Shiprock Peak

Hi I am taking a roadtrip to New Mexico in April and am driving to Gallup (spending night) and then driving to Aztec Ruins NM.

I was wondering if it is possible to quickly see shiprock on the way to Aztec. I looked at the map but I just seet the town of shiprock and didn%26#39;t know if it is close to the town without having to go way off the beaten path or out of the way.

I heard it is on private property, so I don%26#39;t mind if even if I could stop on the side of the road and take a distant photo or something.

Thanks!

Shiprock Peak

Driving from Gallup to Shiprock you will definitely see Shiprock from the road as it is a large volcanic formation! This is a sacred mountain to the Dine (Navajo), so you will not be able to walk to it. Take photos and enjoy!

Shiprock Peak

Shiprock Peak can be seen from both US666 south of Shiprock (it would be to the west of the highway), or US64, west of the town of Shiprock (looking south). I%26#39;ve seen both views, but for the life of me, I can%26#39;t recall which highway has the best view.Maybe someone is Farmington, or nearby in NW New Meixco, can offer more current information for you. From either view, it is a few miles away, so you won%26#39;t see it as you do in the ';tourist'; pictures. Bring a long-telephoto lens if you have one.

It is indeed a sacred mountain, so access is limited, plus, I%26#39;m pretty sure you%26#39;d need a 4WD to really get close anyway.

Unless you have some need to see Gallup, you might also consider US550 from Albuquerque/Bernalillo, to Aztec, and then over to Shiprock. You%26#39;d pass by the northern entrance into Chaco Canyon%26#39;s great ruins on the way, and ';if'; the roads are dry, it%26#39;s certainly worth seeing. Mesa Verde too!

Have a great trip!

US Hwy 666 is now named US Hwy 491! Best place to view Shiprock depends on time of day and sun location. If early in the day, then Hwy 491 good. Late in day, Hwy 64. There are Indian Roads that go toward the peak, not sure if they are open for public use.

Gallup is an interesting town. South of there is Zuni Pueblo and El Morro Nat Mon.

Forgot to say that I lived in Farmington for a few years, and we drove to Gallup at least twice a month for business. I enjoy that route, but watch for ';local'; drivers that tend to drive slow, as well as herds of sheep along the road.

Enjoy!

Thanks guys so much for the help! I will be looking for it and also those ';local'; driver! :)

Gallup is just a stop off place as it is conveniently located rigth on the I-40 and is near El Morro.