New Mexico I-40 road trip attractions

New Mexico’s I-40 Pit-Stop Attractions

Cruising I-40 through the ‘Land of Enchantment’ is more than just a drive; it’s a treasure hunt for vintage Americana. I’m sharing my favorite pit-stops, including neon-lit motels in Tucumcari, the refreshing Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, and high-altitude views in Albuquerque. Ready to get your kicks on the modern Route 66?

Duchess DJ Love

A collage featuring various welcome signs to New Mexico, including the state flag and map, with scenic backgrounds. — New Mexico Welcomes You

Route 66 New Mexico stops

Don’t miss these New Mexico I-40 road trip attractions. After leaving Amarillo from my overnight stay, it’s a short drive to the New Mexico border. On my cross-country road trip, New Mexico was a much anticipated drive. This would be my first time driving 1-40 across the state. Interstate 40 replaced a large segment of Route 66 and the roadway was decommissioned in the 1980’s. I have wanted to drive the route and see for myself what all the hype was about. Private groups help preserve the historic highway and much of Route 66 remains drivable today. The total cross state drive will be about 6 hours to go from east to west. I’m a welcome sign junkie. So, of course, I pull off the road to snap photos. I also wheel into the Welcome Center for more photo ops.

Tucumcari neon signs is one of the New Mexico I-40 road trip attractions

New Mexico’s I-40 Pit-Stop Attractions by Duchess DJ Love, Gallivanting Like A Royal

New Mexico I-40 road trip attractions

Most of the stops that I had wanted to see are now closed. Covid left a devasting blow to the mom & pop businesses along the way. Love’s Travel Stops was my haven to refresh, bubble up with Coke Zero, and stretch my legs before journeying onward. Clines Corner was our next stop after the Welcome Center and Vaughn Rest Area, NM Route 66w Rest Stop. Another Love’s Travel Stops is in Santa Rosa where you will find the Route 66 Auto Museum.

Best New Mexico I-40 road trip attractions

There are numerous Route 66 former landmarks, stops, signs etc shown along the way. Grants, New Mexico was my favorite pit stop with scenic sights off the interstate. I found several unique places that caught my attention. El Malpais National Monument, Route 66 Neon Drive Thru, and the Fire & Ice Park. Love’s Travel Stop was about 10 minutes west in Milan. I’m not a road tripper, so after half day drive, Albuquerque is my pit stop for tonight.

Collage of various landmarks representing New Mexico, including an adobe building, welcome signs, and scenic views. New Mexico state welcome sign on I-40 road trip — Albuquerque

Sandia Peak Tramway

Entering the Sandia Mountains, we got blasted with snow for a good 30 minutes. Once reaching lower elevation, the sun burst through the clouds for a lovely sunset. While in Albuquerque, we drove to Old Town and visited, cruised the skyscrapers, and sat on the balcony watching the sunset at the Drury Inn and Suites. Happy hour and breakfast were fabulous. They even have fountain drinks. Mimi’s is next door if you want something more substantial. I had wanted to take the Sandia Peak Tramway, but the high winds caused it to close. You will find casino hotels all along the NM I40 corridor. The Continental divide is shortly after Thoreau.

A mural depicting the culture of New Mexico on a building exterior. — Gallup

Continental Divide New Mexico

Spent the night in Gallup on return staying at the Best Western Suites by the El Rancho Hotel. Visited several shops in the downtown area. Parking was easy at the Amtrack Station in Gallup. From Gallup it’s a short drive to the Arizona border if heading west. I’ll post another blog about my Arizona adventures. It will be much longer, as there’s so much to cover.

Stay tuned in for another blog on my New Mexico adventure when I head back east as I take a southern turn at Clines Corner en route to Roswell and Carlsbad NM before crossing back into Texas.

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A list of I-40 attractions including various museums, parks, and cultural sites, organized by exit numbers. Locations highlighted include Glenrio, Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, BioPark, Laguna Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, and more, with details on specific attractions and their respective exit numbers. — New Mexico I-40 Attractions

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