best scenic route from Albuquerque to Grand Canyon?

Originally Posted by rwjoyak

Another stretch between here and the GC that you might want to hit is Highway 53 from Grants to Gallup. Actually, if you have time I would head south on Hwy 117 from Grants until you get to the Narrows Overlook. Be sure to stop at Sandstone Bluffs Overlook and La Ventana Natural Arch along the way. In fact, stop at the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center before you head down 117. They have lots of info and maps there, good exhibits and the rangers can give you lots of good advice. A very nice visitor center.

Retrace back to Grants and then take the 53 loop over to Gallup. You head down the other side of El Malpais National Monument then drive through some great forested area before getting to El Morro National Monument. El Morro is one of those not to be missed places, google it and you'll see what I mean.

If you want to extend the trip a little you can also hit Zuni Pueblo for a visit before turning back north to get to Gallup. And you could detour a litte south to Acoma Pueblo before getting to Grants as you head east, Acoma is another one of the places I label as not to be missed.

Folks that stay on I-40 between Grants and Gallup never know of this beautiful area they're missing just a few miles to the south. I didn't include any of this on the route in my previous post because we've already visited the area multiple times.