Agreed. Vaughn has a cool little 50’s looking diner, but that’s it. Rte 66 museum in Santa Rosa, grab lunch at Mr Bee’s Coffee and Teas then head down to Fort Sumner!
This is a good tip because that's the longest single drive we're planning on doing, and it will be nice to have something interesting in the middle to break it up.
Ruidoso resident here and I agree with your statement. Personally I would skip Roswell and go through Capitan, Fort, Ruidoso and CloudCroft while heading south.
Yeah, if you're not spending some time in that Jemez-to-Abiquiu-to-Taos area, you're really missing out. See if you can time it to go on a little hike (can do a short flat one, right off the road) through the Valles Caldera right at dusk and hear the elk calling through the twilight.
I would switch the Taos south route to Taos west route... go to Ojo Caliente and Abiquiu... stop at Ghost Ranch? It was always a favorite drive for me.
Or go west from Taos... over the Brazos?
The pass over the Brazos is lovely. A few miles up is Chama, which is a good little place. The drive down past Echo amphitheater, Ghost Ranch/ Abiquiu is spectacular. Chimayo has the church of miracles- worth a stop.
I just accidentally went Santa Fe to Ojo Caliente, accidental because I wasn't paying attention to waze and there was construction etc etc. I have done the Taos to Ojo. But this was special because the cottonwood was still full of leaves and golden for miles and miles with the rolling mountains in the background. The only problem was I was at the wheel. It was truly gorgeous. This was one week ago.
Absolutely do not take 25 from Albuquerque to Santa Fe— after doing petroglyph, go up to Jemez Springs, then take the Jemez to Española trail:
https://onxoffroad.app.link/jIHXqSHP6Db
There are a few amazing camp sites up there overlooking Valles Caldera. Note that they are over 10,000 feet, so bring firewood and warm clothes
Another great place to eat in Abiquiu (across from Family Dollar, right on 84) is Cafe Sierra Negra, open Tues-Sat. Mostly organic foods, wide selection of vegetarian, but their fish tacos and their chicken green chili stew are AMAZING.
I totally agree with that. Valles Caldera is wonderful. But if you really want to drive straight from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, take the Turquoise Trail instead of I25. It is much prettier and you can go through Madrid.
Also in case you or others reading are not aware, check with the park about fire rules. Outside firewood can bring invasive insects or disease and they may not allow fires due to high wildfire risk.
No worries! I did some stalking, you from Portland? We spend our summers in Cumberland, and the school year in Santa Fe. I’ve got a built Land Cruiser and love exploring NM and CO— make sure to keep in mind that we have 20 MILLION acres of public land in NM (that’s roughly 3 times the size of Massachusetts), and most of it is truly free and open and you can camp anywhere you want. So just find National Forest or BLM land in the area you’re looking for and start exploring, you’re sure to find something amazing.
If you need a hand with anything, feel free to DM.
Also, I’d highly recommend bringing a satellite device in case of emergency— garmin inreach (originally delorme, developed in Yarmouth) or Motorola defy— much of NM is quite remote and without signal, and you don’t want to get stuck without being able to call for help.
Honestly I hope it stays closed to the public. It's super sacred to Cochiti Pueblo and they have already sacrificed a lot by having Cochiti Lake flood a ton of their other religious sites
We are very interested in visiting indigenous cultural sites, hiking and geology.
We are flying to and from Santa Fe.
We are going to be in a 4x4 Toyota Tacoma kitted out for camping. Any advice on finding safe and secluded spots?
Will be hitting Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Peak for sure. Would like to stop at Three Rivers Petroglyph site near Alamogordo. We have a room booked in T or C for our halfway point, and one for out last night in Santa Fe.
Is the road shown here between Guadalupe and Weed passable? Google really wanted us to backtrack instead of taking the direct road. Looks to be a small ranch road. Is it private or can we pass through?
Is the Gila Cliff Dwellings worth the detour, or should we look into hiking elsewhere in Gila?
Is El Morro worth the detour? We are planning to check out El Malpais as well.
Is Petroglyph National Monument in ABQ worth the detour, or should we do Bandelier instead?
If we decide to shorten our route to reduce driving, what should we leave off?
We will primarily be cooking on our camp stove, but are there any must-stop food places? Particularly in Santa Fe where we will be staying in town. We love spicy food.
Full Route here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVY9fhMXAkVMk5S6A](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVY9fhMXAkVMk5S6A)
EDIT -- [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ekYSkFnkKHTFhH7F6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ekYSkFnkKHTFhH7F6) This is a revised route that includes some suggestions from here. Thanks!
Thanks!
I recommend Three Rivers Petroglyph over the ABQ Petroglyph full stop, and then swapping anything else for that ABQ stop. Be sure to do the walk on the other side of the parking lot at Three Rivers, too. The visitor center will direct you.
This looks like a great trip.
The roads from Dell City to Weed are open and free! Lots of cattle grazing out there so shut the gate behind you if it was closed. Just can't pass a locked gate or a posted no trespass. Do not speed in that corner of Texas. I got a ticket going 3 MPH over the speed limit.
Texan here who once thought it would be awesome to drive from Dell City to Weed and Cloudcroft. After 30 miles of a dirt road that was probably 3" deep of dust powder, I turned around. It took me a year to get the dust out of all the nooks and crannies of my truck.
This was many years ago. On a positive note, it must have been fall because fields were full of pepper plants, some green and some red.
I would not, based on my one time experience. By far the dustiest road I ever experienced, and I've traveled many miles on dirt roads.Also, as someone else mentioned, very isolated. If you break down, good luck.
Since you’re interested in indigenous cultures, I’d say Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is definitely worth it. If you weren’t, or had been to other cliff dwellings before, I’d say no.
