Best Things to Do in Grants

Grants is a small Route 66 city in western New Mexico best known for uranium mining, volcanic landscapes, and its location beneath Mount Taylor.

The city itself can be explored in a few hours, but Grants is also one of the best bases for exploring El Malpais National Monument, Mount Taylor, and the surrounding lava country. If you’re driving I-40 between Albuquerque and Gallup, Grants is worth more than just a gas stop.

Don’t Miss

New Mexico Mining Museum

The New Mexico Mining Museum tells the geological history of the area and the story of the uranium boom that transformed Grants during the mid-20th century.

Its highlight is a recreated underground uranium mine, complete with mining equipment and tunnels designed to show what working beneath the ground was actually like, complete with commentary from miners who worked in the area. It’s easily the best museum in Grants and one of the most memorable small-town museums in New Mexico.

Downtown Grants & Route 66

Historic downtown Grants stretches along Route 66, where old motels, signs, storefronts, and other remnants of the Mother Road still line the corridor. The most recognizable landmark is the Route 66 Neon Drive-Thru Arch, an 18-foot neon sign built as a photo stop along the historic highway.

Downtown’s main attractions are connected by Fire and Ice Park and Riverwalk Park, creating a pleasant roughly 0.3-mile walk through the center of town. Along the way you’ll find sculptures, murals, public art, green space, and several of Grants’ historic buildings, making this the best area of town to explore on foot.

Museums & History

Grants has several other small museums that tell the story of western New Mexico.

• Cibola County History Museum – Focuses on the history of Grants and the surrounding county, including ranching, mining, and early settlement.
• Western New Mexico Aviation Heritage Museum – Explores the area’s aviation history and the role early air travel played in western New Mexico.

The mining museum is the clear priority if you only have time for one.

Food & Drink

Grants doesn’t have a huge food scene but there are still a few worthwhile local spots:

• Junkyard on 66 Brewery – Route 66 brewpub with house-made beer, BBQ, classic cars, and a cool roadside atmosphere.
• El Cafecito – Longtime local favorite serving classic New Mexican food, including enchiladas, chile, burgers, and sopapillas.
• La Ventana Steak House – Longtime local favorite serving steaks, burgers, and New Mexican classics in a casual local setting.

Events

Grants hosts several events throughout the year, with many centered around Route 66, outdoor recreation, and the city’s western heritage.

• Mount Taylor Winter Quadrathlon – A unique winter endurance race combining biking, running, skiing, and snowshoeing on Mount Taylor (not for the faint of heart).
• Wild West Days – A Fourth of July celebration featuring a parade, rodeo, and community events around Grants.
• Legacy Speedway Races – Regular dirt-track racing held throughout the warmer months at the Uranium Capitol Speedway.

The Mount Taylor Winter Quadrathlon is the area’s signature event and draws competitors from well beyond New Mexico.

Outdoors & Around Town

The biggest reason to spend more time in Grants is the easy access to the surrounding natural attractions.

El Malpais National Monument protects an enormous volcanic field filled with lava flows, caves, sandstone cliffs, and natural arches. It’s one of the most unique landscapes in New Mexico and has numerous outdoor attractions like natural arches, hiking trails, and scenic views.

There are more outdoor destinations near Grants as well including:

• Bluewater Lake State Park
• Mount Taylor
• Zuni Mountains

Mount Taylor is especially popular and rises more than 11,000 feet above sea level north of Grants.

Where to Stay

Grants has a collection of chain hotels and motels near I-40 and Route 66. It isn’t a resort destination, but it makes a practical base for exploring western New Mexico. South West Motel and Sands Motel are good options for a classic cheap Route 66 motel experience!

How Long Should You Stay?

2–4 hours is enough to explore Grants itself.

Visit the New Mexico Mining Museum, stop at the arch, and grab something to eat before continuing your trip. For Grants plus El Malpais and the surrounding region, plan on at least 1–2 days. Grants isn’t one of New Mexico’s biggest tourist destinations, but its combination of Route 66 history, mining heritage, and access to some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes makes it a worthwhile stop in western New Mexico.