Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Route 66 in eastern New Mexico runs right alongside Interstate 40, but just beyond the modern traffic are some of the most haunting ghost towns, abandoned gas stations, classic motels, and surviving neon signs on the Mother Road.
In this Randomland adventure, we explore Cuervo and Newkirk, New Mexico - two nearly forgotten Route 66 towns filled with empty buildings, old gas stations, abandoned homes, and roadside relics left behind after I-40 changed the old highway forever. Cuervo was split by Interstate 40, while Newkirk faded as Route 66 traffic disappeared.
Then we follow the old road into Tucumcari, one of the most legendary Route 66 towns in New Mexico, for an overnight stay at the historic Blue Swallow Motel. Built in the Route 66 era and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Blue Swallow is one of the most famous surviving vintage motels on the Mother Road.
We meet the current owners, tour the rooms, see the neon, and experience what an original Route 66 motel stay still feels like today. Then we check out the restored Roadrunner Lodge Motel, a revived 1960s-style Route 66 motel bringing classic roadside Americana back to life in Tucumcari.
From ghost towns beside the interstate to glowing neon and legendary motels, this is Route 66 New Mexico at its most forgotten, fragile, and unforgettable.
Randomland merch shop:
randomland.com
If Randomland has ever inspired you, made you laugh, or brightened your day, this is your chance to keep it alive. Grab some epic merch at randomland.com and join on Patreon at patreon.com/justinscarred. Every bit of support fuels the travel, filming, and editing that make these adventures possible - it only exists because of you.
Route 66 in eastern New Mexico runs right alongside Interstate 40, but just beyond the modern traffic are some of the most haunting ghost towns, abandoned gas stations, classic motels, and surviving neon signs on the Mother Road.
In this Randomland adventure, we explore Cuervo and Newkirk, New Mexico - two nearly forgotten Route 66 towns filled with empty buildings, old gas stations, abandoned homes, and roadside relics left behind after I-40 changed the old highway forever. Cuervo was split by Interstate 40, while Newkirk faded as Route 66 traffic disappeared.
Then we follow the old road into Tucumcari, one of the most legendary Route 66 towns in New Mexico, for an overnight stay at the historic Blue Swallow Motel. Built in the Route 66 era and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Blue Swallow is one of the most famous surviving vintage motels on the Mother Road.
We meet the current owners, tour the rooms, see the neon, and experience what an original Route 66 motel stay still feels like today. Then we check out the restored Roadrunner Lodge Motel, a revived 1960s-style Route 66 motel bringing classic roadside Americana back to life in Tucumcari.
From ghost towns beside the interstate to glowing neon and legendary motels, this is Route 66 New Mexico at its most forgotten, fragile, and unforgettable.
Randomland merch shop:
randomland.com
If Randomland has ever inspired you, made you laugh, or brightened your day, this is your chance to keep it alive. Grab some epic merch at randomland.com and join on Patreon at patreon.com/justinscarred. Every bit of support fuels the travel, filming, and editing that make these adventures possible - it only exists because of you.
