty of fun and unique things to do in Gallup, New Mexico that could easily keep you occupied for several days.
The historical city of Gallup sits right on the edge of US-41 and Route 66, making it easily accessible for a quick weekend getaway from neighboring cities. Albuquerque, New Mexico is only a two hour drive away whereas Phoenix, Arizona is about 5 hours.
No matter where you are embarking from, you won’t regret a visit. I’m going to share with you the 8 best things to do in Gallup, New Mexico including where to eat and sleep! Let’s dive in.
This post is written in collaboration with Visit Gallup and New Mexico True. They helped me visit the historical city of Gallup and experience many of the things I was able to experience, but all opinions and perspectives are my own. You can visit my disclosure for more info.
The History Of Gallup
To truly appreciate all that Gallup offers, I’d love to share a few historical facts about the city first.
- The first known habitants of the region can be traced back thousands of years ago to the Ancestral Puebloans, a prehistoric Native American civilization that occupied the four-corners area of New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.
- Between natural migrations and extensive trade routes, several tribes found their way to present day Gallup and built pueblos to live and farm the land.
- This is why Gallup is known as the ‘Indian Capital Of The World’, because many of the decedents from the Hopi, Dine (Navajo), and Ashiwi (Zuni) tribes still live in the area and make up a large portion of present day population.
- Later, the city was settled in 1881 as a stagecoach stop and became a construction headquarters for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroads.
- David L. Gallup was the paymaster at the time and is whom the small city eventually was named after.
- Workers said they were “going to Gallup” to pick up their paychecks and the name stuck when the town was officially incorporated in 1891.
- Coal mining was also prevalent around Gallup, which naturally brought more jobs and investors to the area.
- Eventually the Historical Route 66 was built, passing right through the small town. Shops, restaurants, and hotels were quickly built and make up a lot of what you see in Gallup today.
8 Things To Do In Gallup, NM
There are a multitude of things to do in Gallup, New Mexico but the list below are the things I’ve done myself and highly suggest!
Between the outdoor recreation opportunities, historical and cultural experiences, as well as local events, you’ll have plenty to keep the entire family occupied.
1. Visit Red Rock Park
For outdoor recreation look no further than Red Rock Park right in Gallup. This stunning park holds two great hiking trails, two campgrounds, a convention center, museum, and rodeo arena. The park often holds events as well, so be sure to look at their calendar prior to your visit!
Red Rock Park features sandstone cliffs which were formed nearly 280 million years ago during the Age of Dinosaurs. Two of the prominent rock formations seen within the park are Church Rock and Pyramid Rock, which can be appreciated from the hiking trails.
A. Church Rock Trail
Difficulty | Easy
Type | Out & back with small loop
Distance | 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain | 262 feet
B. Pyramid Rock
Difficulty | Moderate
Type | Out & back
Distance | 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain | 750 feet
The trail system throughout Red Rock Park is quite complex. There are many smaller intersecting trails that can make it easy to get turned around. I highly suggest downloading a map prior to the start of your hike.
2. Attend The Annual Gallup Lions Club Rodeo
Speaking of events held within the Red Rock Arena, mark your calendar for the annual Gallup Lions Club Rodeo which is typically held in June!
I’ve been to several rodeos across the country throughout my travels and this is one of the most beautiful I’ve been to. Believe me when I say Gallup takes the cake when it comes to a beautiful and fun arena setting.
The events and contestants were also wonderful! They had youth, women, and men events all the way from bull riding to barrel racing.
Overall, the rodeo scene here is relaxed and very professional. You can tell that some of these contestants have been practicing and competing for many years and it is a large part of their culture.
3. Visit Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
If you’re a dog lover then you’ll never forget your visit at Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Candy Kitchen, New Mexico, 50 minutes outside of Gallup.
This sanctuary is such a special place and the work they do changes the lives of many wolves, wolfdogs, and other wild canid species who need a forever home. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing displaced and unwanted wolves and wolfdogs. As of today they have 76 with them!
When you visit the sanctuary you have the opportunity to take a standard tour or specialty tour. The standard tour allows you to walk through their grounds and see the wolves in their habitats. But the specialty tour allows you to get more up close and personal with some of the wolves themselves.
If you are interested in interacting with the wolves I highly suggest calling them ahead of time to verify tour dates, times, hours, and how they’ll operate. The sanctuary is always adjusting and growing to the needs of the canines themselves and interests of visitors.