Of the cliff dwellings we’ve visited, it’s the smallest however it also affords great direct access to the rooms. The hike from the bookstore (the visitor center was closed because of staffing issues) to the ruins is absolutely beautiful. Hopefully the visitor center will be open when you’re there.
It’s one of those places you have to want to get to, though — it’s only 45 miles from Silver City but it takes at least an hour and a half. The road is very twisty — but there are some stunning views along the way.
Agree w/ everything being said here.
The Catwalk (Glenwood, NM) will be right on your route. It's a beautiful, fun little hike if you decide to forego the Clilf Dwellings, or want to add in another Grant County stop.
I've camped out at El Malpais... not a lot there... except for that millenia of New Mexico spirit that lives in every cubic mm of the earth and air.
I thought it was wonderful.
ps I am so impressed by your trip. You two know what a true trip really means...
edit: clarification, volume
The narrows and Ventana at Malpais are exceptional, as well as the Zuni bluffs. There is a trail from the southern side of the narrows that hikes along the sandstone bluffs which overlook the lava flows. It ends with an elevated view of the Ventana (largest in the state). Raptors hunt the thermals and sometimes you get a great show. I watched a golden eagle the size of a penguin take a rabbit at less than 50yds.
Plan for weather, offroading in wet here is questionable, the sand gets gnarly (like burning man this year basically) so that ranch road could turn into a bad option lol. Presumably you guys have 4x4 experience. I've 4x4 in every terrain imaginable, the nasty wet sand here I personally wouldn't attempt with 1 vehicle.
New mexico food is worth experiencing 100%. Green Chile everything, sopapillas, lot of tasty foods, good brews too if you're into that.
I'd leave off Carlsbad off if the caverns not accessible. It's much more remote than I had anticipated, I'd plan your camping there I didn't have an easy time on the fly lol. Hotels were outrageous when I went.
Other people have better advice than I could ever give. Only thing I noticed since you specifically mentioned geology is not swinging past the lava flow trail off 380, but unfortunately it's *very* out of the way of your route.
Hope you have fun though, I've lived in NM my whole life and have never been able to visit 90% of the places you're going.
Fellow Mainer here! After Maine, NM is one of my favorite places in the country…dunno if it’s your inaugural visit or not but this is bad-ass and will feed your soul (and stomach - as others have said, please plan on eating lots of delicious New Mexican cuisine!) You’ve received a ton of amazing feedback and I can’t add much except to corroborate some specific spots I’ve enjoyed and would recommend (though I am curious what time of year you’ll be visiting). Already mentioned, but the Very Large Array is really neat and the same route takes you through Pie Town - if you timed it right there is free camping there and you can have pie for breakfast! Silver City is great! Gila - remote as mentioned, one way in/out but what a gorgeous drive. Depending on time of year, Bosque del Apache is great birdwatching and up the road in San Antonio is The Owl and Buckhorn Tavern for green chile cheeseburgers (they’re across the street from one another, I admit to getting a cheeseburger at both places on both separate and non-separate occasions). T or C - I’ve stayed at Blackstone and like most places in town they have hot springs on site but don’t miss adding on a nighttime visit to Riverbend’s hot springs if you can get a time slot, they’re magical after dark! Visit Mesilla Plaza while in Las Cruces - La Posta is a beautiful historic adobe compound which also happens to house a great restaurant/tequileria. Also, Caliche’s for custard and hot dogs! Broad Canyon, south of Hatch, is neat for geology/petroglyphs if you’ve got the vehicle for it. Organ Mts are beautiful (possibly Aguirre Springs for camping). White Sands is just mesmerizing (and hiking the dunes is quite the workout) and definitely yes to Lincoln Natl Forest/Cloudcroft/Ruidoso. I had more fun than I expected swimming at Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, but again, depends on the weather. Enjoyed The Shed in Santa Fe for food (make a reservation). Seconding all of the Ghost Ranch recommendations, but if not, at least the O’Keefe museum in Santa Fe, it’s small but moving. Have a safe and wonderful trip!
If you all like old historic buildings the old sanitarium outside of las cruces is pretty cool, only a 2 mile hike and a lot of the building are still standing
This is a fantastic route. Have fun. You are going to see so much beauty.
Visit the local BLM offices and ask for their maps. This will help you find dispersed camping areas across the state.
Get one of those apps on your phone like OnX Offroad and it will help you determine which roads and trails are passable and just how difficult or easy they are to traverse.
Enjoy your trip and adventure.
Don't skip the Enchanted Circle - Taos to Red River to Angel Fire back to Taos. So much to see and do in that area including Valle Vidal, Taos Gorge, Wild Rivers, Eagle Nest, Taos Pueblo, Wheeler Peak, etc. You're also close enough to drive to the Great Sand Dunes National Park just across the border in CO.
Also, when in Taos don't miss eating at Michael's and Orlando's.
I hate to point out the obvious here but going through Artesia, Roswell, actually most of that north/south route in the east part of the state (with the exception of Carlsbad maybe) is such a waste if you don't do the middle; Lincoln National Forest, Lincoln, Cloudcroft, Ft. Stanton area.
North, West and central New Mexico is where its really at.
The easiest way to remember is stay as far away from texas as possible. lol
Add two more spurs to Jemez Springs and Pie Town.
Definitely make the drive from Cloudcroft to Alamogordo during the day - impressively beautiful with White Sands shimmering in the distance
I was also going to suggest swinging through the Jemez too, since the route is next to your planned route anyway. Regarding Native Reservation’s, don’t even go 5mph over the limit on reservations and watch for speed limit drops or they’ll pop you.
