Route 66 Leg 5: Albuquerque to Flagstaff

There should always be room in your itinerary for one more mining museum. At the New Mexico Mining Museum in Grants, you’ll learn all about the “carrot capital” of the U.S. Grants, which began as a logging town, suffered during the 1930s as the industry declined. The town took advantage of its volcanic soils, which were quite fertile, and turned to agriculture to revitalize the local economy. But it was the discovery of uranium near Haystack Mesa by a Navajo shepherd that really created a boom in Grants. The mining boom lasted until the late 1980s, when the town once again sunk into an economic depression. Today, Grants sees a steady stream of tourists and it’s a great place to stop for vintage motels and neon sign photo ops.

The Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano south of Grants is a privately owned and operated cave, absolutely worth its $6 to $12 entrance fee. There’s a half-mile walk to the volcano, and a 400-yard walk to the Ice Cave, which, thanks to its low temperatures, creates green ice formations that are around 20 feet thick. Be sure to wear good shoes, because the trail is lined with tiny pebbles and can be difficult to traverse without good traction. If you visit in the hot summer months, this stop can be a cool and refreshing break from the road.

The Wow Diner will make you feel as if you’ve time-traveled back to the 1950s. This is a popular spot, so prepare for a wait. Order one of the homemade milkshakes made with real ice cream or a glass of wine or beer—something you don’t always find at these retro diners.

Bowlin’s Old Crater Trading post, named after the volcanic crater nearby, was built in 1954 by Claude Bowlin, replacing an earlier post at the same location that was built in 1936. Bowlin’s closed in 1973 after I-40 bypassed the town, but it’s since been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The trading post is permanently closed—and the interior isn’t accessible—but it’s a great photo op.

Gallup is the largest city between Albuquerque and Flagstaff, Arizona, along Route 66, and it’s full of motels, dining options, and classic neon signage. Don’t miss the Muffler Man cowboy located just off the route near downtown. If you’re staying overnight, you can’t get much better than the old Hollywood El Rancho Hotel and Motel. Gallup, which lies in the middle of a Navajo Reservation, is also home to an abundance of Native American crafts, artwork, and history.

One reason Route 66 became so popular is because it crosses some of the country’s most unique landscapes. The USA RV Park, located just off the historic route, is a great place to soak up some of those old-school road trip vibes. With a nightly cookout (May through October only), a multitude of activities, and well-kept facilities, this spot is a great reminder of why road trips are so much fun.

The Allentown Bridge, located in Apache County, is a great photo op. Built in 1923, the bridge crosses the Puerco River and is on the National Register of Historic Places. While you’re in the neighborhood, the Querino Canyon Bridge on old Route 66, just a few miles away, is another stunner.

The historic Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado is the oldest operating trading post in the Navajo Nation. It is also a testament to the impact of Navajo culture, history, and traditions in the Southwest.

The Painted Desert Visitor Center is a good first stop on your tour of the park. It has an educational film, a gift shop, and plenty of petrified wood for sale.

The national park is home to the famous Painted Desert Inn, and even though you can't spend the night here anymore, you should definitely stop in to check out the exhibits (the Inn was originally constructed of petrified wood, until a makeover in the 1930s). Don’t miss the displays of artwork from the park's resident artist program.

For the best views—and to see how the Painted Desert got its name—head to Kachina Point. Bands of different colored sediment in the rolling hills make for a perfect photo op.