Day 7 of the Road Trip
Waking Up in a Covered Wagon
This morning felt a little different from the others—lying on the top bunk, I woke up staring at the curved canvas ceiling of our covered wagon. For a moment, I half-expected we had traveled overnight, as if we had been transported somewhere new. Maybe it was just the sound of cars whizzing by on the highway next to The Big Texan, or maybe my imagination was running wild with the whole wagon theme.
Stepping outside into the chilly Texas morning, I was quickly reminded that we hadn’t moved an inch. Tina’s car was parked right where we left it—only now, it was covered in a thin layer of frost.
Seeing the place in the daylight had a completely different feel than our evening arrival. Now, I could fully take in the wagon and the western-themed surroundings—the rustic charm, the numerous covered wagons and cabins lining the property, and the shared spaces with rocking chairs and hammocks.
I made my way to the main office for some bagels and coffee, admiring a U.S. map covered in push pins marking all the travelers who had come through this quirky little spot, wondering if they enjoyed their stay as much as us.
Back at the wagon, we wrapped up some work before packing up, snapping some daytime photos of our unique accommodations, including photos with some "locals", and saying goodbye to our home for the night.
A Colorful Pit Stop: Slug Bug Ranch
We didn’t get far before making our first stop—right at the entrance of The Big Texan RV Park was Slug Bug Ranch, a lesser-known, Volkswagen-themed counterpart to Cadillac Ranch. This roadside attraction features half-buried Volkswagen Beetles (a.k.a. "Slug Bugs"), covered in layers of spray paint from past visitors. It even includes some retired limousines from The Big Texan fleet, giving it a touch of Route 66 eccentricity.
The idea is to grab a spray can and leave your artistic mark, but since we didn't have a spray can, we settled for admiring the artwork before hitting the road.
Lunch in the Heart of Amarillo's Route 66
Next we headed to 6th Avenue, the heart of Amarillo's Historic Route 66, where we grabbed lunch at Bracero’s Mexican Grill & Bar. After a delicous meal of chicken enchilada and chicken taco, it was time to embark on the longest drive we’d had in a while—six hours to Gallup, New Mexico.
A Midway Stop at the Route 66 Auto Museum
With such a long stretch ahead, a midway stop was essential. Our pick for the day? The Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico—a hidden gem for car lovers and nostalgia seekers.
We wandered through what felt like a garage, admiring the lineup of shiny vintage cars, reading plaques about their previous owners, and imagining what times were like when these vehicles filled the streets. As we walked through, we were surrounded by a collection of Route 66 memorabilia—old gas pumps, neon signs, and automotive artifacts—that perfectly captured the nostalgia and spirit of this historic highway.
It was a short but sweet stop, and soon, we were back on the road.
A Scenic Drive Through New Mexico
As we made our way west, New Mexico’s landscape completely blew us away. This was easily the most beautiful drive of the trip so far. The mix of desert plateaus, rugged mesas, and vast open skies felt cinematic, and I couldn’t stop snapping photos from the passenger seat.
By the time we arrived in Gallup, it was dark—the perfect time to arrive at the Historic El Rancho Hotel.
Checking into a Hollywood Landmark: El Rancho Hotel
As we pulled up, El Rancho’s neon sign glowed brightly along Route 66, standing as a striking symbol of its rich history and charm. This legendary establishment was impossible to miss, and its storied past made it all the more intriguing.
A landmark since 1936, Historic El Rancho Hotel blends Southwestern charm with Hollywood history. Built by R.E. "Griff" Griffith (brother of famed director D.W. Griffith), the hotel quickly became a favorite retreat for movie stars filming in the area.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Hollywood legends like John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, and Kirk Douglas stayed at El Rancho, drawn by its grand rustic décor, massive walk-in fireplace, and twin log staircases. With the rise of Western films, its prime location made it the perfect hub for film productions.
After Route 66's decline, the hotel fell into disrepair but was thankfully saved and restored in 1986 by businessman Armand Ortega. Today, it remains a historic treasure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offering travelers a nostalgic glimpse into Hollywood’s Golden Age—complete with vintage movie memorabilia and Old West ambiance.
Stepping Back in Time
Walking into the hotel felt like stepping into another era. From the old-school elevator with directions on how to use it (a first for us!) to the framed Hollywood photos lining the walls, the hotel’s character was undeniable.
We checked into Room 221—labeled "Dale Robertson." Neither Tina nor I knew who he was, but the handy bio on our bed told us he starred in Devil’s Canyon, which was filmed in the area. A framed movie poster of the film hung in our room, adding to the charm.
It was the small details that made this stay so unique—the cowboy hat and lasso hanging on the wall, the bottle openers conveniently mounted in both the living room area and bathroom, and the “Do Not Disturb” tassel hanging from a horseshoe.
A Taste of the Southwest at The Silver Screen
After settling in, I wandered downstairs to The Silver Screen, the hotel’s restaurant. Walking past more photos of classic Hollywood stars, I spotted one familiar face—Shirley Temple. I grew up watching her tap-dancing films, but here she was older, playing Philadelphia Thursday in the 1948 Western Fort Apache, alongside John Wayne and Henry Fonda.
I grabbed a seat at the Western-themed bar and ordered a big bowl of Pork & Green Chile Stew, along with a local beer, La Cumbre Elevated IPA. The stew was one of the best meals of the trip, and it felt only fitting to be enjoying it in such a historic setting.
Final Thoughts on Day 7
The day had started in a covered wagon and was ending in a historic hotel once favored by Hollywood’s biggest stars—just another reminder of how wildly different each day of this road trip had been.
As the journey neared its final stretch, I found myself savoring every moment—especially our stay in this legendary hotel. Tomorrow, we’d be one step closer to San Diego, but the adventure wasn’t over just yet.
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