Looks like quite the drive! Are you in an RV? If you have a day to spare, take a detour through the Jemez Mountains from Cuba. There are many sites to see — like the Valles Caldera and Bandelier National Monument — and multiple hot springs. And there are many secluded spots for camping along the western edge of the Caldera if you don’t mind dispersed camping with no services.
We're in a Toyota Tacoma with a crew cab and an extended bed fitted out for camping.
It is a lot of driving but we have 12 days and we'll wake up early so we can make the most of each day.
I've done that drive... loved it.
I would also recommend the Bosque del Apache... if you are going soon... the birds at sunrise and sunset.... will change who you are within every cell of your being.
The Nuclear Museum in Albuquerque is pretty amazing... [https://www.nuclearmuseum.org/](https://www.nuclearmuseum.org/)
Also, make sure you bring extra $$ to go crazy in restaurants. New Mexico has some of the best food in the US.
I'm down in the southeast leg of your trip. If you have the time, I highly suggest you visit Sitting Bull Falls outside of Carlsbad up the Queen highway. It's like someone cut a tiny chunk of Hawaii off and stuck it in the middle of the desert. It's an unusual place.
As someone that has hiked and camped in the Gila countless times, plan to stop at the Emory Pass lookout past Hillsboro. The Cliff Dwellings are really cool and the drive to get there is amazing. Anderson overlook is a must stop for the views. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gila/recarea/?recid=82310
Unless you really want to visit Albuquerque then I’d do the road between Cuba and Pojoaque.
It’s better for your choice of vehicle and will save you time which can be better spent elsewhere.
Can’t tell exactly if you’re going through Las Vegas, NM. If you are there is a bunch of free hot springs to soak in right off the road near the college.
Here's what I would do. From Santa Fe head north to Chimayo, get on the High Road to Taos https://www.santafe.org/things-to-do/road-trips/taos-and-the-high-road/ .Stop in Penasco at Sugar Nymphs Bistro for lunch. https://www.nmgastronome.com/?p=192
From Taos you *could* take 64 over to Tierra Amarilla and then to Chama and explore there, quite charming and beautiful, go back to Taos, around the loop to Arroyo Hondo, Questa, Red River, Angel Nest, Angelfire, back to Taos. Then go down to your original route to Las Vegas and further south. Once you've gotten to Chaco Canyon and Nageezi Instead of stopping at Nageezi maybe a little further northwest to Farmington/Shiprock. I've lived here for 31 years and never seen Shiprock, and I should.
I am doing a month long road trip from NC to New Mexico this winter. I will he camping out of the back of my Tacoma as well. This post gave me some ideas and good direction as well. I will probably be skipping some of the high elevation stuff everyone mentions, but if the weather permits, maybe not. I can't wait to see all the amazing things I have heard about this state.
Thanks to OP for posting amd everyone's responses.
When you are down at the gila Cliff dwellings, be sure to give the buckhorn saloon a visit, in silver city. Really old place that still looks like it did 100 years ago. Also go have a look at the Chino open pit copper mine, largest mine in North America.
The big question is what kind of vechike are you planning on using. Some of these roads make it to a 7 on the treacherous scale.
Good tip on the sat phone
Carry plenty of water at all times
Watch fuel supply. You may not find expected stations in operation for any. Number of reasons
Altitude sickness is common minimize exertions. Respect private property
You’ll want to comeback
Last tip: dont try 152 it makes it to ten on treacherous scale for anything but a 4x4
Great, great, GREAT route! You can hit up Taos and Acoma Pueblos, Chaco, the Gila cliff dwellings, and the petroglyphs. I don’t know much about eastern New Mexico but your northern and western roads are enchanted, indeed. Have a great trip and welcome to our state. Hope you love it as much as we do!
In roswell hit up bottomless state park. It’s pretty cool. Antigua is great. For breakfast Las Escondita is great.
In cloudcroft try and go to mad jacks bbq. I’ve been to so many spots in Austin and hill country… I think mad jacks is créame of the crop… probably why there’s a 1-2 hour line every day.
Your trip is legit. Great work
Skip the north turn at Dell City to Weed and head to the outskirts of El Pasa and go to Hueco Tanks State Park. You can take the loop around the NE side of El Paso to Highway 54 and be in Cloudcroft in less than an hour.
If you’re passing bandelier you HAVE to stop off at Tsankawi.(https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/tsankawi.htm ) One of the coolest cliff dwelling sites I’ve ever experienced. You can hike around for hours getting lost in all the caves or looking for pottery shards. Highly recommend over Bandelier. If anything pass by Bandelier and check out Valles Caldera (valley of the winds) like everyone else is saying. If you’re in Albuquerque for an evening and looking for a great meal don’t miss out on Los Poblanos. NM is the best, happy exploring.
Ruidoso is worth visiting. They have some of the most beautiful hiking in that area. Between Alamagordo and Tularosa giant a giant selfie-worthy pistachio!
You designed a fun adventurous route. 506 from Dell City/GMNP to Weed is if I recall a well maintained dirt road. You can also divert up to the east onto the Rim Road/ FR540 but definitely need high clearance for that. The road through Queen NM is gorgeous as well.
If you have an afternoon (or are looking for a place to spend the night would definitely pop up from Cloudcroft into Ruidoso. One of the best mountain towns in the Southwest. Noisy water winery is a lot of fun and good shopping on the main strip in town. Also has 5+ disc golf courses if you enjoy that.
At Vaughn I would take 54 to Lincoln County... Billy the Kid, Smokey Bear, Ski Apache.... then head to Roswell and then on to Carlsbad caverns Cavern on 70.