You can watch my personal experience below!
4. Self-Guided Downtown Mural Walking Tour
Gallup is known for it’s artistic downtown including the many murals painted on buildings throughout. If art and murals are your thing, you’ll love walking around downtown to witness them up close and personal!
To start your self-guided walking tour you can visit the Gallup’s Downtown Mural Walking Tour website and/or download their app. This will help you locate each of the murals so you can prioritize your favorites or come up with a plan in order to not miss out on any.
Currently there are 24 stops on the self-guided tour!
5. Stay At The El Rancho Hotel
Near the heart of Gallup sits the historical El Rancho Hotel, a famous Route 66 icon. This hotel was built by R.E. Griffith with the purpose to allow guests an authentic experience in the Old West themselves but with modern comforts.
Since Gallup, New Mexico is placed right in the middle of the western landscapes popularly sought after by the Hollywood film industry, it was the perfect combination.
The hotel first opened its doors in 1937 and hosted many Hollywood celebrities throughout the Wild West film days. Such famous guests included Robert Mitchum, Elia Kazan, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Melvyn Douglas, William Holden, and many more.
Prepare to be amazed for it seems like they spared no expense with El Rancho hotel! The interior itself reflects the western landscapes while paying tribute to the local history and many stars who once visited.
The hotel even includes an on-site restaurant- The Silver Screen. Don’t forget to stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner during your stay.
6. Shop At The Gallup Flea Market
The Gallup Flea Market is one of the largest Native American markets in the U.S. with more than 500 vendors attending! It is held every Saturday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on 9th Street.
Gallup is known as the epicenter of Native American culture, history, art, and tradition, which makes it the perfect place to shop for authentic handmade jewelry and other arts and crafts.
Don’t forget to save your appetite either, because among the vendors are some delicious and authentic homemade meals, lemonades, and teas!
7. Take A Tour At Zuni Pueblo
One of my favorite things to do in Gallup, New Mexico is to visit Zuni Pueblo. While most of us are used to the word ‘pueblo’ describing a single structure built by Indigenous Americans, the word can also be expanded to encompass a large area of land where they reside, commonly referred to as ‘reservation’.
Here, Zuni Pueblo encompasses all of their land. From great kivas to crops, and pictographs to their village, it covers it all. I also learned that they do not prefer their given name by the Spanish (the name Zuni), and actually prefer to be called Ashiwi, so that is what I will call them from here on out.
So, why visit Zuni Pueblo? Well, the Ashiwi people are extremely welcoming and want to share their history and culture to help educate others who are interested in learning. I took the ‘Great Kivas’ tour with one of their cultural interpreters and I learned so many facts and history that you won’t learn anywhere else.
If you’re interested in a very unique experience like this, be sure to make time to stop by the visitor center or book a personalized tour with Ashiwi Adventures!
I suggest calling them ahead of time to make arrangements and even ask if they’re still willing to make traditional Ashiwi (Zuni) meals for tour gests afterwards! You won’t regret it, I promise.
8. Eat At The Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant
While you’re in Gallup you must try the Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant for authentic Mediterranean dishes.
Everything was delicious from the pita and hummus to the lamb plate to every single desert. And yes, I did try every desert since they were so reasonably priced!
Mediterranean food is one of my favorites and I would rate this restaurant in Gallup as one of the best I’ve had yet. For pictures and reviews check them out on Trip Advisor.
Recap: Best Things To Do In Gallup
There are so many things to do in Gallup, New Mexico that will immerse you in their local history and culture. I had such a blast during my visit and am definitely planning a trip back to experience even more!
Every local that I spoke with was very kind and willing to discuss and help educate me on what they prefer to be called based on their beliefs and history. For instance, while at the Flea Market, I purchased a necklace from a woman and asked her what tribe she was part of because I thought it was Navajo. She kindly explained to me why they prefer not to be called that, and instead why they prefer to be called Dine.
Interactions such as the one at the Flea Market or even at Zuni Pueblo are a huge part of why I love traveling and learning new things.
I hope this post has helped you plan your trip to Gallup! If a trip is in your future, or you’ve been before, share in the comments below!
You may also like:
- BEST things to do when visiting Winslow, Arizona
- 9 Short And Easy Hikes In Flagstaff, AZ
- The Most Epic Utah Road Trip Itinerary for 7-10 Days
- 5 Of The Best Sedona Caves + How To Find Them (2024)