Land of Enchantment

A comedic sign along Route 66 in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment ©Jim Hinckley’s America

Land of enchantment. That is the official moniker for the state of New Mexico. But I am not sure that mere words can aptly describe the wonders in this state, especially those found along Route 66.

On the March 31 episode of Coffee With Jim, the podcast from Jim HInckley’s America, that was one of the topics discussed with Vickie Ashcraft. Vickie is the owner of the historic Enchanted Trails Trading Post and RV Park in Albuquerque. And she is also the president of the Route 66 Association of New Mexico.

For obvious reasons our road trip inspiring conversation about the land of enchantment was Route 66 centered. But that was just fine. After all, a drive along this storied highway from Glenrio on the Texas state line to Lupton, Arizona is an epic odyssey that highlights the best of what New Mexico has to offer.

Adding a short detour or two to your journey along Route 66 in New Mexico will magnify the magic. Case in point, historic Las Vegas (the original Las Vegas) is less than ten miles off the pre 1937 alignment of Route 66. This scenic alignment looped from Santa Rosa through Santa Fe.

There are even unique urban adventures. The Old Town district in Albuquerque is just one example. The Sandia Peak Tramway in that city is another.

The Difference Between Old and Ancient

Folks who drive Route 66 expect to discover places such as Earl’s, a restaurant in Gallup that opened its doors by in 1948. But along Route 66 in New Mexico there are places that make this seem modern.

In San Jose along the pre 1937 alignment of Route 66, the highway corridor through town was the Santa Fe Trail more than 125 years ago. The weathered old chapel is older than the historic trail. It has cast a shadow on that famous trade route as well as the National Old Traiils Road and Route 66.

The amazing Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico

A few short miles south of Route 66 near Grants is the village of Acoma. Mounted high on a mesa it is known as Sky City. There is ample evidence that the village has been occupied continuously since at least 1250 AD!

Scenic Wonders

And then there are the awe inspiring scenic wonders. The Bandera Ice Cave and Volcano are a few miles south of Route 66 near Grants. El Malpais National Monument is between Grants and the ice cave.

And try taking a bad photo from anywhere along Route 66 between Gallup and the Arizona state line. The term awe inspiring or jaw dropping just isn’t adequate to describe the towering cliffs, the mountains, and the picturesque valleys.

Previously I mentioned a side trip or two. Just one amazing and highly recommended example. Highway 104 from Tucumcari to Las Vegas, a drive of just over 100 miles. This is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful drives in the state.