If you punch "Red Rock 10 Gallup" into a search bar, you’re probably looking for one of two things: a movie ticket or a trail map. It’s kind of a weird quirk of this New Mexico high-desert hub. On one hand, you have the Red Rock 10, the premier cinema destination for everyone in McKinley County. On the other, you have the literal "Red Rock 10"—the roughly ten miles of rugged, dusty, and absolutely stunning trails that wind through the Gallup OHV Park and the surrounding sandstone bluffs.
People get confused. I've seen tourists show up at the theater in hiking boots and locals trying to find showtimes for a mountain bike race. Honestly, both versions of the "Red Rock 10" are pillars of the community, but they serve very different purposes. Whether you're trying to catch the latest blockbuster in a recliner or kick up silt on a dirt bike, here is the ground truth on what makes this name so central to the Gallup experience.
The Cinematic Side: Allen Theatres Red Rock 10
Let’s talk about the big building at 3711 Church Rock Street. For most folks living in Gallup, the Red Rock 10 is the Allen Theatres multiplex. It’s the place where the smells of buttery popcorn and Navajo tacos (occasionally found nearby) collide.
This isn't just some run-down small-town theater. It’s actually pretty modern. They’ve got the luxury recliners now, which, if you’ve ever sat through a three-hour epic in a regular chair, you know is a total game-changer. They run ten screens—hence the name—and they are pretty much the only game in town for major releases.
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Why It’s the Local Hub
In a town like Gallup, where the wind can sometimes blow hard enough to peel the paint off a truck, having a reliable indoor escape is essential. The Red Rock 10 has become the de facto community center on Friday nights.
- The Tech: They use Dolby 7.1 surround and digital projection.
- The Vibe: It’s surprisingly clean, and the staff is usually local kids who know everyone in line.
- The Accessibility: It’s right near the junction of I-40 and US-491, making it a pit stop for travelers heading toward Arizona or up into the Navajo Nation.
One thing to keep in mind: during the Red Rock Balloon Rally in December, this area gets packed. You might think you’re just going to see a matinee, but you’ll end up in a sea of chase crews and tourists.
The Rugged Side: The Gallup Red Rock 10 Mile Trails
Now, if you weren't looking for a movie, you were likely looking for the Gallup OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Park. This place is a beast. Located on Hasler Valley Road, it covers about 300 acres of city land and features approximately 10 miles of ATV and motorcycle trails.
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This is the "Red Rock 10" for the adrenaline junkies. It opened back in November 2010 after about a decade of planning. It’s not just a flat patch of dirt; the elevation here sits between 6,600 and 6,800 feet. If you aren't used to the altitude, even a casual ride will leave you winded.
The Terrain Breakdown
The dirt here is that classic New Mexico red clay. When it’s dry, it’s fast and dusty. When it rains? Forget about it. It turns into a sticky "gumbo" that will seize up a chain or a wheel well in minutes.
- The Motocross Track: There is a 1.2-mile main track for the serious jumpers.
- The Trails: The 10 miles of single-track and double-track are maintained mostly by the Red Rock Motorsports Club.
- The Difficulty: Most of it is amateur-friendly, but there are a few expert-level rocky climbs that will test your suspension.
Navigating the Confusion
It is incredibly easy to mix these up because Gallup’s branding is very "Red Rock" heavy. You have Red Rock Park, the Red Rock 10 theater, the Red Rock 100 race, and the Red Rock Balloon Rally.
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If you’re looking for the Red Rock 100, that’s a different animal entirely. That’s a desert race organized by the New Mexico Race Collective. It usually happens in the summer (late June or July), and it is brutal. We are talking high-heat, high-dust endurance racing. Don't show up at the theater expecting to see dirt bikes, and don't show up at Hasler Valley Road expecting to see Zootopia 2.
Why Both Matter to Gallup
Gallup is a town of contrasts. You’ve got the deep history of the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi cultures, the grit of a major railroad hub, and the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado Plateau. The Red Rock 10 (in both forms) represents the two ways people here decompress.
One offers a window into Hollywood and a chance to sit in the dark and relax. The other offers a chance to get dirty, go fast, and conquer the landscape. Both are tucked right against those massive sandstone cliffs that make this part of the world so iconic.
Actionable Advice for Visitors
If you are planning to visit either "version" of the Red Rock 10 in 2026, here is what you actually need to do:
- For the Moviegoers: Check showtimes on the Allen Theatres website before you go. Tuesday is usually "Discount Day," but the theater can get loud with families. If you want a quiet experience, aim for a late-night screening on a weekday.
- For the Riders: The OHV Park is generally open year-round, but you need to watch the weather. If there’s standing water or it’s been raining for two days, stay off the trails. You’ll ruin the tracks and your gear.
- Gear Up: At 6,500+ feet, the sun is no joke. Even if you’re just walking from the parking lot to the theater, wear sunscreen. If you’re riding the 10-mile loop, bring twice as much water as you think you need.
- Parking Fees: While the OHV park is often accessible, the nearby Red Rock Park (where the Balloon Rally happens) usually charges a $10 parking fee during major events. Keep some cash in your glove box because the cellular signal for card readers can be spotty in the canyons.
Whether you're there for the recliners or the red dirt, just make sure you're heading to the right side of town. The theater is on the west end near the mall, while the OHV trails are tucked into the hills on the northeast side. Pack your goggles for the trails and your appetite for the theater popcorn.