Route 66 and Albuquerque: Setting the Record Straight

Contrary to popular belief, Route 66 never passed through Albuquerque, New Mexico. The historic highway's alignment in New Mexico ran through Santa Rosa and Moriarty, bypassing Albuquerque to the north. The city's connection to the "Mother Road" is indirect; travelers often visit Albuquerque as a side trip from nearby Route 66 segments or via I-40, which largely replaced the old highway.