Going west from Gallup, NM we are now at the Arizona state line. Lupton is a very small village in Navajo land, on the historic Route 66, next to the New Mexico state line and at the foot of the Painted Cliffs, it inspired a location in the movie Cars and was filmed in the movie "The Grapes of Wrath". When the studio decided to make the animated film "Cars", it sent out scouts along Route 66 to identify iconic characters and unique features. They reached Lupton and spotted the Painted Cliffs. It inspired them and that was the origin of the "Wheel Well Motel" It's easy to dismiss Lupton for its kitschy shops selling Indian gewgaws, post cards and shot glasses to tourists. Clearly, time and the high-speed highway have passed Lupton by. At one time, Lupton had legitimate trading posts that sold rugs and jewelry from Navajo, Hopi and Zuni artists. The town site is on deeded land within the Navajo reservation. The Tomahawk Indian Store, also called TeePee Trading Post, is located on I-40, exit 359 on Grants Road, just east of the Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post. The sign says this is the biggest teepee in the southwest, well it is 60 feet tall and packed full of interesting stuff. There used to be a cafe located upstairs in the Teepee, but no more.
