New Mexico became the 47th state to join the United States on January 6, 1912. The capital city is Santa Fe. The highest point is Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet.

Road Trip 2013 - Day 15 - June 25 - Route 66 Part I, Santa Rosa, NM (Previous 2013 Road Trip posts: Indiana Dunes, De Immigrant, Amana Colonies, Des Moines, Madison County Roads, Bridges of Madison County, White Pole Road, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Golden Spike Tower & Union Pacific's Bailey Rail Yard, Loveland Pass, The Resting Day at Powderhorn, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Cimarron, Colorado National Monument, Fruita Rodeo, Grand Mesa, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Grand Mesa Creek, Arches National Park Add-On, Canyonlands National Park, The Little Big Moments of Road Tripping, Mesa Verde National Park, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Train Depot, Pecos National Historical Park, Route 66 Part I, Santa Rosa, NM)

Route 84 to Route 66, NMRoad Trip USA It was coming literally right around the corner! After several thousand miles on the road and after much anticipation, the Mother Road was just a few miles ahead as we were heading south on Route 84 from Las Vegas, New Mexico. The set up was perfect. The wide open land, perfect summer weather, windows rolled down to provide some cooling despite the temperatures having no mercy. the yellow line running ahead. Then we made a left turn and made our way to our first Route 66 town on this road trip - Santa Rosa, New Mexico.

"Route 66 was created in 1926 and it followed the preexisting 'Ozark Trails'. The traffic increased local business as cafes, diners, hotels, garages and service stations opened to cater to the visitors. The boom period lasted until I-40 bypassed the town in 1972 relegating many classic vintage shops as traffic flowed along the Interstate." - Route 66, Santa Rosa

The bypass effects are still very obvious but as small sections of Route 66 celebrate a renaissance, who knows, the future may be brighter than the past 45 years.

Route 66: Comet II Drive In & RestaurantRoad Trip USA

Road Trip, Route 66: Comet II Drive In & Restaurant, Santa Rosa, New Mexico

Route 66: Curious Pottery - Hand WeavingRoad Trip USA

Road Trip, Route 66: Curious Pottery - Hand Weaving, Santa Rosa, New Mexico

Route 66: Sahara Lounge, Santa Rosa, NMRoad Trip USA

Road Trip, Route 66: Sahara Lounge, Santa Rosa, New Mexico

Now, where's my Harley? Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!

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References:  New Mexico on 50states - Route 66 in Santa Rosa, NM