Discover Moriarty: Route 66, Aviation and Rodeos

Moriarty combines the history of Historic Route 66 with aviation and events held at different times throughout the year. The city is located in the Estancia Valley and has a high-desert climate. If you’re looking for a hotel in Moriarty, you can start planning your trip around these themes: local and transportation history, aviation, or a specific event date.

Moriarty between Highway 41 and Route 66

Moriarty is located at the junction of State Highway 41 and Historic Route 66. In 1937, Route 66 was rerouted through Moriarty along what is now New Mexico Highway 6 in the Rio Grande Valley. The Green Evans “Whiteway” Garage is also associated with Historic Route 66. This gives the road both a practical role in getting around and a local historical significance.

Local history in several stages

Michael Timothy Moriarty arrived with his wife and three children in the fall of 1887 at the site of present-day Moriarty; the family cleared the land there. In 1903, the Santa Fe Central Railroad built a railway line in the Moriarty area. The dates mark different developments: in 1887, a family arrived at the present-day site; in 1903, a railway line was built in the area; and in 1937, Route 66 was rerouted through the city. These three dates therefore represent different scales: a family at the present-day site, a railway line in the Moriarty area, and a route that later passed through the city.

Gliding and aviation

The U.S. Southwest Soaring Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating gliding. It gives visitors an insight into the sport’s development from its beginnings to the present day. Merlin Aviation offers glider rides and flight training in Moriarty. No prior experience is required for glider rides. The terminal building, or pilots’ lounge, at Moriarty Airport is available to pilots. Pilot amenities include a bathroom with a shower, a kitchen area with a microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator, a living area with a TV, a table for working, and Wi-Fi.

Events, remembrance and local culture

Rodeos are held weekly at the Heritage Rodeo Arena throughout the summer and can draw up to 300 visitors. The Pinto Bean Fiesta is also one of Moriarty’s events held throughout the year; specific dates vary. The arena’s Wall of Fame honors people considered outstanding in the history of Moriarty and the Estancia Valley.

The New Mexico National DWI Victims' Memorial of Perpetual Tears is the first national memorial in the United States for DWI victims and is maintained as a permanent, visible tribute to victims of DWI crashes. The Moriarty Historical Society and Museum received a Phase I grant from the New Mexico Historical Records Advisory Board to fund an oral history collection called “Cuentos de Abueletos.” Sierra Blanca Brewing’s Moriarty Beer Garden is located at 1016 Industrial Road, Moriarty, NM 87035. Check current operating details before visiting.

Match your travel dates to your plans

For trip planning, the timing varies by event: rodeos are held weekly in the summer, while dates for the Pinto Bean Fiesta vary. Check the specific event date before planning your trip. If a glider ride is part of your stay, check availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mountainair.

For the broader travel overview: Torrance County.