Cibola County Tourism Information

The Cibola County visitor guide is the headline publication — 32 pages, full color, listing attractions, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, events, and seasonal updates. Take a copy even if you've browsed the website; print versions include detailed maps and historical context that don't translate online. The Route 66 driving map for Cibola County is essential for purists; both the 1926 original alignment (through downtown via Iron Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue) and the 1937 realignment (Santa Fe Avenue) are marked with historic landmarks.

The El Malpais brochure covers the NPS-administered eastern monument unit; a separate BLM brochure covers the larger National Conservation Area surrounding it. Both should be picked up if you're planning more than a casual drive-through. The Mount Taylor brochure includes a topographic summit-route map, trailhead directions, current road conditions for the Gooseberry Springs access road, and Cibola National Forest contact information.

Specialized brochures cover Acoma Pueblo (the Sky City Cultural Center is one of the most important Native American historic sites in the country, 45 minutes east of Grants); Bluewater Lake State Park (fishing, camping, hiking); Bandera Crater and Ice Cave (privately owned, west on NM-53); Zuni Pueblo (a longer day trip south); and El Morro National Monument (Spanish-era inscription rock, 45 minutes south).

Common questions include: where to drive Route 66 (the original 1926 alignment through Iron Avenue downtown is a 10-minute scenic detour); whether the Gooseberry Springs road to Mount Taylor is currently passable (call ahead or stop in for current conditions); whether the El Malpais ice caves are accessible (Junction Cave is always open with proper gear; the privately owned Bandera Ice Cave is a paid attraction); where to eat (Southwest Grill, Pope's, La Ventana); and whether any motels still have vacancies.

The staff also coordinate group tours, school field trips, and accommodations for traveling Native American pilgrims headed to Mount Taylor. If you arrive with specific cultural interests (visiting Acoma Pueblo, learning about uranium mining history, exploring the volcanic geology of El Malpais), the staff can connect you with local guides, cultural representatives, and educators.

For Route 66 purists, the visitor center is the single best source for detailed alignment information through Cibola County. The 1926 routing passed through downtown Grants on Iron and Roosevelt Avenues, then continued west to Milan and San Rafael. The 1937 realignment moved the highway to today's Santa Fe Avenue. Both are drivable; the original is more atmospheric, the realignment is faster. Staff can advise on both and recommend stops along each.

Located at 100 North Iron Avenue inside the New Mexico Mining Museum, in downtown Grants one block north of Route 66 (Santa Fe Avenue). From Interstate 40 take exit 81 (Grants / Santa Fe Avenue) and head north on First Street; turn right on Iron Avenue. The museum/visitor center occupies the southeast corner of Iron and First. Free street parking surrounds the building.

Open Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm. Closed Sunday and federal holidays. The visitor information desk is available throughout museum hours and is free to use even if you don't pay museum admission (the museum costs $5 if you want to descend into the replica mine; visitor information services are free).

The building is wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators. Service dogs welcome. Most staff speak English and Spanish; some speak basic Diné (Navajo) and Keres (the Acoma language). Free Wi-Fi inside. Clean restrooms. Brochures are restocked daily; an outdoor weatherproof brochure rack near the entrance offers basic maps and the Cibola County visitor guide 24 hours for travelers arriving outside operating hours.