Gallup NM​

Gallup – Known as the "Heart of Indian Country," Gallup, New Mexico is a unique blend of Native American culture, Wild West history, and stunning high desert landscapes. Nestled along historic Route 66 and surrounded by mesas and red rock cliffs, Gallup invites visitors to discover its vibrant traditions, colorful murals, and world-renowned Native art. Whether you're exploring cultural festivals, hiking scenic trails, or simply soaking in the sunset glow of the Southwest, Gallup offers an authentic and welcoming experience like no other.

• Population: ~21,900
• Weather: Semi-arid climate; sunny most of the year, with summer temps in the 80s°F and chilly winters.
• Places To Visit: Red Rock Park, Gallup Cultural Center, Rex Museum, El Morro Theatre, Navajo Code Talkers Museum.
• Top Activities: Attending the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, hiking Pyramid Rock Trail, browsing Native American art markets, exploring Route 66 sites, stargazing under clear desert skies.
• Famous Food: Navajo tacos, blue corn enchiladas, green chile cheeseburgers, and fresh frybread from local diners and food trucks.

Gallup, New Mexico, is a small city with strong ties to Native American culture, the arts, and healthcare. As a regional hub in northwestern New Mexico, Gallup supports diverse jobs across public service, healthcare, education, and trade. Below are some of the top careers driving the local economy today.

Top 5 Jobs in Gallup, NM

Gallup, New Mexico might be a small city, but it has a lot to offer students looking to unwind, connect with friends, and make the most of their downtime. Whether you're into nature, art, food, or just good vibes, Gallup has a little something for everyone.

Red Rock Park – Just outside the city, this is the perfect spot to hike, explore unique sandstone formations, or simply chill with friends under the New Mexico sky. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a great place to reset your mind after a long school week.

Downtown Gallup – Walk along Route 66 and check out local murals, vintage signage, and mom-and-pop shops. Grab a coffee or smoothie from a local café, and enjoy the lively yet relaxed small-town atmosphere.

The Gallup Skate Park – If you're into skating or just want to hang out and watch, this popular spot is a favorite among local students. It’s a fun, active way to blow off steam and meet others with shared interests.

Fire Rock Navajo Casino – For students over 21, this spot just east of Gallup is great for weekend entertainment. Grab dinner, enjoy some music, or try your luck at a game. It’s a fun night out when you’re looking for something different.

Rio West Mall – This shopping center is the go-to place for a casual hangout. From movie nights at the theater to window shopping or grabbing snacks from the food court, it's convenient and offers an easy way to relax without going far.

Gallup Cultural Center – If you're more into creativity and culture, this place is a must. It has cool exhibits, historic photo galleries, and a peaceful vibe that makes it great for reflecting or getting inspired.

El Morro Theatre – Catch a movie or a live performance at this beautifully restored historic venue. It’s a more unique alternative to the typical cineplex and perfect for a chill night out with friends.

City Parks Like Ford Canyon Park – When you just need some fresh air, local parks offer walking trails, basketball courts, and open space to hang out, have a picnic, or just kick back with your favorite playlist.

Gallup may be lowkey, but it has plenty of places where students can chill, clear their heads, and enjoy the moment. Take the time to explore—you might just find your new favorite hangout spot.

Gallup, NM is a vibrant hub in the heart of the Southwest, offering students a unique educational experience deeply connected to Native American culture and the area's stunning landscapes. While Gallup is smaller than some metropolitan centers, it stands out for its strong community colleges, satellite campuses, and partnerships with both public and private institutions. Here’s a look at the top colleges and universities in Gallup, NM.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Gallup, NM

University of New Mexico – Gallup (UNM-Gallup) – As a branch campus of the University of New Mexico, UNM-Gallup is the region’s leading public institution. It offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer opportunities in areas like health sciences, education, business, and liberal arts. Its commitment to serving Native American communities makes it a standout choice.

Navajo Technical University – Crownpoint (near Gallup) – While its main campus is in Crownpoint, about 30 minutes from Gallup, Navajo Technical University serves many Gallup students. NTU provides technical training, bachelor’s degrees, and cultural programs that support Native American students.

New Mexico State University – Grants (serving Gallup region) – Located about an hour away, NMSU Grants is accessible to Gallup residents seeking associate degrees or transferring to a four-year program. It’s known for business, education, and nursing pathways.

San Juan College (Farmington, serving northwest NM) – San Juan College is a leading community college just over an hour from Gallup. Students can choose from allied health, trades, business, and education programs. It also offers distance learning for added flexibility.

