Get your kicks

Situated at the edge of the Navajo Nation, Gallup is a real, authentic Western town. Established in 1881 when the railroad extended west (Gallup is named for David Gallup, a railroad paymaster), the area became famous as a site of many Hollywood movies, especially early westerns such as Billy the Kid (1930) and Escape from Fort Bravo (1953). The famed Hotel El Rancho hosted many Hollywood stars and its hotel lobby with the grand staircase and floor-to-ceiling fireplace will transport you back to another era. There are more than 110 trading posts, shops, and art galleries in Gallup, which produces 70 percent of the Native American art in the area. You’ll find turquoise jewelry, dream catchers, American Indian blankets, baskets, and more; feel free to haggle and negotiate prices. You’ll notice the area uses “Native American” and “Indian” interchangeably. One-third of the population is Native American with members of the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes living here. There’s a natural beauty too as the area is surrounded by red rock country and there are miles of hiking and biking trails. Gallup also celebrates with many events throughout the year including nightly American Indian dances in town from Memorial Day through Labor Day; rodeos in June and July; the Route 66 Freedom Ride, Flight, and Cruise event the last weekend of July; and the Red Rock Balloon Rally the first weekend in December. Don’t miss the Navajo Code Talkers Museum and enjoy the murals painted throughout the downtown.

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