Gallup, New Mexico: 10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips From Gallup, New Mexico: Iconic Things To Do Nearby

If you’re based in Gallup, New Mexico and itching to hit the open road, you’re in luck. Within just a few hours, you can explore red rock canyons, world‑class ruins, quirky small towns, and some of the best views in the Southwest. This guide focuses on short, out‑of‑county road trips from Gallup into nearby counties:
  • Apache County, Arizona
  • Cibola County, New Mexico
  • Sandoval County, New Mexico
  • San Juan County, New Mexico
All of these make great day trips from Gallup or easy weekend getaways. Gas up, grab some snacks, and let’s go.

1. Window Rock, Arizona – Navajo Nation’s Symbolic Heart

County: Apache County, AZ Approx. drive from Gallup: about 30–40 minutes (roughly 30 miles) Just across the state line, Window Rock makes for one of the easiest and most meaningful road trips from Gallup. The town is named after a huge natural sandstone arch that looks like a window in the rock. At the base of it, you’ll find the moving Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial, with statues, plaques, and a quiet, respectful atmosphere. You can:
  • Walk up close to the rock formation and enjoy the view through the “window.”
  • Spend time at the veterans memorial and read the stories and names.
  • Browse nearby shops for Navajo art, jewelry, and rugs.
On my first visit, I remember how calm it felt in the early morning. The arch glowed a soft orange and there was a light breeze. It’s not flashy, but it sticks with you. If you’re looking for a short, meaningful New Mexico to Arizona road trip, this is a perfect start.

2. Petrified Forest National Park & Painted Desert

County: Apache & Navajo Counties, AZ (entry from the east near Apache County) Approx. drive from Gallup: about 1.5–2 hours (around 100 miles) Head west on I‑40 and you’ll reach a landscape that looks like another planet: Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert. Here you’ll see:
  • Fallen “logs” that are actually colorful petrified wood, millions of years old.
  • Layered badlands in shades of pink, purple, and gray.
  • Short hikes with big payoff views, like the Blue Mesa Trail.
The main park road is an easy drive with plenty of pullouts. You can make this a quick loop of a few hours or spend the whole day stopping at overlooks and walking the short trails. Tip: Bring water and sunscreen. Even on cooler days, the sun can be strong and there’s not much shade.

3. El Malpais National Monument – Lava Flows & Sandstone Cliffs

County: Cibola County, NM Approx. drive from Gallup: about 1.5 hours (roughly 90 miles) Drive east toward Grants and you’ll run into one of New Mexico’s most unusual landscapes: El Malpais National Monument, which means “the badlands” in Spanish. But it’s “bad” in the best way:
  • Black lava flows that stretch for miles.
  • Sandstone bluffs with huge panoramic views.
  • Short hikes to lava tubes and unique rock formations.
If you want an easy walk with big views, try:
  • Sandstone Bluffs Overlook: a short stroll from the parking area with sweeping views of the lava fields below.
  • La Ventana Arch: an impressive natural sandstone arch just off Highway 117.
Think of El Malpais as a giant outdoor geology lesson, but way more fun than anything from middle school.

4. El Morro National Monument – Inscription Rock

County: Cibola County, NM Approx. drive from Gallup: about 1.5 hours (around 70 miles) If you like history, hiking, and cool rock formations, El Morro National Monument is a must. For centuries, this big sandstone bluff was a stopping place because it has a reliable water pool at its base. Travelers carved their names and messages into the rock, including:
  • Spanish explorers from the 1600s.
  • U.S. Army soldiers.
  • Early American travelers heading west.
You can:
  • Walk the short Inscription Rock trail to see hundreds of carvings up close.
  • Hike the trail to the top of the bluff to visit ancient pueblo ruins and get an amazing view of the surrounding valley.
It’s like a guestbook carved in stone. How often do you get to read 400‑year‑old “graffiti” on a casual afternoon trip?

5. Grants, New Mexico – Uranium History & Mount Taylor Views

County: Cibola County, NM Approx. drive from Gallup: about 1.5 hours (90–100 miles) Grants is an underrated small town that makes a relaxed day trip from Gallup. Highlights include:
  • New Mexico Mining Museum: go “underground” in a recreated uranium mine and learn how mining shaped the region.
  • Route 66 nostalgia: murals, old signs, and classic roadside spots along the Mother Road.
  • Mount Taylor views: on a clear day, look north and you’ll see the tall silhouette of Mount Taylor watching over the town.
If you have extra time, you can combine Grants with El Malpais or El Morro for a full day of lava fields, history, and Route 66 flavor.

