> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://hiking-ohio.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Stop #7D Flagstaff, AZ to Gallup, New Mexico Adventure - URL: https://hiking-ohio.com/stop-7d-flagstaff-az-to-gallup-new-mexico-adventure/ - Published: 2026-10-07T19:17:50.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-07T19:17:50.000Z - Description: The area’s history goes back to ancient times, when the Ancestral Puebloans lived there between 300 BCE and 1250 CE. Today, it remains part of the ancestral homeland of the Navajo (Diné), Zuni, and Hopi. - Author: Lori Jordan - Tags: gallup, tire issue, ancestral puebloans, navajo nation, dine', zuni, hopi, xterra, AAA, wildcat tires, interstate 40, historic route 66, visitor information, Petrified Forest National Park, El Morro National Monument, canyon de chelly national monument, chaco culture national historical park, neon, el rancho hotel, el morro theatre, indian capital of the world, red-rock, david gallup On our trip from Flagstaff, Arizona to Albuquerque, New Mexico, we ran into a problem with our Xterra. While driving on Interstate 40 on June 18, 2026, the rear driver-side tire’s lug nuts broke off, causing the tire to come loose. We managed to pull over, but the guardrail kept us from getting very far off the road. It was hot but there was a little breeze. It was too hot to be waiting outside so we stayed in the car. We were right at the crest of a curve on the highway, uncomfortably close to cars and semis speeding past. It definitely wasn’t the safest spot. Every time a semi roared by, the Xterra would shake. We were between to remote exits and we were at mile marker 324 on I40\. ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/remote.jpg) We called AAA which caused a little confusion because we were in New Mexico and our membership is Ohio. But we were told since we were not in a very safe place that we would have a tow truck within an hour. Unfortunately, due to being in a very remote area it took about five-hours to get a tow truck. Luckily the town truck was able to take the three of us to the next town. The next town turned out to be Gallup, New Mexico. It wasn't a planned stop, but it turned out to be a nice diversion. We were able to get a reservation at a Holiday Inn Express. The front desk clerk was very kind. She made sure there were no issues with our Xterra being in the parking lot overnight. She also suggested a car repair shop that her boyfriend worked at. In the meantime, of course I was a little anxious. I didn't know what kind of repair was needed and how much it cost. We had brought our title with us in case the Xterra would break down. After all it was a distinct possibility since it is a 2003 vehicle. However, we the next morning we were able to get it fixed at the car repair shop she suggested. Surprisingly it only cost about $150.00\. We were able to get back on the road. We were very grateful for Wildcat Tire and Service. ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/wildcat.jpg) 2500 E East Highway 66 Gallup, NM 87301 The side trip to Gallup turned out to be a very positive experience. While there we learned about the history and the citizens were very friendly and helpful. --- ### Route 66 I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was exactly where I wanted to be. One of my goals for this trip was to see Route 66 and the Indian territories, and I got my wish! --- ### **History of Gallup, New Mexico** Gallup, New Mexico, is a historic city in the state’s northwest, located along Historic Route 66 and Interstate 40\. Known as the “Heart of Indian Country” or the “Indian Capital of the World,” it serves as a gateway to Native American culture, with the Navajo Nation nearby and ties to the Zuni and Hopi peoples. ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/navajo-nation.webp) ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/navajo-dine.jpg) This area’s roots stretch back to ancient times, when the Ancestral Puebloans lived here between 300 BCE and 1250 CE. Today, it’s still part of the ancestral homeland of the Navajo (Diné), Zuni, and Hopi. In 1881, it became the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad headquarters and was named after railroad paymaster David L. Gallup. The city boomed during the coal mining era, earning the nickname “Carbon City” until the last mines closed in 1952\. When U.S. Route 66 opened in 1926, Gallup became a favorite stop for travelers crossing the Southwest, and many old motels, diners, and neon signs still tell the story of that time. ### ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/f7b4b3d0f757c09924379a050daf7c92.jpg) 1940's postcard Gallup, New Mexico ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/Wild-Horses-on-Route-66-Gallup-New-Mexico-005-1024x682.webp) ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/52636542856_894e32e970_b-1.jpg) ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/downtown-gallup-in-winter-960x590.jpg) ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/ebd53ec2d5f17073a90c23e30b6c3e48.jpg) ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/street-scne-decorative-lighing-gallup-new-mexico-route-night-images-signs-festive-lighting-across-architecture-63488732.webp) --- ### Visitor Information The downtown visitor center, operated by the Chamber of Commerce, is located at 106 W. Highway 66\. Visitors can pick up maps, event schedules, and information about Route 66, nearby tribal lands, and outdoor recreation. Gallup is also a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions such as Petrified Forest National Park, El Morro National Monument, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. --- ### Route 66 Gallup is one of the best-preserved and most iconic Route 66 towns in the Southwest. Historic Route 66 passes directly through downtown Gallup, where many original buildings, neon signs, trading posts, and classic motels remain. ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/Welcom-to-Gallup-New-Mexico.jpg) ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/gallup-new-mexico.jpg) ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/gettyimages-2050582255-612x612.jpg) ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/52636542856_894e32e970_b.jpg) Some highlights include: - **Historic Route 66 (Coal Avenue and Aztec Avenue):** The original alignment through downtown, lined with vintage storefronts and restored neon. - **El Rancho Hotel:** Opened in 1937, this famous hotel hosted Hollywood stars filming Westerns such as John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Humphrey Bogart, and Katharine Hepburn. - **Historic El Morro Theatre:** A beautifully restored 1928 theater that remains a centerpiece of downtown. - **Native American trading posts:** Gallup is known as the "Indian Capital of the World" and has numerous trading posts featuring Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi jewelry, rugs, and pottery. - **Vintage Route 66 neon:** Many classic motel and business signs are illuminated at night, giving Gallup an authentic 1940s–1950s Route 66 atmosphere. Gallup became an important stop along Route 66 after the highway was established in 1926\. By 1934, its section of the road was completely paved, and during the post–World War II travel boom, it flourished with motels, diners, and service stations serving travelers between Chicago and Los Angeles. Even after Interstate 40 bypassed much of the original route in the 1970s, Gallup managed to preserve much of its classic Route 66 charm. Gallup is often considered one of the top places to stop because it combines classic Americana with Native American culture and dramatic red-rock scenery. --- ### Conclusion The 2003 Xterra made it home without any further issues on the trip. If there’s ever a good place for your car to break down on a remote highway, this was definitely it! ![](https://hiking-ohio.com/content/images/2026/10/1V3A3056.JPG) 2003 Xterra back from our trip