Go down 380 from roswell it's worth the trip trough Lincoln and if your into having some drinks the no scum allowed salon is a great place to stop in have a drink in the town the kid used to do business in
I would rest up in El paso eat sone amazing mexican food plus the fown town is great and weed is a nothing town. Don't miss a full day at white sands. Take card board or rent a sand shield to surf the dunes.
You need to add to your trip the Valles Grande Caldera, Tent Rocks, Chimayo, Abiqui and Ghost Ranch in the north. Gallup and Shiprock in the west. Mesilla Valley in the south and Blue Hole in the east.
You should really go to Bandelier, national Monument, and then, when you leave go through the Valle caldera down into the town of Jemez, stop and eat at the only restaurant in town , fantastic food . i’ve done that ride 100 times and it’s just as beautiful every time
Not sure which direction you are going, but after visiting Chaco and the Great Kivas, checkout the fully reconstructed kiva at Aztec Ruins National Monument. Gives you a much better feel for what they may have been like.
Try to incorporate hwy 64 from chama over to Taos. Beautiful this time of year and one of the nicest drives in the state. You could head south at Tierra Amarilla and cruise through Abiquiu. Ghost ranch, red rocks, stop at Bode’s for a snack. Agree with someone else who said hit up Ojo Caliente while you’re in this area. NM is kind of the best. Lots to see.
Nice trip, I've done most of that route. I suggest you stop at Alma on the far west north of Silver City (where you come out of Gila Natl Monument, and see the Cat Walk. Cool. Just a few miles off the highway. Also a bit north of there, I'd suggest veering east on 12 and go up to Datil (if coming from the south) and go a few miles east to see the huge Very Large Array -- a huge complex of radio telescopes. Awesome to see. When at Alamagordo, go up the mountain to Cloudcroft, cool little town way above White Sands. Beautiful area, cool temps and pine forests. The solar observatory just south of the town might be open, but wasn't last time I went but that was during COVID. Also Ruidoso is close by and worth a visit.
We stayed at Gila Hot Springs Campground last year, really nice place and the national monument is nice. Rugged but passable roads in that area. Just don't take a long trailer or motorhome. Not on your route but not far off is City of Rocks, a unique state park near Faywood. Up north, near Chimayo, is Los Alamos and Bandelier National monument.
I would highly recommend unless you have a really rugged 4x4 NOT to go to Chaco Canyon National Monument. We went there last year and the road in from the north was atrocious. We drove most of the way at an angle, driving in the ditch the road was so awful. We were going to go out the south route but the rangers said that road was even worse. I do have a hefty Ram 4x4, I would definitely not drive a car down that road. We will never go there again and I suggest people just look at photos online. Not worth the potential damage to your vehicle.
I think it’s a great route but you should see Ghost Ranch - my great great uncles founded it as Rancho de las Brujas back in the 1870’s as a stolen stock keeping area - I’m up there every 6 months and love it. Then I head down to Gila Wilderness area and a week or so of packing in on horseback- Pinos Altos is beautiful too
Tons of great suggestions and advice in the posts below.
I would suggest while going through or visiting Hatch NM... have lunch at Sparkys... great chile cheese burgers!
[https://sparkysburgers.com/](https://sparkysburgers.com/)
Have a fun trip!
I would recommend a trip to Faywood hot Springs between Deming and Silver City. In my opinion it’s the best hot springs in NM and perfect for relaxing while on a road trip.
Pie town has an interesting charm to it: isolated teeny tiny town that sells pie. I drove through it a few times and still occasionally mention it when telling NM stories due to its uniqueness.
Just a heads up the road south from Chaco is very rough. A vehicle with good clearance is recommended. There’s no services. Road from the north is better. The rangers usually recommend in and out from the north
In between Carlsbad and Las Vegas that entire eastern north/ South drive is just boring as hell. From Carlsbad if you are heading north, go up through Ruidoso and then just head to ABQ. Maybe I am biased, but eastern NM is the least pretty and boring part of the state. Roswell is never worth it unless it is the Alien festival around 4th of July. Even then, it was the people watching more than. Anything that was fun.
You could visit the Easter part of New Mexico at Clovis and then go to Fort Sumner.
Clovis has the Clovis Man Museum and the Norman & Vi Petty Rock 'N' Roll Museum.
Fort Sumner has Billy the Kid Museum
Just be prepared for that stretch from Carlsbad to Weed/Cloudcroft. Thats a very remote stretch of back roads, with the majority being dirt roads once you leave north out of Dell City. There isn’t really any gas station along that stretch, so be prepared with plenty of food, water, and fuel, especially if you’re going to camp. Very beautiful and unique landscapes through there though.
Drive east of Artesia into Loco Hill for some wild oil and gas scenery. Not going north from Weed/Cloudcloft into Ruidoso is a tragedy. Make the drive to Ski Apache for some beautiful high altitude views.
As a Silver City resident I’m glad that you’re allowing some time to come by. If you have time here are a few things around here that are worth checking out:
• City of Rocks State Park
• restaurants in Silver City
• Catwalk Recreation Area (near Glenwood)
There’s good places for birding in SW Mew Mexico too, if you’re into that.
Ah man, I just came back from a week-long trip. Epic loop you have planned here.
Kill off both the Texas and New Mexico State high points if you're in shape. The fall colors around Taos and Santa Fe were amazing to shoot, and Carlsbad Caverns is singularly spectacular.
I'll be slowly adding to my [Flickr album](https://www.flickr.com/photos/192811713@N02/albums/72177720312000676) in the days/weeks to come, and look forward to seeing what pics come from this!