6. Farmington, New Mexico – Rivers, Museums & Family Fun

County: San Juan County, NM Approx. drive from Gallup: about 2 hours (around 110 miles) Head north from Gallup and you’ll reach Farmington, a bigger town with a lot of variety. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for more services, restaurants, and family‑friendly activities. Things to do in Farmington:
  • Riverside walks: enjoy trails along the Animas River for a calm stroll.
  • Museums & culture: check out local museums or cultural centers for regional history.
  • Shopping & dining: stock up on supplies or treat yourself to a sit‑down meal.
Farmington also works well as a base if you want to explore nearby ruins like Aztec Ruins National Monument or Bisti/De‑Na‑Zin Wilderness (see below).

7. Aztec Ruins National Monument

County: San Juan County, NM Approx. drive from Gallup: about 2.5 hours (roughly 140 miles) Don’t let the name fool you—Aztec Ruins National Monument wasn’t built by the Aztecs. Instead, it’s an incredibly well‑preserved ancestral Puebloan site. Here’s what makes it special:
  • Massive, multi‑room structures you can walk through.
  • A reconstructed Great Kiva where you can step inside and feel the cool air and quiet space.
  • Easy walking paths and well‑marked signs that explain what you’re seeing.
If you’ve ever wanted to wander through a thousand‑year‑old “apartment complex,” this is your place. It’s a powerful way to connect with the deep history of the Southwest.

8. Bisti/De‑Na‑Zin Wilderness – A Surreal Badlands Adventure

County: San Juan County, NM Approx. drive from Gallup: about 2.5–3 hours (roughly 130–150 miles, depending on route) If you like the idea of stepping into a sci‑fi movie set, put Bisti/De‑Na‑Zin Wilderness on your list. This area is famous for:
  • Strange rock formations called hoodoos.
  • Balanced rocks that look like giant stone mushrooms.
  • Soft, eroded hills in shades of gray, tan, and red.
There are no paved trails and very few signs, so this trip is best for people comfortable with basic navigation. Take:
  • Plenty of water.
  • Good shoes.
  • Offline maps, if you can download them before you go.
Think of Bisti as an outdoor treasure hunt. You wander, explore, and discover new rock shapes around every corner.

9. Jemez Springs & Jemez Mountains Scenic Drive

County: Sandoval County, NM Approx. drive from Gallup: 3–3.5 hours (around 180 miles) Want a road trip with hot springs, red cliffs, and mountain views? Head east and then north into the Jemez Mountains and the village of Jemez Springs. Along the way you’ll find:
  • Red rock canyons that glow in the late afternoon sun.
  • Small hot springs (some developed, some more rustic).
  • Trails through pine forests and along streams.
Jemez Springs itself has:
  • Soaking spots where you can relax in warm mineral water.
  • Cafés and small local restaurants.
  • A laid‑back, artsy feel perfect for a slow weekend.
If you’re used to Gallup’s high desert, the Jemez area feels like a different world—cooler, greener, and full of tall trees.

10. Valles Caldera National Preserve – A Giant Volcano Crater

County: Sandoval County, NM Approx. drive from Gallup: about 3.5–4 hours (around 200 miles) Continue past Jemez Springs and you’ll reach Valles Caldera National Preserve, one of the most dramatic geological sites in New Mexico. You’re basically driving into a huge volcanic crater—a caldera—surrounded by forested ridges. You can:
  • Take a scenic drive across open grasslands where elk often graze.
  • Hike easy to moderate trails through meadows and forest.
  • Enjoy cooler temperatures in summer and wide‑open snowy views in winter (check road conditions first).
Standing in the middle of that broad valley, ringed by mountains, feels a bit like standing in a giant bowl. It’s calm, quiet, and surprisingly peaceful.

Tips for Road Trips From Gallup

To make the most of these road trips near Gallup, New Mexico, keep a few basics in mind:
  • Check road and weather conditions: some areas can be muddy or snowy, especially in winter or after heavy rain.
  • Fuel up in town: gas stations can be far apart once you leave the main highways.
  • Carry water and snacks: it’s the high desert—staying hydrated is important.
  • Respect Native lands: many of these areas are near or within tribal nations. Follow local rules, ask permission where needed, and be respectful when taking photos.

Ready to Plan Your Next Getaway From Gallup?

Living in or visiting Gallup means you’re surrounded by incredible places in every direction. Whether you want a quick 30‑minute drive to Window Rock or a full‑day loop through El Morro, El Malpais, and Grants, there’s always a new corner of the Southwest to explore. Have you taken any of these road trips from Gallup? Which one would you put at the top of your list? Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are planning a New Mexico or Arizona road trip. Your shares and comments help others discover new adventures just outside Gallup’s city limits.
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