Diné College (Tsaile, AZ – serving Navajo Nation including Gallup) – Diné College, though located in Arizona, serves the Navajo Nation communities in the Gallup area. It’s recognized for programs in education, social sciences, and Navajo language and culture studies.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Gallup, NM

National American University – Albuquerque (serving Gallup online) – NAU is a private, regionally-accredited university that offers flexible online degree programs ideal for Gallup residents who need to balance work and studies. Its programs in business, management, and healthcare are especially popular.

Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ – accessible online to Gallup) – GCU is a respected private Christian university with a strong online presence. Gallup students frequently enroll in their education, psychology, business, and health sciences programs.

Western Governors University (WGU) – An accredited online university, WGU offers competency-based bachelor’s and master’s degrees in teaching, business, IT, and healthcare. Gallup residents benefit from WGU’s flexible, affordable approach.

University of Phoenix – Albuquerque (serving Gallup online) – University of Phoenix offers a range of online degree programs tailored for working adults in the Gallup area, especially in business, healthcare, and education fields.

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) – Albuquerque – While SIPI is located in Albuquerque, its unique mission of serving American Indian and Alaska Native students extends to Gallup. Many students from Gallup attend SIPI for its STEM, business, and technical training programs.

These colleges and universities provide diverse educational opportunities for Gallup, NM residents, whether you’re seeking hands-on skills, cultural enrichment, or a flexible online degree. From public community colleges deeply rooted in the region to private universities offering online access, Gallup is a great place to start (or continue) your academic journey.

Gallup, New Mexico, nestled in the scenic heart of the Southwest, offers students a unique blend of cultural richness and strong educational opportunities. Whether you're a parent looking for the best option for your child or a student aiming for academic and personal growth, Gallup has high schools that foster learning, leadership, and future readiness. Here are the top public and private high schools in Gallup, NM that are making a difference.

Top Public High Schools in Gallup, NM

• Gallup High School – This large public high school serves a diverse student body with a range of academic programs, strong athletic teams, and extracurriculars. The school emphasizes college preparation and offers dual credit courses in partnership with local colleges.
• Miyamura High School – Known for its strong advanced placement (AP) offerings and an active student government, Miyamura High continues to grow in academic performance. It also offers career-focused pathways to support students heading into the workforce or trade schools.
• Thoreau High School – Located just outside of Gallup, this school serves a mostly rural student population. Thoreau High provides a supportive environment with a focus on individualized instruction and community involvement.
• Crownpoint High School – Though slightly east of Gallup, Crownpoint High is known for its collaborative approach to leadership and education. The school promotes Navajo culture and language, while preparing students for academic success beyond high school.
• Tohatchi High School – A smaller high school with a tight-knit community, Tohatchi offers a positive environment for learning, with solid programs in the arts and sciences. Its personalized support helps students thrive academically and socially.

Top Private High Schools in Gallup, NM

• Rehoboth Christian School – One of the most respected private schools in the region, Rehoboth blends academic rigor with Christian values. It offers a college-prep curriculum, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers who focus on student growth academically and spiritually.
• Gallup Christian School – This faith-based school emphasizes strong character development and academic excellence. With a curriculum rooted in biblical values, it provides a nurturing, disciplined environment for students from all walks of life.
• Red Rock Christian School – Serving younger and high school students, Red Rock offers an individualized approach to learning with a strong emphasis on moral education and community involvement. Families value the focus on guiding students through both academic and ethical development.
• St. Francis School – Located a short drive from Gallup, this small Catholic school combines faith, service, and scholarship. Students benefit from a structured learning environment and close student-teacher relationships that boost learning outcomes.
• Bread Springs Day School (Boarding Prep) – Although primarily a middle school, this institution has partnerships with religious and preparatory high schools for advanced placement. It helps families transition their children into top private or boarding schools during or after 8th grade.

Whether you're considering a public high school with broad academic programs or a private institution grounded in faith and personalized education, Gallup offers choices that help students grow and succeed. From cultural enrichment to college prep, these schools are building brighter futures in the heart of New Mexico.

Gallup, New Mexico, may not have its own major league sports teams like Los Angeles or New York, but that doesn’t mean the town is short on passion for professional sports. Nestled in the heart of the state’s sports-loving culture and surrounded by bigger cities with rich sporting traditions, Gallup fans find plenty of teams to cheer for across various leagues.

Here’s a look at the professional sports teams that fans in Gallup, NM, often rally behind and support with pride, whether it’s cheering from their living rooms or making road trips to nearby stadiums.