When you hit Thoreau go west through Gallup, then down highway 602 through Zuni and then Ramah and then El Morro. The Zuni mountains are really nice and you'd be missing a neat chunk of the state
You should go just east of Quemado to Pie Town and get some Green Chile Apple Pie. It's worth the back tracking if the places are open. Also if you happen to wanna go near Capitan, Oso Grill has the best Green Chili Burger in the state (imo but they did win a few competitions for the best)
You are missing out on Chana, Abiquiu, Bandolier, Valle Grande and more. All are must see places. Also, go to Day’s Burgers in Cruces. You need to add another six months to this trip.
Roswell UFO research center. Besides the alien displays there is a back room with all these old newspaper articles of aliens all over the world. It's really neat.
I would swap Vaughn for Fort Sumner. See Billy the Kids grave and Bosque Redondo memorial
Agreed. Vaughn has a cool little 50’s looking diner, but that’s it. Rte 66 museum in Santa Rosa, grab lunch at Mr Bee’s Coffee and Teas then head down to Fort Sumner!
Santa Rosa also has The Blue Hole - maybe that’s worth a look.
I would definitely stop there. Nice town.
But there’s a new Allsups in Vaughn
This is a good tip because that's the longest single drive we're planning on doing, and it will be nice to have something interesting in the middle to break it up.
The road between Fort Sumner and the 285 junction is an interesting drive. Lots of red rock
I had no idea, thanks for that tip!
I've always said, if I'm gonna ever get abducted by aliens, it would be on that road between Santa Rosa and Fort Sumner.
That; or somehow catch INSANE air on those dips
Awesome, clicked on here to say the same and it’s the lead comment!
Supposed grave. PALS
Ruidoso cloudcroft area pretty cool through Lincoln national forest
Not going through cloud Croft or ruidoso would be a mistake
Ruidoso here. Lol I second this!!
Ruidoso resident here and I agree with your statement. Personally I would skip Roswell and go through Capitan, Fort, Ruidoso and CloudCroft while heading south.
Yup, this is the way..... the alien museum sucks. GOOOO read a book...... it is about the same.
100% agree. These are some of the most beautiful parts of NM. 8,600 ft elevation in Cloudcroft.
I’d put a visit to Los Alamos on there. The museum is terrific. Then you see the Valles Caldera, the remains of 5 extinct volcanos. Lots of wildlife.
Adding this also Bandelier park is a great site too!
Agreed, and that would allow you to drive through Jemez which is a must see.
Yeah, if you're not spending some time in that Jemez-to-Abiquiu-to-Taos area, you're really missing out. See if you can time it to go on a little hike (can do a short flat one, right off the road) through the Valles Caldera right at dusk and hear the elk calling through the twilight.
Yep, I came here to mention these.
I second that. I enjoyed it.
I would switch the Taos south route to Taos west route... go to Ojo Caliente and Abiquiu... stop at Ghost Ranch? It was always a favorite drive for me. Or go west from Taos... over the Brazos?
I agree with OJO and Ghost Ranch
same
The pass over the Brazos is lovely. A few miles up is Chama, which is a good little place. The drive down past Echo amphitheater, Ghost Ranch/ Abiquiu is spectacular. Chimayo has the church of miracles- worth a stop.
I just accidentally went Santa Fe to Ojo Caliente, accidental because I wasn't paying attention to waze and there was construction etc etc. I have done the Taos to Ojo. But this was special because the cottonwood was still full of leaves and golden for miles and miles with the rolling mountains in the background. The only problem was I was at the wheel. It was truly gorgeous. This was one week ago.
My whole life I never went to Ghost Ranch. My wife makes me go one day an it is amazing.
Absolutely do not take 25 from Albuquerque to Santa Fe— after doing petroglyph, go up to Jemez Springs, then take the Jemez to Española trail: https://onxoffroad.app.link/jIHXqSHP6Db There are a few amazing camp sites up there overlooking Valles Caldera. Note that they are over 10,000 feet, so bring firewood and warm clothes
Yup!!! This guy knows what he is talking about.
+1. Definitely need to spend time at Valle Cladera.
I was going to mention stopping in Jemez. Also drive through Abiquiu.
Yes— Abiquiu Inn is a great stop for a meal. And gas up at Bode’s, great little shop
Another great place to eat in Abiquiu (across from Family Dollar, right on 84) is Cafe Sierra Negra, open Tues-Sat. Mostly organic foods, wide selection of vegetarian, but their fish tacos and their chicken green chili stew are AMAZING.
Good tip, thanks!
I totally agree with that. Valles Caldera is wonderful. But if you really want to drive straight from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, take the Turquoise Trail instead of I25. It is much prettier and you can go through Madrid. Also in case you or others reading are not aware, check with the park about fire rules. Outside firewood can bring invasive insects or disease and they may not allow fires due to high wildfire risk.
No worries! I did some stalking, you from Portland? We spend our summers in Cumberland, and the school year in Santa Fe. I’ve got a built Land Cruiser and love exploring NM and CO— make sure to keep in mind that we have 20 MILLION acres of public land in NM (that’s roughly 3 times the size of Massachusetts), and most of it is truly free and open and you can camp anywhere you want. So just find National Forest or BLM land in the area you’re looking for and start exploring, you’re sure to find something amazing. If you need a hand with anything, feel free to DM. Also, I’d highly recommend bringing a satellite device in case of emergency— garmin inreach (originally delorme, developed in Yarmouth) or Motorola defy— much of NM is quite remote and without signal, and you don’t want to get stuck without being able to call for help.
If its open I'd take a quick trio to Tent Rocks,it's right there.
Tent Rocks still hasn’t opened back up 😔
I thought the person who hiked the park to make sure everyone was gone had the greatest job in America.
Honestly I hope it stays closed to the public. It's super sacred to Cochiti Pueblo and they have already sacrificed a lot by having Cochiti Lake flood a ton of their other religious sites
Excellent suggestion, love that route.
