San Jon Travel Guide

Plan your trip to San Jon with our comprehensive guide featuring popular attractions, best things to do, where to stay, local cuisine, and travel tips.


Introduction to San Jon

San Jon is a small town located in northeastern New Mexico, right off of Route 66. Although it is a small town, it is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. San Jon is a great destination for travelers who seek a peaceful and quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

List of Places to Visit in San Jon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Old San Jon School: This historic building was once a school and now serves as a museum. It is home to a collection of artifacts and documents that tell the story of San Jon’s rich history.
  • The Route 66 Monument: This monument marks the spot where Route 66 passes through San Jon. It is a great place to take photos and learn about the history of the iconic road.
  • The Quay County Courthouse: This courthouse dates back to the early 1900s and features a beautiful Neo-Classical design.

Natural Attractions of San Jon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Conchas Lake State Park: This park is a great place to go hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. It is home to a variety of wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for bird watching.
  • Tucumcari Mountain: This mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is a great place to go hiking, bird watching, or just enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Canadian River Canyon: This canyon is located just a short drive from San Jon and offers some of the most scenic views in the area. Visitors can go hiking, fishing, or enjoy a picnic in the park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Jon

San Jon offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Tucumcari Mountain Trail: This 1.5-mile trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is a great place to go hiking, bird watching, or just enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Conchas Lake Trail: This 6.5-mile trail offers excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. It winds through some of the most scenic areas of the Conchas Lake State Park.
  • Canadian River Trail: This 3-mile trail runs through the Canadian River Canyon and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in San Jon: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Old San Jon School Museum and learn about the town’s rich history.
  • Go hiking or biking on one of the many trails in the area.
  • Spend a day boating, fishing, or camping at Conchas Lake State Park.
  • Take a scenic drive along Route 66.
  • Visit Tucumcari Mountain and enjoy the stunning views.
  • Go bird watching in the Canadian River Canyon.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Jon

Day 1: Visit the Old San Jon School Museum and learn about the town’s rich history.

Day 2: Take a scenic drive along Route 66 and stop at some of the historic landmarks along the way.

Day 3: Spend a day boating, fishing, or camping at Conchas Lake State Park.

Day 4: Go hiking or biking on one of the many trails in the area.

Day 5: Visit Tucumcari Mountain and enjoy the stunning views.

Day 6: Go bird watching in the Canadian River Canyon.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of San Jon.

Food and Drink Scene of San Jon

Must-Try Dishes

San Jon offers visitors a taste of authentic New Mexican cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Green Chile Stew: This hearty stew is made with roasted green chiles, pork, potatoes, and spices.
  • Carne Adovada: This dish features marinated pork that has been slow-cooked in a sauce made from red chiles.
  • Sopaipillas: These fluffy fried pastries are often served with honey or filled with savory ingredients like ground beef or beans.

Local Beverages

When it comes to beverages, San Jon has plenty to offer. Here are some local favorites:

  • Green Chile Beer: This unique beer is made with roasted green chiles and offers a spicy kick.
  • Margaritas: San Jon’s margaritas are made with fresh lime juice and tequila and are a perfect way to cool off on a hot day.
  • Chicha: This traditional beverage is made from fermented corn and is a popular drink in the area.

Where to Stay in San Jon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Jon offers visitors a variety of accommodations to choose from. Here are some of the best options:

  • Best Western Plus Tucumcari Hotel: This hotel features modern amenities and is located just a short drive from San Jon.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Tucumcari: This hotel offers guests comfortable rooms and is located near some of the area’s top attractions.
  • Roadrunner Lodge: This retro-style motel is located in nearby Tucumcari and offers guests a memorable experience.

What to Buy in San Jon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When it comes to souvenirs, San Jon has plenty to offer. Here are some unique items to bring back home:

  • Authentic New Mexican pottery: Handcrafted pottery is a popular souvenir in the area and makes a great addition to any home.
  • Navajo blankets: These beautiful blankets are hand-woven by Navajo artisans and are a great souvenir to bring back home.
  • Local spices: New Mexico is known for its spicy cuisine, and visitors can bring back some of the area’s unique spices to give their home cooking a kick.

Local Culture and Customs of San Jon

San Jon is a small town that is proud of its heritage and culture. Visitors should be respectful of the town’s traditions and customs. It is also important to remember that the area has a strong Native American presence, and visitors should be mindful of their customs and traditions as well.

Best Time to Visit San Jon

The best time to visit San Jon is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter months can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Jon

Do:

  • Respect the town’s culture and traditions.
  • Enjoy the great outdoors by hiking, biking, or camping.
  • Try the local cuisine, including green chile stew and carne adovada.

Don’t:

  • Trespass on private property.
  • Litter or pollute the natural areas.
  • Disrespect the Native American traditions and customs in the area.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Jon

San Jon is a safe town for visitors, but it is always important to take precautions while traveling. Visitors should be cautious when hiking or biking in the area and should be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Health in San Jon

San Jon has a small medical center for minor injuries and illnesses. For more serious health issues, visitors may need to seek medical attention in a larger city nearby.

Getting to San Jon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near San Jon

The closest airport to San Jon is the Amarillo International Airport, located approximately 100 miles away.

Bus Stations Near San Jon

Greyhound Bus Lines has a stop in Tucumcari, located approximately 25 miles from San Jon.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to San Jon or hire a car.

How to Get Around in San Jon

San Jon is a small town and is best explored on foot or by car.

Where to Go Next from San Jon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Jon is located near several other great destinations. Here are some nearby places to explore:

  • Tucumcari: This small town is located just a short drive from San Jon and is known for its Route 66 landmarks.
  • Ute Lake State Park: This park is located approximately 50 miles from San Jon and offers excellent opportunities for boating and fishing.
  • Santa Fe: This historic city is located approximately 200 miles from San Jon and is a great place to explore New Mexico’s rich culture and history.

Conclusion

San Jon is a hidden gem in northeastern New Mexico, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors, learning about the town’s rich history, or tasting some authentic New Mexican cuisine, San Jon has something for everyone.