Gallup, New Mexico | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Welcome to Gallup, NM!

Gallup, often referred to as the "Heart of Indian Country," is a culturally rich city located along historic Route 66. Known for its vibrant Native American heritage, stunning red rock landscapes, and a strong sense of community, Gallup offers travel nurses a unique blend of professional opportunities and cultural experiences.​

🌦️ Weather Overview: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Gallup experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Here's a month-by-month breakdown:​

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Notes
January	45°F	13°F	Cold with occasional snowfall
February	49°F	18°F	Slightly warmer; still chilly
March	56°F	22°F	Transition to spring; blooming begins
April	65°F	28°F	Milder temperatures; ideal for outdoor activities
May	75°F	37°F	Pleasant and drier; perfect for exploring
June	85°F	45°F	Warm and sunny; peak of summer
July	88°F	55°F	Warmest month; great for festivals
August	85°F	53°F	Continued warmth; occasional thunderstorms
September	79°F	45°F	Cooling down; beautiful fall colors
October	68°F	34°F	Crisp air; increasing chance of frost
November	55°F	23°F	Chilly and dry; early snowfall possible
December	46°F	15°F	Cold and festive; holiday season

Gallup receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 10 inches, with July and August being the wettest months due to monsoon rains. ​

💰 Cost of Living

Gallup offers a cost of living approximately 10% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for travel nurses. Housing expenses are about 27% lower than the national average, with the median home price around $150,000 and the median rent approximately $800 per month. ​

🛋️ Furnished Housing Options

For travel nurses seeking short-term, furnished accommodations:

• Furnished Finder – Gallup: Offers a variety of furnished monthly rentals tailored for travel professionals.​

• Airbnb – Gallup Monthly Stays: Provides fully furnished rentals with flexible lease terms suitable for extended stays.​

• Zillow – Furnished Apartments in Gallup: Features listings for apartments and homes, some of which may be furnished.​

Availability may vary seasonally, so it's advisable to secure housing well in advance.​

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

For those preferring hotel amenities:

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Gallup: Offers spacious suites with fully-equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and high-speed internet access.​Marriott+1Visit Gallup+1

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Gallup: Provides comfortable accommodations with free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and a convenient location.​

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Gallup: Features modern rooms, complimentary breakfast, and pet-friendly options.​

These hotels offer convenient options for short-term stays with the comfort of home-like amenities.​

🚐 RV Park Options

For travel nurses traveling with RVs:

• USA RV Park: Offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a seasonal heated pool.​

• Gallup KOA Journey: Provides spacious sites with amenities like laundry facilities, a playground, and proximity to downtown Gallup.​

• El Morro RV Park & Cabins: Features large RV sites, a café, and access to nearby hiking trails.​

These parks offer peaceful settings for those preferring RV accommodations.​KOA

🎡 Fun Things to Do in Gallup, NM

Gallup offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and historical sites. Here's a curated list to help you explore:

🏜️ Outdoor Adventures

• Red Rock Park: Explore stunning red sandstone formations with trails like Pyramid Rock and Church Rock, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Visit Gallup​

• Zuni Mountains: Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and camping, these mountains provide a serene escape into nature.​

• Navajo Church: A sacred sandstone formation offering a 2.2-mile trail around its base, providing both spiritual significance and scenic beauty. Wikipedia​

🎨 Arts and Culture

• Gallup Cultural Center: Located in the historic train station, this center showcases Native American arts, crafts, and exhibits on local history. Wikipedia​

• Nightly Indian Dances: From Memorial Day through Labor Day, enjoy traditional dances performed by local tribes in downtown Gallup. ​Visit New Mexico

• ART123 Gallery: A community-run gallery featuring works by local artists, reflecting the diverse cultures of the region. ​

🛍️ Shopping and Markets

• Gallup 9th Street Flea Market: Held every Saturday, this market offers a variety of Native American crafts, jewelry, and delicious local foods. ​

• Trading Posts: Visit renowned trading posts like Richardson Trading Post and Bill Malone Trading Company for authentic Native American art and jewelry. ​Visit Gallup+2Tripadvisor+2Visit Gallup+2

🎈 Festivals and Events

• Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial: Held annually in August, this event celebrates Native American culture with dances, parades, and art exhibitions. ​Visit New Mexico

• Red Rock Balloon Rally: Taking place the first weekend of December, this event features hot air balloons soaring over the red rock landscapes. ​Visit Gallup

🚗 Nearby Weekend Trips

• El Morro National Monument: Explore ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs carved into sandstone cliffs by ancestral Puebloans and early Spanish explorers. ​Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3Fodor's+3

• Zuni Pueblo: Visit the largest of New Mexico's pueblos, known for its rich cultural heritage and exquisite silver and turquoise jewelry. ​

• Chaco Culture National Historical Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring massive stone buildings and ceremonial structures from the ancestral Puebloan civilization. ​Visit New Mexico

🧭 Summary

Gallup, New Mexico, is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends cultural richness with natural beauty. For travel nurses, it offers:

• Affordable Living: With a cost of living approximately 10% lower than the national average, Gallup provides economical housing and amenities. ​

• Cultural Immersion: Experience authentic Native American traditions, arts, and festivals that are integral to the community's identity.​

• Outdoor Recreation: From hiking in the Zuni Mountains to exploring red rock formations, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy.​

• Community Engagement: Participate in local events and markets that foster a strong sense of community and belonging.​

Whether you're seeking professional opportunities or personal adventures, Gallup offers a unique and enriching environment for travel nurses.

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.