Today’s road trip through northwest New Mexico takes you through stunning landscapes and rich cultural history. From the iconic Shiprock formation to the vibrant landscapes of El Morro National Monument and El Malpais National Conservation Area, this road trip will provide breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Today’s stops include:

Shiprock
Gallup
El Morro National Monument
El Malpais National Conservation Area

If you plan to take this trip, here are a few tips before you get started:

Fill up on gas and snacks before you start, Farmington is the best option. There are not a ton of options during the drive.
You’ll be driving through Navajo reservation land, please be respectful.
Cell service is sparse, be sure to have your route programmed into your phone before you start.
You’ll experience a range of temperatures throughout the day. Pack layers!

Farmington -> Ship Rock (45 min drive)

From Farmington, NM, it’s a short 45-minute drive west to Shiprock, a breathtaking 1,583-foot-tall monadnock that seems to rise straight out of the flat desert landscape like something from another world.

What’s a Monadnock?
A monadnock is an isolated rock hill, knob, ridge, or small mountain that abruptly rises from an otherwise flat or gently sloping plain. Shiprock is one of the most dramatic examples of this geological formation, and its stark silhouette against the desert sky makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in New Mexico.

Visiting Shiprock

It’s free to visit the formation, but all areas near the formation are closed to non-Natives for traditional religious purposes and the safety of the formation and lava dike.

While you can admire Shiprock for free, getting too close isn’t allowed. All areas near the formation are closed to non-Natives for traditional religious purposes and to preserve the integrity of the formation and its surrounding lava dikes.

For me, a sturdy fence and my respect for the Navajo Nation’s rules were more than enough to keep me from venturing closer—especially at 9 a.m.! I found a great spot just off the road south of the formation, where I could enjoy an uninterrupted view and capture all the photos I wanted. (Pro tip: Save this spot to your maps!)

If you’re planning your visit, I highly recommend going early. The morning light is incredible as it illuminates the jagged rocks, and the chances of running into other tourists are slim. I only saw two other people during my visit, which added to the peaceful, almost spiritual atmosphere of the place.

History 101: The Story of Shiprock
Shiprock is more than just a striking geological feature; it’s also a remarkable example of an exposed volcanic neck with radiating dikes. Few places on Earth offer such a clear view of a volcano’s internal structure.

It’s the tallest of eight massive “vents” in the area, part of a volcanic field that’s been dormant for nearly 30 million years. With over 80 volcanoes scattered across this region, Shiprock stands as a dramatic reminder of the Earth’s fiery past.

Ship Rock -> Gallup (2 hour drive)

The drive from Shiprock to Gallup along US 491 is a straight shot through the heart of the Navajo Reservation. While there aren’t many places to stop along the way, the journey itself is captivating. The desert landscape shifts subtly yet beautifully, with varying hues and geological formations that make the trip anything but dull. Growing up driving through the desert, I’ve always found it fascinating how each stretch of land tells a different story in its colors and textures.

My first stop in Gallup was the historic El Rancho Hotel, perched right on Historic Route 66. Since opening in 1936, it has hosted a parade of movie stars and served as the backdrop for countless Western films. Arriving on a quiet Sunday afternoon, I found the lobby eerily empty—likely because I’d come just after checkout time. Whether it was an off day or simply off-season, the stillness added an unexpected charm to the experience.

Stepping inside the lobby was like walking into a time machine. The decor and architecture ooze Old West elegance, transporting you to an era of cowboys, Hollywood glamor, and the wild, wealthy frontier. Few hotels truly commit to a theme the way El Rancho does—it’s part museum, part time capsule, and entirely unforgettable.

Beyond the Hotel
As for Gallup itself, it’s a town that thrives on its Route 66 heritage and its proximity to major attractions in the area. It’s not a destination brimming with activity, but it serves its purpose well as a base for exploring northwest New Mexico. My advice? Make a stop at El Rancho to soak in the nostalgia and check out its collection of historical and pop culture artifacts. If the kitchen is open, grab a bite to eat. Then, hit the road and head for your next adventure.

Gallup -> El Morro National Monument (1 hour drive)

El Morro National Monument is a must-visit destination, no matter what you’re into! Nestled within the Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation, this stunning sandstone cliff has served as a resting spot for centuries, thanks to its vital water source. Travelers throughout history—from ancestral Puebloans to Spanish explorers and early American pioneers—have left their mark here in the form of petroglyphs and inscriptions etched into the rock.

Love Frolicking in Nature?
You’re in for a treat! El Morro offers two trails that showcase the park’s beauty:

Inscription Rock Trail (0.75 miles): This easy, wheelchair-accessible trail takes you past the historic inscriptions and petroglyphs, as well as the famous pool that has sustained travelers for hundreds of years.
Headland Trail (2 miles): A more challenging loop that takes you to the top of the sandstone bluff for panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

If you’re visiting in winter, tread carefully—snow and ice can make the paths slippery. During my visit, the Headland Trail was closed due to icy stairs, so check the conditions beforehand!