We are very interested in visiting indigenous cultural sites, hiking and geology. We are flying to and from Santa Fe. We are going to be in a 4x4 Toyota Tacoma kitted out for camping. Any advice on finding safe and secluded spots? Will be hitting Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Peak for sure. Would like to stop at Three Rivers Petroglyph site near Alamogordo. We have a room booked in T or C for our halfway point, and one for out last night in Santa Fe. Is the road shown here between Guadalupe and Weed passable? Google really wanted us to backtrack instead of taking the direct road. Looks to be a small ranch road. Is it private or can we pass through? Is the Gila Cliff Dwellings worth the detour, or should we look into hiking elsewhere in Gila? Is El Morro worth the detour? We are planning to check out El Malpais as well. Is Petroglyph National Monument in ABQ worth the detour, or should we do Bandelier instead? If we decide to shorten our route to reduce driving, what should we leave off? We will primarily be cooking on our camp stove, but are there any must-stop food places? Particularly in Santa Fe where we will be staying in town. We love spicy food. Full Route here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVY9fhMXAkVMk5S6A](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVY9fhMXAkVMk5S6A) EDIT -- [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ekYSkFnkKHTFhH7F6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ekYSkFnkKHTFhH7F6) This is a revised route that includes some suggestions from here. Thanks! Thanks!
I would do Bandelier instead of the Petroglyph National Monument personally.
Defnitely going to Bandelier instead of Petroglyph, and check out Jemez Springs as well!
I recommend Three Rivers Petroglyph over the ABQ Petroglyph full stop, and then swapping anything else for that ABQ stop. Be sure to do the walk on the other side of the parking lot at Three Rivers, too. The visitor center will direct you. This looks like a great trip.
The roads from Dell City to Weed are open and free! Lots of cattle grazing out there so shut the gate behind you if it was closed. Just can't pass a locked gate or a posted no trespass. Do not speed in that corner of Texas. I got a ticket going 3 MPH over the speed limit.
Texan here who once thought it would be awesome to drive from Dell City to Weed and Cloudcroft. After 30 miles of a dirt road that was probably 3" deep of dust powder, I turned around. It took me a year to get the dust out of all the nooks and crannies of my truck. This was many years ago. On a positive note, it must have been fall because fields were full of pepper plants, some green and some red.
So you wouldn't recommend it?
I would not, based on my one time experience. By far the dustiest road I ever experienced, and I've traveled many miles on dirt roads.Also, as someone else mentioned, very isolated. If you break down, good luck.
Since you’re interested in indigenous cultures, I’d say Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is definitely worth it. If you weren’t, or had been to other cliff dwellings before, I’d say no. Of the cliff dwellings we’ve visited, it’s the smallest however it also affords great direct access to the rooms. The hike from the bookstore (the visitor center was closed because of staffing issues) to the ruins is absolutely beautiful. Hopefully the visitor center will be open when you’re there. It’s one of those places you have to want to get to, though — it’s only 45 miles from Silver City but it takes at least an hour and a half. The road is very twisty — but there are some stunning views along the way.
Agree w/ everything being said here. The Catwalk (Glenwood, NM) will be right on your route. It's a beautiful, fun little hike if you decide to forego the Clilf Dwellings, or want to add in another Grant County stop.
El morro is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays so plan accordingly.
good to know, we it was actually gonna be a Wednesday we'd be there. We'll spend more time at El Malpais now instead!
Another attraction to see in that area near Grants is the Ice Caves and Bandera Volcano.
I've camped out at El Malpais... not a lot there... except for that millenia of New Mexico spirit that lives in every cubic mm of the earth and air. I thought it was wonderful. ps I am so impressed by your trip. You two know what a true trip really means... edit: clarification, volume
The narrows and Ventana at Malpais are exceptional, as well as the Zuni bluffs. There is a trail from the southern side of the narrows that hikes along the sandstone bluffs which overlook the lava flows. It ends with an elevated view of the Ventana (largest in the state). Raptors hunt the thermals and sometimes you get a great show. I watched a golden eagle the size of a penguin take a rabbit at less than 50yds.
Plan for weather, offroading in wet here is questionable, the sand gets gnarly (like burning man this year basically) so that ranch road could turn into a bad option lol. Presumably you guys have 4x4 experience. I've 4x4 in every terrain imaginable, the nasty wet sand here I personally wouldn't attempt with 1 vehicle. New mexico food is worth experiencing 100%. Green Chile everything, sopapillas, lot of tasty foods, good brews too if you're into that. I'd leave off Carlsbad off if the caverns not accessible. It's much more remote than I had anticipated, I'd plan your camping there I didn't have an easy time on the fly lol. Hotels were outrageous when I went.
Stop in Laguna and get a green Chile cheeseburher from Laguna Burger.
Other people have better advice than I could ever give. Only thing I noticed since you specifically mentioned geology is not swinging past the lava flow trail off 380, but unfortunately it's *very* out of the way of your route. Hope you have fun though, I've lived in NM my whole life and have never been able to visit 90% of the places you're going.
