Musical Highway

The Fading Notes of the Musical Highway on Old Route 66 – Tijeras, New Mexico

Somewhere eastbound on Old Historic Route 66, between mile markers 4 and 5 near Tijeras, New Mexico, there's a stretch of road that used to sing. It's known as the Musical Highway, and if you drove exactly 45 miles per hour, the grooves in the asphalt would play “America the Beautiful.”

But not anymore—at least not clearly.

They no longer advertise it. In fact, it’s almost like it’s being erased. No signs. No mentions. And from what we’ve heard, there are no plans to repair or restore it. The grooves are worn down, and the melody has all but disappeared. You might catch a faint whisper of the song here and there, but don’t expect a concert. Honestly, it now plays more of a "Silent Night."

Still, we had to try it. Even if it's technically “closed” due to lack of promotion, we couldn’t resist. Because really, when are we ever going to be back in Tijeras, New Mexico?