Love History?
Even better! The Inscription Rock Trail immerses you in a timeline of human connection to this land. Walk past intricate prehistorical petroglyphs, the carved messages of Spanish conquistadors, and the signatures of early American settlers. It’s like reading a history book written in stone.

Love Camping?
Stay the night! El Morro’s nine-site campground is free year-round and includes two vault toilets. It’s conveniently located near the trails, making it easy to catch sunrise or sunset over the sandstone cliffs.

I recommend budgeting about 1.5 hours to fully enjoy El Morro. That’ll give you enough time to visit the Visitor Center, hike the trails, and soak in the beauty of the sandstone cliff

El Morro National Monument -> El Malpais National Monument (25-minute drive)

El Malpais National Monument is where I spent most of my day, hiking multiple trails and exploring the park’s incredible volcanic landscape. Known as the "Land of Frozen Fire," this area is like stepping into a scene from Game of Thrones—a rugged, otherworldly mix of lava flows, cinder cones, lava tube caves, and towering sandstone bluffs.

It’s free to visit, but I recommend stopping by the Visitor Center first to check for any trail closures or road updates. During my visit, the snow hadn’t quite melted, so paths were muddy, and some roads were still icy.

I tackled three hikes during my visit:

El Calderon Trail
Lava Falls Trail
La Ventana Natural Arch

Stop # 1: El Calderon Trail

El Calderon Trail is arguably one of the most popular trails in El Malpais and the perfect way to immerse yourself in its volcanic history. This 3.8-mile loop takes you through a mix of lava flows, open meadows, and ponderosa pine forests, with fascinating stops along the way.

Right at the start of the hike, you’ll pass entrances to several lava tube caves. While most of these caves are closed to protect bat populations, you can access Junction Cave, located right on the trail, without a permit. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit, but it’s worth checking out if it’s open!

The trail then winds through a peaceful ponderosa pine forest, eventually leading to the summit of El Calderon cinder cone. This small volcano, which last erupted 30,000 to 60,000 years ago, played a key role in shaping the landscape, including the formation of the lava tube caves you encountered earlier in the hike. The view from the top offers a unique perspective of the surrounding volcanic terrain, making the climb well worth the effort.

Around the Calderon, a well-marked path circles the cinder cone offering the chance to see it from every angle. There’s also a section of the path that leads down into the center of the cone, but during my visit, it was covered in snow, so I wasn’t able to explore it. If conditions allow, it’s worth checking out for a closer look at this fascinating volcanic feature.

I recommend spending an hour and a half here, making time to take photos, marvel at the rugged landscape, and soak in the novelty of this volcanic terrain. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen, so I wanted to fully appreciate every moment.

Stop # 2: Lava Falls

This short 1-mile loop takes you through rugged terrain, guided by a semi-marked path of rock piles (also known as cairns) and unique volcanic formations. The trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the fiery volcanic activity that shaped this landscape thousands of years ago.

Admittedly, I’m not the best at spotting rock piles. I tend to miss them either because I’m focused on navigating the uneven path underfoot or because they blend so well with the terrain that I just don’t notice. But even with my occasional confusion, the experience was worth it.

The area is considered “historically young,” with lava dating back about 3,900 years. It’s one of the most recent volcanic features in El Malpais, making it a must-visit for geology enthusiasts or anyone curious about the park’s fiery past.

I recommend setting aside about an hour here. That’s plenty of time to explore, take in the dramatic views, and snap some incredible photos!

Stop # 3: La Ventana Natural Arch

The iconic La Ventana Natural Arch is nestled in a small canyon and offers stunning views that are accessible to everyone. You can admire this breathtaking formation right from the parking area or take a quick 1/4-mile paved trail to stand at its base and experience its grandeur up close. Over centuries, wind and water sculpted this arch by eroding the softer sandstone, leaving behind one of New Mexico’s largest and most beautiful natural arches.

As my final stop after a long day of exploring, I only stayed for about 30 minutes, but it was the perfect way to end the day. I caught the arch glowing under the warm hues of sunset, making it all the more magical. Since it was late in the day, the trail was quiet, and I had the place almost entirely to myself—a rare treat!

This journey through northwest New Mexico was nothing short of extraordinary, blending breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique geological wonders. From the towering Shiprock monadnock to the captivating sandstone cliffs of El Morro and the volcanic marvels of El Malpais, each stop offered something unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn to history, natural beauty, or simply the open road, this adventure is sure to leave you inspired and ready to explore even more.

A Day Trip Through Northwest New Mexico