Basketball – Phoenix Suns (NBA)

• Phoenix Suns – Though New Mexico doesn’t have an NBA team, many residents of Gallup root for the Suns, located just across the state border in Arizona. The Phoenix Suns have had memorable seasons, especially in recent years, making it to the 2021 NBA Finals led by stars like Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Historically, legends like Charles Barkley and Steve Nash have donned the Suns' jersey. The team continues to be a strong force in the Western Conference.

Football – Denver Broncos (NFL) & Arizona Cardinals (NFL)

• Denver Broncos – A fan favorite in Gallup and much of northern New Mexico, the Broncos are a storied NFL franchise with three Super Bowl titles (1997, 1998, and 2015). Known for their intense rivalries and loyal fan base, the team has featured icons like John Elway, Terrell Davis, and Peyton Manning.
• Arizona Cardinals – Closer to Gallup geographically, the Cardinals also have a strong following. While the Cardinals have yet to win a Super Bowl, they reached Super Bowl XLIII in 2009 and continue to entertain with stars like Kyler Murray and Budda Baker.

Baseball – Colorado Rockies (MLB) & Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)

• Colorado Rockies – With their home field at high altitude in Denver, the Rockies are known for exciting high-scoring games. Although they have not yet won a World Series, their loyal fan base in areas like Gallup appreciates their 2007 National League pennant and players like Todd Helton and Nolan Arenado.
• Arizona Diamondbacks – Only a few hours from Gallup, the Diamondbacks won their first and only World Series title in 2001, shocking the Yankees in a thrilling seven-game series. Fans still remember the dominant duo of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling.

Hockey – Colorado Avalanche (NHL) & Arizona Coyotes (NHL)

• Colorado Avalanche – A powerhouse team in the National Hockey League, the Avs have won the Stanley Cup three times (1996, 2001, and 2022). With star players past and present like Joe Sakic, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar, the team continues to thrive and draw in hockey fans from Gallup and across the Southwest.
• Arizona Coyotes – Though often flying under the radar, the Coyotes have a loyal following and regularly play exhibition games throughout Arizona, giving fans in the greater region—and in places like Gallup—chances to connect with their team.

Soccer – New Mexico United (USL)

• New Mexico United – Based in Albuquerque, just a few hours from Gallup, NM United plays in the USL Championship and has quickly become one of the most supported lower division soccer teams in the country. With passionate crowds, vibrant culture, and a strong mission to inspire the state’s youth through sport, NM United is a true source of pride for all of New Mexico—including the fans in Gallup.

While Gallup might not have its own pro team yet, the town spills over with sports spirit. Locals proudly represent neighboring teams and follow their favorite players, stats, and storylines throughout every season. Whether it's weekend watch parties, fantasy leagues, or road trips to Phoenix, Denver, Albuquerque, or beyond, Gallup is very much in the game.

Gallup, New Mexico is a vibrant city known for its deep cultural roots, stunning landscapes, and rich Native American history. Nestled along historic Route 66, it mixes old-world charm with modern excitement. Whether you're passing through or planning a visit, here are 10 fun facts about Gallup that might just surprise you:

1. Native American Capital of the World – Gallup is often called the “Native American Capital of the World” because it borders the Navajo Nation and Zuni Pueblo and hosts hundreds of Native American artisans and cultural events.
2. A Hollywood Favorite – Gallup served as a backdrop for more than a dozen Western films in the early 20th century. Even Ronald Reagan filmed a movie here!
3. Route 66 Charm – Gallup is right on the iconic Route 66, the “Mother Road,” making it a must-stop destination for road-trippers and Americana lovers.
4. One-of-a-Kind Balloon Event – The city hosts the Red Rock Balloon Rally every December, the second largest balloon rally in the U.S. where colorful hot air balloons rise between red rock canyons!
5. Trading Post History – Gallup once had more trading posts than gas stations. Many of them are still open today, selling beautiful handmade Native American jewelry, rugs, and pottery.
6. Outdoor Adventures Galore – With places like Red Rock Park, Gallup is a haven for hikers, bikers, and rock climbers who want to explore striking desert terrain.
7. Spectacular Art Walks – Downtown Gallup comes alive each month with its ArtsCrawl—a fun street party complete with live music, local artists, and food vendors.
8. A Multicultural Mosaic – About 70% of Gallup’s population has Native American roots, and over 20 languages are spoken across the community, making it incredibly diverse.
9. Historic El Rancho Hotel – The famous El Rancho Hotel housed Hollywood stars like John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, and Humphrey Bogart during filming. You can still stay there today!
10. Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial – Started in 1922, this annual event is one of the oldest of its kind in the country, with traditional dancing, parades, rodeos, and crafts that celebrate Native American cultures.