U.S. Route 491 From Gallup to Farmington (Shiprock, Navajo: construction, live) - City-Data Forum

tonic · 10-02-2007, 11:39 AM

Having been told this is not such a great road at night, and passed this info to the boyfriend, I have pretty much assured this is the route he will take.

However, can anybody tell me, what is the availability of 24-hour gas stations, and safe stops along this route? Will be driving a big, gas eating monster of a truck, and would hate to run out on a two lane highway in the middle of the night.

Yall have been so helpful, thanks so much

GregW · 10-03-2007, 06:10 AM

My current map (Recreational map of New Mexico) shows Rts 666 & Rt 371 as alternates to go between Gallup and Farmington. It looks like about 100 or so miles. Even big gas-guzzlers should have a 100-mile range (10 mpg x 10 gal = 100 miles). I suggest that you just look the truck over and check the tires, oil and coolant before you start. Then just enjoy the drive. Be very careful of dear and other nocturnal animals. Worst case is the truck breaks down and you have to wait for dawn and some traffic.

Cathy4017 · 10-03-2007, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW

My current map (Recreational map of New Mexico) shows Rts 666 & Rt 371 as alternates to go between Gallup and Farmington. It looks like about 100 or so miles. Even big gas-guzzlers should have a 100-mile range (10 mpg x 10 gal = 100 miles). I suggest that you just look the truck over and check the tires, oil and coolant before you start. Then just enjoy the drive. Be very careful of dear and other nocturnal animals. Worst case is the truck breaks down and you have to wait for dawn and some traffic.

Rt 666 is the former name of Highway 491.

catman · 10-03-2007, 12:59 PM

Get your kicks on Route 666! And watch out for the beasts. I understand they changed the number because some people were uncomfortable with it.

bigduly · 10-03-2007, 05:26 PM

He should have plenty of options of Gas Stations in Gallup. From there he can make it Shiprock. There are gas stations there. So he will make it. When is he suppose to be passing through US 491. I would stay clear of that road on the weekends.

bethmarywhite · 03-13-2009, 09:02 AM

Quote:

My uncle works with a Navajo man who encountered a skinwalker. The guy said he was coming from Gallup late at night. And he was about to fall asleep at the wheel, when he stopped on the side of the road to try and wake himself up. Right when he stepped out of the car, he saw something gliding across the tree tops like in the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. He said he was scared stiff, then the skinwalker stopped and was just sitting atop the trees. He looked at the skinwalker and saw an old lady with a painted face. He said he doesn't know how he got home. Plus there are many stories of skinwalkers chasing cars. That's why don't like driving from Gallup late at night.

I've heard a few stories that involve skinwalkers between Gallup and Shiprock, it is scary driving through the rez at night knowing what goes on.

These quotes are from the "Skinwalkers" thread, regarding Shiprock, New Mexico

loboABQ · 03-13-2009, 12:04 PM

I traveled 491 for two years for a job. It is 2 lanes, however it is in the process of being converted to a 4 lane highway (not sure when the completion date is or if it's actually started the meat of the construction).

The road is dangerous for a variety of reasons. It has a lot of drunk drivers on the road. Also, the road passes through a few canyons and is hilly in spots (making it hard to see oncoming traffic).

People speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed like crazy. Since it is a long highway with few turns and little to see (not kidding at all), people tend to push the pedal to the floor.

I've never been in a wreck while on that road, but have seen a few. When I was younger, my parents refused to let me drive on 491 (then 666).

There are gas stations in Shiprock and one in Newcomb (middle of the Gallup-Shiprock Journey). Also, there are a few local mom and pop gas stations along the way so you won't run out of gas. Keep in mind, gas on the reservation tends to be quite a bit more expensive than elsewhere.

One more piece of advice - I would not travel this road at night.

Good luck.

uggabugga · 03-13-2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catman

Get your kicks on Route 666! And watch out for the beasts. I understand they changed the number because some people were uncomfortable with it.

well, that and the fact the state was having to pay a ton of money to replace all the stolen '666' signs.

DOUBLE H · 03-13-2009, 08:13 PM

Uggabugga is right. My next door neighbor works for Colorado C-DOT. His brother does too; he is assigned to the Dove Creek/Cortez area. The section on triple 6 in Utah wasn't a big deal as it dead ends at Monticello, roughly 20 miles worth just beyond the truck scales. But yea, every so often they had to put new signs up. The cost wasn't a huge amount but it added up over the years plus sending crews out there when the crews are busy enough on other projects.

HTC · 03-13-2009, 10:50 PM

It's about 140 mile to Farmington from Gallup if you go thru shiprock. Gas up in Gallup and drive defensively. I could tell you a few short cuts, but then search and rescue will be looking for you. hahaha.
An old trick I learned about drunk drivers. If you see one coming at you at night and it's really heading you way. Turn you head lights off and head for the curb or ditch. The reason is..your head lights are like a magnet to a drunk they will aim for them. I learned this from the local cops. It may sound stupid but I know a couple of cops that said it saved their lives..

Back to the trip.. There are a couple gas stations on the way to Farmington so don't be nervous about stopping. Watch out for critters on the road ( deer, dogs, cows horses and people ) It's a joke the the Navajo Transit Authority is a thumb looking for a ride. If your lucky you will come during a full moon and clear skies. Some or the Buttes look pretty cool during then.

HWY 371 is a good alternate it goes from Thoreau to Farmington. It's about 128 miles. It's pretty curvy and full of woopty doos. I've always found it to be in a constant need of repair due to potholes, I wouldn't advise it for a night drive unless your real observant. Watch out for the curves there are a couple that are scary.

Drive carefull and have fun.

Gordon