At this point in our trip we had planned to drive the old Santa Fe Loop, which is the section of Route 66 that was used between the years of 1926 and 1937 and it turned out to be an awesome drive. After this period, Route 66 was constructed near the current interstate.
The Old Santa Fe Loop
The route heads north and then south west and climbs to an elevation of 7,500 ft.
There aren’t as many towns along the way but the views were wonderful. As luck would have it; it was a bit drizzly, gray and cloudy in some areas which provided a scenic background for several amazing strikes of lightening.
Las Vegas, New Mexico
We drove through Las Vegas, NM (who knew?) which was a fairly good-sized town, pretty much in the middle of absolutely no where.
![The original sign from the 1980's movie Red Dawn depicting the fake town of Calumet, Colorado still resides in this town. Much of the town still looks exactly the same as when the movie was filmed. It is a must stop for those who grew up in the '80s and feared those scary Russians! A perfect spot to do your best "Swayze (R.I.P.) - Wolverines!" pose and grab a great picture for the ole' road trip scrap book. [Mike Larson, 02/11/2010]](https://www.oneroadatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/P1040955-550x412.jpg)
San Jose, New Mexico
Further on we came to San Jose, NM, which was for the most part deserted. Interestingly though, we could see that the entire village had been built to encircle the church. I shouldn’t describe it as deserted, but rather populated by few very people.
Past the little village there was an abandoned steal truss bridge that crossed a serene little river. We stopped for a bit and walked out to the bridge and tried to capture the lost era of this place that once was.
The Santa Fe Loop
Taking the Santa Fe Loop was a great choice for making our way toward Santa Fe. Someday we hope to return and drive the other section of the route that we bypassed by driving the loop. We pushed on and arrived in Santa Fe, NM right around 5:00 p.m. Our mission for staying in Santa Fe was twofold; #1 because it’s on the route and we’ve always wanted to tour the region and, #2 because we were on a scouting trip for a future vacation with friends, but that’s another story. Up next, Santa Fe!
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I love both Route 66 and New Mexico, but for some reason I never made it to the part of Route 66 in New Mexico. Looks like you got some great pics!
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted…How to visit Los Angeles without a car
Thanks for reading, Scott. To access this area of NM, you have to take the big Santa Fe loop which takes you off of the main highway so I think that’s why it’s not as well known, but it is very pretty country.
Oh wow, Patti! I wished you could have heard me reading this when I saw the sign and you re: Red Dawn. I’ve seen that movie so many times! And I said out loud, “Hey, I KNOW that sign!!” That old steel truss bridge reminds of my childhood when my Dad and I drove into the California delta to our boat. They were everywhere. Not sure about now as it’s been 20 years or so. Repeating myself….but I LOVE this series you are posting on Route 66 and I want you to drive slower so it doesn’t end!! 🙂
Mike recently posted…My Golden Retriever, Phoenix, And Playing Ball
That’s so funny, Mike. I didn’t want it to end either but it’s coming up! Thanks so much for reading and the positive feedback.
Really cool, especially the “Red Dawn” reference. Love that movie. Planning a trip to New Mexico so this is helpful.
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted…Family Fun at Indianapolis Central Canal
Want to know something? I’ve never seen the movie but I was so curious about the mural when we were there that I looked it up. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to stop in Las Vegas, NM, but it looked to be a cool town to check out. We love New Mexico, especially Santa Fe and the Taos area are our favorites.