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Owl Rock

W. Route 66, Mesita, NM
GPS: 35.034055, -107.338075

East < GO > West

This image of the Owl Rock really speaks for itself. It is an interesting landmark as you travel old Route 66. Beyond that, I haven't had a lot of luck looking for information on this good sized chunk of what I think is sandstone. It's about 1.6 miles west of Mesita Rd (I-40 Exit 117).

GPS: 35.034069, -107.338082

The postcard shown below shows the 1937 two lane alignment of Route 66 going through a cut in the mesa. This was the first paved section of the road here. It was later expanded to four lane which eventually became I-40. When I-40 opened local traffic reverted to using the original alignment of Route 66 around Dead Man's Curve.

OK, here's something to ponder ... in Native American culture the owl is apparently considered to be a sign of trouble ahead. Now see those cliffs in the background, you're going to drive around them in a couple of minutes. That little drive takes you around a pretty tight U-turn on that is commonly known as Dead Man's Curve. Only travelers heading west get to see the owl before carelessly careening around Dead Man's Curve, I guess motorists heading east are on their own!

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Vintage Advertising Highlights

OWL ROCK ON HIGHWAY U.S. 66
ABOUT 40 MILES WEST OF
ALBUQUERQUE N. MEX.

NOTE: You can see the post-1937 alignment of the Mother Rad on the left side of this image.
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Photo(s): 2013