We Went to Every Bowlin's Travel Center in 36 Hours

Throughout the southwest, there are a number of travel centers run by a company called Bowlin's Travel Centers. Since the 1930s, these roadside stops have been a part of the roadtrip experience when driving through New Mexico and Arizona. With stops like The Thing?, Running Indian, and Akela Flats, these are some of the most iconic trading posts and roadside attractions in the area. We decided to visit every single one of them. In 36 hours.

Claude M. Bowlin moved to New Mexico in 1906 from Oklahoma and in 1912 he began trading with the local Native Americans. Throughout the 1920s he was involved with several trading posts in the Gallup and Farmington areas of New Mexico.

In 1935, Bowlin sold his interest in another trading company and opened the Old Crater Trading Post on Route 66. This was the first of many trading posts Bowlin would own and operate through the years.

Today, Bowlin's owns 10 roadside stops in New Mexico and Arizona. In this video we drive over 700 miles to stop at every one of them over the course of two days. Join us as we see more snacks, Native American goods, fireworks, and odd souvenirs than we know what to do with.

00:00 Intro
01:34 Picacho Peak Plaza
03:46 Picacho Peak Travel Center
05:00 The Thing?
07:26 Historic Continental Divide Trading Post
09:32 Butterfield Station
10:52 Akela Flats Trading Post
12:40 Bowlin's Old West Trading Post
14:21 Running Indian
16:45 Flying C Ranch
18:33 Bluewater Outpost
20:01 Old Crater Trading Post

Our video on The Thing?:    • Exploring The Thing? - Arizona's Myst...  

○ Gear we use: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidetrack...

►Please subscribe for weekly updates showcasing some of our adventures:    / @sidetrackadventures  

►Also please follow Sidetrack Adventures on Instagram:   / sidetrackadventures  

►Music in this video is from Epidemic Sounds; use our link for a 60 day free trial: https://share.epidemicsound.com/v927fj