Published September 7, 2021 10:39PM
4 Kicks on Route 66 in Grants, N.M.
Bring your camera for Instagrammable stops.
Couple hiking in El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico (Photo: Courtesy Grants New Mexico)
You’ll discover vintage Route 66-themed stops and an uncrowded national monument at Grants, N.M., a classic southwestern town.
Route 66 Arch
Completed in 2016, the drive-under neon arch in Grants, N.M., is shaped like the iconic Route 66 emblem. Park under it to get a great photo of you with the neon arch. It’s off of I-40’s exits 81 and 85 on Route 66.
El Malpais National Monument
This uncrowded national monument’s visitor center is in Grants, N.M., making it easy to learn about the area’s volcanic past. Hike around a cinder cone volcano on an easy-to-moderate 3.8-mile loop in the El Calderon Area.
Cibola County History Museum in Grants, N.M.
Located in Grants, N.M., the Cibola County History Museum opened in 2021 and showcases the area history.
Nearby is Western New Mexico Aviation Heritage Museum. A little-known fact about the airport is actress Liz Taylor’s third husband failed to see the airport’s beacon in 1958 and fatally crashed his plane into Mount Taylor. She had the flu and fortunately stayed at home rather than join him.
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New Mexico Mining Museum
The West is known for its boom-and-bust mining cycles. In Grants, N.M., you can learn how uranium transformed this town formerly known as the “Carrot Capital of the World.” Navajo sheepherder Paddy Martinez discovered Grants’ uranium reserves in 1950, which led to a 30-year mining boom. Explore the museum’s exhibits and replica uranium mine.
For more information:
ExploreGrants.com