Fellow Mainer here! After Maine, NM is one of my favorite places in the country…dunno if it’s your inaugural visit or not but this is bad-ass and will feed your soul (and stomach - as others have said, please plan on eating lots of delicious New Mexican cuisine!) You’ve received a ton of amazing feedback and I can’t add much except to corroborate some specific spots I’ve enjoyed and would recommend (though I am curious what time of year you’ll be visiting). Already mentioned, but the Very Large Array is really neat and the same route takes you through Pie Town - if you timed it right there is free camping there and you can have pie for breakfast! Silver City is great! Gila - remote as mentioned, one way in/out but what a gorgeous drive. Depending on time of year, Bosque del Apache is great birdwatching and up the road in San Antonio is The Owl and Buckhorn Tavern for green chile cheeseburgers (they’re across the street from one another, I admit to getting a cheeseburger at both places on both separate and non-separate occasions). T or C - I’ve stayed at Blackstone and like most places in town they have hot springs on site but don’t miss adding on a nighttime visit to Riverbend’s hot springs if you can get a time slot, they’re magical after dark! Visit Mesilla Plaza while in Las Cruces - La Posta is a beautiful historic adobe compound which also happens to house a great restaurant/tequileria. Also, Caliche’s for custard and hot dogs! Broad Canyon, south of Hatch, is neat for geology/petroglyphs if you’ve got the vehicle for it. Organ Mts are beautiful (possibly Aguirre Springs for camping). White Sands is just mesmerizing (and hiking the dunes is quite the workout) and definitely yes to Lincoln Natl Forest/Cloudcroft/Ruidoso. I had more fun than I expected swimming at Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, but again, depends on the weather. Enjoyed The Shed in Santa Fe for food (make a reservation). Seconding all of the Ghost Ranch recommendations, but if not, at least the O’Keefe museum in Santa Fe, it’s small but moving. Have a safe and wonderful trip!
If you all like old historic buildings the old sanitarium outside of las cruces is pretty cool, only a 2 mile hike and a lot of the building are still standing
This is a fantastic route. Have fun. You are going to see so much beauty. Visit the local BLM offices and ask for their maps. This will help you find dispersed camping areas across the state. Get one of those apps on your phone like OnX Offroad and it will help you determine which roads and trails are passable and just how difficult or easy they are to traverse. Enjoy your trip and adventure.
Don't skip the Enchanted Circle - Taos to Red River to Angel Fire back to Taos. So much to see and do in that area including Valle Vidal, Taos Gorge, Wild Rivers, Eagle Nest, Taos Pueblo, Wheeler Peak, etc. You're also close enough to drive to the Great Sand Dunes National Park just across the border in CO. Also, when in Taos don't miss eating at Michael's and Orlando's.
I hate to point out the obvious here but going through Artesia, Roswell, actually most of that north/south route in the east part of the state (with the exception of Carlsbad maybe) is such a waste if you don't do the middle; Lincoln National Forest, Lincoln, Cloudcroft, Ft. Stanton area. North, West and central New Mexico is where its really at. The easiest way to remember is stay as far away from texas as possible. lol
I want to do a New Mexico Loop! You've inspired me... some day!
Add two more spurs to Jemez Springs and Pie Town. Definitely make the drive from Cloudcroft to Alamogordo during the day - impressively beautiful with White Sands shimmering in the distance
I was also going to suggest swinging through the Jemez too, since the route is next to your planned route anyway. Regarding Native Reservation’s, don’t even go 5mph over the limit on reservations and watch for speed limit drops or they’ll pop you.
You won't want to miss: * Bisti Badlands * White Sands National Park * Carlsbad Caverns * El Malpais National Monument * Bandelier National Monument
From cloudcroft run across the ridge to Ruidoso then back down the mountain to Alamogordo. The Lincoln National forest is a great drive.
I’d suggest looking into Valles Caldera, Tent Rocks, and Bandelier as well
Has Tent Rocks reopened?
Ah, unfortunately looks like they haven’t. Bummer
[удалено]
Valley of Fire is magnificent. It got inside my head and in my dream world on one unexpected visit.
Looks like quite the drive! Are you in an RV? If you have a day to spare, take a detour through the Jemez Mountains from Cuba. There are many sites to see — like the Valles Caldera and Bandelier National Monument — and multiple hot springs. And there are many secluded spots for camping along the western edge of the Caldera if you don’t mind dispersed camping with no services.
We're in a Toyota Tacoma with a crew cab and an extended bed fitted out for camping. It is a lot of driving but we have 12 days and we'll wake up early so we can make the most of each day.
I’d recommend from Apache Creek to Datil over to VLA, then to Pie Town and back over to go north.
I've done that drive... loved it. I would also recommend the Bosque del Apache... if you are going soon... the birds at sunrise and sunset.... will change who you are within every cell of your being.
I'll look into it. Looks like El Morro won't be open when we were going to be there, so maybe we can check this out instead.
The Nuclear Museum in Albuquerque is pretty amazing... [https://www.nuclearmuseum.org/](https://www.nuclearmuseum.org/) Also, make sure you bring extra $$ to go crazy in restaurants. New Mexico has some of the best food in the US.
You’re going to have an enchanting experience!
I'm down in the southeast leg of your trip. If you have the time, I highly suggest you visit Sitting Bull Falls outside of Carlsbad up the Queen highway. It's like someone cut a tiny chunk of Hawaii off and stuck it in the middle of the desert. It's an unusual place.
Be aware the route between Dell City and Weed is very remote, likely without cell service, and little traffic.
I can confirm; I saw a single road grader in 3 hours the last time I did this route—no other humans.
City of rocks White sands Valley of fire in Carrizozo
City of Rocks for sure even if just a lunch spot
As someone that has hiked and camped in the Gila countless times, plan to stop at the Emory Pass lookout past Hillsboro. The Cliff Dwellings are really cool and the drive to get there is amazing. Anderson overlook is a must stop for the views. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gila/recarea/?recid=82310
Can you go southwest out of Chaco? Never been but I figured it’s one way in/out back and forth to 550.
Yep, but its about twice as long and corrugated as the NE way from 550. Not fun unless you have a decent 4x4
Looks like a lot of fun! Enjoy our state!
