The stretch of Interstate 40 between Amarillo, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, is fairly desolate. Aside from roadside truck stops and the occasional fast food chain, there’s not much to see or do along this 280-mile open road, but just a few miles off I-40 is an opportunity to cruise through one of Route 66’s most iconic towns: Tucumcari, New Mexico.
To’hajiilee Reservation is the perfect starting and ending point for a Breaking Bad side trip, playing an important role in both the beginning and end of Walt’s journey. The first place Walt and Jesse parked the rolling meth lab, it was also prominently featured at the climax of the series. Formerly known as the Canoncito Reservation, To’hajiilee is a section of the Navajo Nation between three of New Mexico’s southwestern counties. The dry, rocky terrain has a certain desolate beauty.
Jose La Rivera, the manager of Twisters, a South Valley burrito joint, says that up to 40 fans a day pull up in cars and cabs—sometimes straight from the airport—in search of Breaking Bad’s Gus Fring. The show’s popularity has been great for La Rivera, who says that fan interest in the restaurant has increased his business and brought in new customers excited to sit in the most coveted seat in the place: Walt’s Booth. When you visit, ask La Rivera to snap your photo next to the huge Los Pollos Hermanos mural.
Nicknamed “The Crystal Palace,” the Crossroads Motel was featured in a musical montage that had everyone humming “Everyone Knows It’s Windy” at work the next day. Though the Crossroads stopped making appearances in later seasons, it’s an iconic part of Breaking Bad’s imagery well worth a visit.
Tuco's headquarters has a distinctive look in Breaking Bad. In real life, it's a local coffee shop called Java Joe's that serves up great breakfast food, baked goods, and live music.
Hydrofluoric acid, a dissolving body in the bathtub, and a heap of fleshy bits all over the hallway: Welcome to Jesse Pinkman’s (first) home. The location of Pinkman’s fictional home changed sometime during production of the second season of Breaking Bad when the original homeowners sold the property, but if you pop over to 16th street, you can see both in one easy trip. Just remember to be respectful since these are private residences.
You want to get a glimpse into the future? Head to the Imbibe cigar bar to check out the bitcoin ATM. Bitcoin is a virtual currency that can be traded digitally for goods and services. Already got a nice stash of bitcoin? You can actually spend it at Imbibe.
At the Monte Carlo Steakhouse and Liquor Store, you can order some of the best prime cuts in the state, and grab a bottle of your favorite spirit while you wait. The prime rib is only available after 5 p.m., so plan accordingly. Wondering about the wine selection? The restaurant is attached to a liquor store, so pick any wine in the store and they'll bring it to your table.
The Candy Lady has been serving up sweets to the local community for three decades, but after the producers of Breaking Bad came knocking, the shop suddenly became known for whipping up batches of the iconic blue "meth" used in the series. Fortunately for us, they've continued producing it, and have made it available to fans in their shop. Grab the readily-available "Heisenberg" disguise and the staff will snap a photo of you holding the candy. If you're over 18 (and not easily offended), head to the back of the shop to see some of the most scandalous chocolate molds you've ever seen.
The Enchanted Trails park is about as scenic as a campground can get. Flanked by three extinct volcanoes, the location offers campers incredible views of the surrounding desert vistas—especially during sunset.
The Owl Cafe is a classic diner with an eye-catching exterior (shaped like an owl), but it's the food inside that's the real star here. Home to an incredible green chile cheeseburger (a Southwest staple), the Owl Cafe offers more than 20 flavors of milkshakes, breakfast all day, and a legendary coconut cream pie. Be sure to bring extra quarters so you can spin your favorite 1950s tunes from a mini jukebox at your table.
Hidden in the Boca Negra Canyon, these three short hikes can be done in about an hour and put you face-to-face with more than 100 ancient petroglyphs. In fact, Petroglyph National Monument is one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring symbols carved 400 to 700 years ago. Bring your hiking boots. The climb can get tough and rocky, but it's totally worth the effort.
Experience Albuquerque’s Native American roots firsthand at Petroglyph National Monument, a 17-mile monument filled with an estimated 25,000 petroglyphs that can be seen from three different hiking trails. The symbols give a fascinating look into another time and culture. The West Mesa volcanic escarpment is a fantastic place for hiking and discovering additional ancient rock drawings. Hit up the visitor center before embarking on your mini-adventure, and have someone direct you to the best spots.
For an authentic Route 66 meal, make a pit stop at the 66 Diner in Albuquerque, where you can load up on burgers, fries, strawberry shakes, and the biggest banana split you've ever seen. The 66 Diner doesn't just serve authentic 1950s-style food, but goes out of its way to look the part. Retro touches include chrome tables, a jukebox loaded with period-appropriate 45 records, and wait-staff in 1950s outfits. The sundaes here are comically giant—the banana split has eight scoops of ice cream, so get it to share.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Albuquerque is a high desert city with an artsy vibe. Admire the Pueblo architecture, tour Old Town, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and learn about the desert at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden.
Just 40 miles west of Santa Fe, the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is home to some phenomenal slot canyons. The views from the trail are unreal—just remember to bring sunscreen and water, and wear comfortable shoes.
With man-made cliff dwellings dating back almost a thousand years, visitors can get a glimpse at the ancient way of life in the 33,000-acre Bandelier National Monument. To reach the caves, follow an easy 1.2-mile trail through Frijoles Canyon and hike an additional mile of trail that involves climbing 140 feet up through a number of stone stairs and four wooden ladders. Note: Using GPS to get you to the national monument is not a good plan, according to park rangers. The NPS website offers these directions: "From NM285 US84 in Pojaque NM. West on NM502, West on NM4 to White rock. Then 12 miles to the monument entrance on the south side of the road."
Hollywick Farms Alpacas in Sandi Park is right along the Turquoise Trail, and it’s an adorable place to stop and meet the cute couple that runs the alpaca farm. You can even feed and get little kisses from the alpacas.
You’re more than halfway through the Mother Road, but don’t get nostalgic just yet—there’s still plenty left to see on your way into Arizona. The trading posts—and opportunities to buy moccasins—will become more frequent as you head further into the desert Southwest. Grants and Gallup, New Mexico, and Holbrook, Arizona, are all historic towns still full of top-notch neon and whimsical motels, so take your time and enjoy the dry air and colorful sunsets. Keep an eye out for black rocks that line the road between Grants and Gallup—this part of the route follows the Zuni-Bandera Volcanic Field.