Top 13 Free Things to Do in Gallup

1. Experience Weekend Fun at the Gallup Flea Market

Revel in the inviting ambience of the Gallup Flea Market. Every Saturday, the Gallup community comes together and showcases an array of local goods. Jewelry and homeware are just a couple of the eye-catching items that you’ll spot at this market. Marvel at various handmade products, where you can see creative passion infused in each art piece.

Flavorsome Suggestion: If you’re feeling peckish, we recommend exploring the exceptional food vendors of the market. The tortas are an absolute must-try!

2. Embark on an Adventure Through Red Rock Park

Make your way to this sweeping park, where the breathtaking terrain will immerse you into an unforgettable hiking experience. Spanning over 600 acres, Red Rock Park is a geological phenomenon that gained its iconic red cliffs eons ago. The Church Rock and Pyramid Rock trails unveil breathtaking vistas as you explore these paths. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Red Rock Park Museum, which features rare artifacts from the Ancestral Puebloans.

3. Sleuth for Downtown Public Art Murals

Uncover the rich history of Gallup with our art murals. From Native American culture to mining history, Gallup’s murals weave a rich tapestry of the past and present. Stroll through more than 20 public wall art pieces in downtown Gallup. If you’re looking for more context into these one-of-a-kind works, use the mural map.

4. Enrich Your Knowledge of Local History at the Gallup Cultural Center

It’s no secret that Gallup is a cultural hub for Native American history, and this all-encompassing establishment proves it. Featuring exhibits on Kachinas and Navajo Code Talkers, the Gallup Cultural Center provides an in-depth lens on the local past. Although admission is free, donations are welcomed at the cultural center.

5. Take a Day Trip to El Malpais National Monument

Venture through a land of fire and ice, where molten lava from millions of years ago shaped the gravity-defying terrain of El Malpais National Monument. Trust us, this geological spectacle is worth the one-hour drive from Gallup. Featured activities at this outdoor spot include lava tube caving, hiking, and birding.

6. Dive into Upbeat Excitement at the Gallup Arts Crawl

Revel in the lively streets of downtown Gallup during our arts crawl festivities! This program typically runs from spring to fall, occurring on the second Saturday of each month. Along with displays of striking art, this fun event features live music, arts and crafts sessions, and book signings.

7. Step into the Anthropological Side of El Morro National Monument

Located an hour away from Gallup, El Morro National Monument is an ancient waterhole that will make you channel your inner Indiana Jones. Find an array of messages that have been accumulated for more than a thousand years, from petroglyphs to the writings of Spanish conquistador Don Juan de Oñate. Hike to the mesa top and explore the remnants of the Astinna Pueblo.

8. Watch a Movie at the Octavia Fellin Public Library

Every Wednesday, the Octavia Fellin Public Library screens classic films and documentaries during its Midweek Matinee event series. Rewatch your favorite stories or delve into new plotlines with an array of old movies and recent blockbusters. Previous screenings include “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Finding Nemo,” and “Black Panther.”

Bonus activity for the little ones: Enjoy interactive storytime sessions every Monday and Wednesday, where imagination comes alive with singing, rhyming, and reading out loud!

9. Pay Homage to the Past at We the People Park

Explore an antiquated train, metal sculptures, and a historic memorial at this combined public art installation and park. Here, local history is honored with visual pieces that are connected with our mining and locomotive past. Take in the panoramic metalwork of the dynamic shapes of different people, as well as the display of empty chairs and shadow-like forms of sculptures.

10. Create a Self-Guided Tour with the Zuni Pueblo Art Walk

Take a 45-minute drive to Zuni Pueblo and enrich your knowledge about this community’s artistic side. The Zuni Pueblo Art Walk entails a behind-the-scenes look into artists’ workshops. Grab a map at the ARTZ Cooperative and find out which artists are available during your visit.

11. Visit the Downtown Rock Garden and 1881 Mosaic

If you’re taking a leisurely stroll through the downtown area, we recommend keeping an eye out for a charming rock garden and mosaic display. History aficionados and art buffs will relish uncovering the date of the founding of Gallup, as well as symbolism that’s similar to Navajo imagery.

12. Window-Shop at Native American Trading Posts

Visiting galleries and museums isn’t the only way to enjoy art in Gallup—Native American trading posts also boast unique keepsakes. Here, the works of talented artisans reap striking gems, all of which represent Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo culture.

13. Challenge Yourself at the High Desert Trail System

Awe-inspiring trails abound at the High Desert Trail System. Heart-pumping cycling and hiking give way to day-long explorations at this outdoor area. Admire the natural splendor of the Gallup region while passing by distinctive sculptures and sundials.