Gallup
Around Gallup
Photo: Kent G. Budge · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · New Mexico · 68k people
Gallup
“Indian Capital of the World”, “Gateway to the Navajo Nation”, “Route 66 Town”
Where the desert holds its stories
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Welcome to Gallup—where the high desert meets Route 66. Whether you're here for the history, the art, or the wide-open spaces, you'll find a friendly community and plenty to explore.
Clubs for Gallup
No clubs for Gallup yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Gallup. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Gallup. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- El Morro National Monument Sandstone bluff with ancient petroglyphs and pioneer inscriptions.
- Acoma Sky City Mesa-top village with centuries-old adobe structures.
- Zuni Pueblo Historic pueblo and center of Zuni arts and crafts.
- Gallup Cultural Center Housed in the old railroad depot, featuring local art and history.
- Historic Route 66 Iconic stretch through Gallup with vintage motels and neon signs.
- Red Rock State Park Red cliffs and an outdoor amphitheater.
- Outdoors Hiking at Red Rock State Park
- Outdoors Fishing at Bluewater Lake
- With kids Gallup Cultural Center
- With kids Red Rock State Park
- Evenings Downtown bars
- Evenings Live music venues
- Locals love Trading posts
- Locals love Art galleries and craft shops
Through the year
- McKinley County Fair summer County fair with livestock, rides, and local food.
- Red Rock Balloon Rally fall Hot air balloons launch against the red cliffs.
- Route 66 Car Show spring Classic cars line the historic highway.
- Bluewater Lake Fishing Derby spring Family fishing competition at the state park.
- Gallup Arts and Crafts Fair summer Local artists and crafters showcase their work.
High desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. Best time to be out is spring and fall for mild temps. Summer brings monsoon storms, winter brings snow and clear skies. Best: High desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. Best time to be out is spring and fall for mild temps. Summer brings monsoon storms, winter brings snow and clear skies.
Getaways
- Farmington Explore the Animas River and nearby parks.
- Show Low Mountain town with lakes and forest recreation.
- Albuquerque Largest city in the state with museums and dining.
- Durango Historic railroad town in the Colorado mountains.
Local flavour
Rooting for New Mexico Lobos (NCAA), Albuquerque Isotopes (MiLB)
Eat and drink
- Indian tacos Frybread topped with beans, meat, and vegetables
- Green chile stew A hearty New Mexican staple
- Navajo tacos Similar to Indian tacos, often with mutton
- Frybread A versatile bread served with honey or as a base
- Zuni bread Traditional oven-baked bread from Zuni Pueblo
Where people go
- Trading posts
- Pueblos (Zuni, Acoma)
- Historic Route 66 motels Classic roadside motels from the Route 66 era.
- Art galleries and craft shops Showcasing local pottery, jewellery, and textiles.
Heritage and traditions
Gallup is proud of its identity as the 'Indian Capital of the World,' a crossroads of Navajo, Zuni, and Hispanic cultures, and a historic Route 66 town.
This time of year in Gallup
- Piñon nut harvest Fall Gathering piñon nuts is a family tradition in the fall.
Say it like a local: “Indian tacos” — Frybread topped with beans, meat, and vegetables.
Festivals
- Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial August One of the oldest and largest Native American gatherings in the U.S., featuring dances, rodeo, and arts.
- Zuni Arts and Crafts Fair September Showcases Zuni jewelry, fetish carvings, and pottery.
- Gallup Film Festival Spring Celebrates films made in the region, especially those featuring Native American stories.
- Gallup Route 66 Summerfest June Live music and classic cars on historic Route 66.
Landmarks with a story
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission (Zuni Pueblo) A 17th-century Spanish mission still active at Zuni Pueblo.
- Gallup Historic District (Route 66) A stretch of old Route 66 with neon signs and vintage motels.
- Gallup Railroad Depot Built in 1903, a symbol of Gallup's railroad heritage.
- McKinley County Courthouse A 1930s WPA-era building with murals depicting local history.
Food traditions
- Mutton stew A hearty Navajo dish of slow-cooked mutton, corn, and potatoes, often served at family gatherings.
- Blue corn mush A traditional Navajo breakfast made from blue cornmeal, water, and ash, often eaten with honey.
- Navajo tea A herbal tea brewed from the leaves of the greenthread plant, a traditional Navajo remedy.
- Zuni oven bread Baked in outdoor hornos, a staple at Zuni feasts.
- Indian tacos Frybread topped with beans, ground beef, lettuce, and tomato, a beloved local specialty.
Music and arts
- Native American drumming and singing Traditional songs and dances performed at ceremonies and the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial.
- Zuni fetish carving Small stone carvings of animals, a sacred art form.
- Navajo rug weaving Handwoven wool rugs with distinctive patterns.
- Turquoise jewelry Silver and turquoise jewelry crafted by Navajo and Zuni artisans.
A little history
- 1881 Gallup founded as a railroad town.
- 1922 First Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial held.
- 1864 Navajo Long Walk passed through the region, as many Navajo were forced to walk to Bosque Redondo.
- Ancient Zuni Pueblo has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years.
- 1930s–1950s Gallup became a major stop on Route 66.
- Outdoors Exploring El Malpais National Monument
- Outdoors Driving the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway
- With kids Gallup Flea Market
- With kids Gallup Skate Park
People speak a Southwestern English with a mix of Spanish and Navajo words. Common phrases include 'the rez' for the Navajo Nation, 'Indian tacos' for frybread topped with beans, and 'go to Gallup' meaning to shop or run errands.
Only here
- Gallup is the 'Indian Capital of the World'.
- The Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial has been held since 1922.
- You can hear Navajo and Zuni languages spoken in stores.
- The Zuni Shalako ceremony is a sacred winter event.
New here? A few tips
- Acclimate to the altitude (6,500 feet) – drink water and take it easy the first few days.
- Expect hot summers and cold winters; dress in layers.
- Respect Native American culture: ask before taking photos of people or ceremonies.
- Try an Indian taco at a local stand.
- Visit the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in August.
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Nearby
Every areaGrantsNew MexicoWhere ancient mesas meet the high desert skyFarmingtonNew MexicoWhere the desert meets the riverApache CountyArizonaWhere the desert sky meets the spirit of the NavajoShow LowArizonaWhere the pines meet the painted desertAlbuquerqueNew MexicoBig skies, green chile, and the Sandias' glow.CortezColoradoWhere the desert sky meets ancient stoneDurangoColoradoWhere the San Juans touch the skyLos AlamosNew MexicoWhere the atomic age began and the mountains are your backyard.
Gallup, NM. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.