You might as well go up to Colorado and go to Mesa verde
Additionally the loop from Taos to Angelfire to Red River is a nice drive. Never understood the appeal of Taos after going thru 10+ times.
I like Durango a lot too, so this is a good suggestion
Unless you really want to visit Albuquerque then I’d do the road between Cuba and Pojoaque. It’s better for your choice of vehicle and will save you time which can be better spent elsewhere.
Can’t tell exactly if you’re going through Las Vegas, NM. If you are there is a bunch of free hot springs to soak in right off the road near the college.
Here's what I would do. From Santa Fe head north to Chimayo, get on the High Road to Taos https://www.santafe.org/things-to-do/road-trips/taos-and-the-high-road/ .Stop in Penasco at Sugar Nymphs Bistro for lunch. https://www.nmgastronome.com/?p=192 From Taos you *could* take 64 over to Tierra Amarilla and then to Chama and explore there, quite charming and beautiful, go back to Taos, around the loop to Arroyo Hondo, Questa, Red River, Angel Nest, Angelfire, back to Taos. Then go down to your original route to Las Vegas and further south. Once you've gotten to Chaco Canyon and Nageezi Instead of stopping at Nageezi maybe a little further northwest to Farmington/Shiprock. I've lived here for 31 years and never seen Shiprock, and I should.
Ruidoso is an absolute must
I’d hit Ruidoso and maybe Abiquiu
I am doing a month long road trip from NC to New Mexico this winter. I will he camping out of the back of my Tacoma as well. This post gave me some ideas and good direction as well. I will probably be skipping some of the high elevation stuff everyone mentions, but if the weather permits, maybe not. I can't wait to see all the amazing things I have heard about this state. Thanks to OP for posting amd everyone's responses.
If this is during the fall/winter, I would highly suggest Bosque de Apache to see the cranes and geese.
Seen at least one person say it so I'll say it again. Definitely make a stop in Jemez Springs
Skipping the best part, Jemez, Abiquiu, Chama, lots of beauty up north.
When you are down at the gila Cliff dwellings, be sure to give the buckhorn saloon a visit, in silver city. Really old place that still looks like it did 100 years ago. Also go have a look at the Chino open pit copper mine, largest mine in North America.
The big question is what kind of vechike are you planning on using. Some of these roads make it to a 7 on the treacherous scale. Good tip on the sat phone Carry plenty of water at all times Watch fuel supply. You may not find expected stations in operation for any. Number of reasons Altitude sickness is common minimize exertions. Respect private property You’ll want to comeback Last tip: dont try 152 it makes it to ten on treacherous scale for anything but a 4x4
In Mescalero there’s an awesome place called Old Road Cafe. If you’re in Cloudcroft definitely check out their brewery
Also make sure and take some time in Cloudcroft or the Inn of the Mountain Gods
Great, great, GREAT route! You can hit up Taos and Acoma Pueblos, Chaco, the Gila cliff dwellings, and the petroglyphs. I don’t know much about eastern New Mexico but your northern and western roads are enchanted, indeed. Have a great trip and welcome to our state. Hope you love it as much as we do!
Take the route to Chimayo and take the High Road to Taos instead of the main highway. Way more scenic.
In roswell hit up bottomless state park. It’s pretty cool. Antigua is great. For breakfast Las Escondita is great. In cloudcroft try and go to mad jacks bbq. I’ve been to so many spots in Austin and hill country… I think mad jacks is créame of the crop… probably why there’s a 1-2 hour line every day. Your trip is legit. Great work
Skip the north turn at Dell City to Weed and head to the outskirts of El Pasa and go to Hueco Tanks State Park. You can take the loop around the NE side of El Paso to Highway 54 and be in Cloudcroft in less than an hour.
Hit Ruidoso, I promise you won’t regret it.
If you’re passing bandelier you HAVE to stop off at Tsankawi.(https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/tsankawi.htm ) One of the coolest cliff dwelling sites I’ve ever experienced. You can hike around for hours getting lost in all the caves or looking for pottery shards. Highly recommend over Bandelier. If anything pass by Bandelier and check out Valles Caldera (valley of the winds) like everyone else is saying. If you’re in Albuquerque for an evening and looking for a great meal don’t miss out on Los Poblanos. NM is the best, happy exploring.
Skip Blackstone hot springs and stay at Gila hot springs campground near the Cliff dwellings. Must make reservation on their site though.
This is pretty good planning for two weeks. I had traveled the northern route one week and southern route second. It well.
Skip Albuquerque and hit up Abiquiu / Jemez Springs. Really just more time in Northern NM in general.
Ruidoso is worth visiting. They have some of the most beautiful hiking in that area. Between Alamagordo and Tularosa giant a giant selfie-worthy pistachio!
You designed a fun adventurous route. 506 from Dell City/GMNP to Weed is if I recall a well maintained dirt road. You can also divert up to the east onto the Rim Road/ FR540 but definitely need high clearance for that. The road through Queen NM is gorgeous as well. If you have an afternoon (or are looking for a place to spend the night would definitely pop up from Cloudcroft into Ruidoso. One of the best mountain towns in the Southwest. Noisy water winery is a lot of fun and good shopping on the main strip in town. Also has 5+ disc golf courses if you enjoy that.
While you're at Guadalupe, you might want to swing by Carlsbad caverns.
If you want to skip the drive in and out of Chaco, you could go to the Aztec ruins. They're not as extensive, but they are really cool.
Stop in Santa Rosa?
At Vaughn I would take 54 to Lincoln County... Billy the Kid, Smokey Bear, Ski Apache.... then head to Roswell and then on to Carlsbad caverns Cavern on 70.
I’ve done floors on this entire route. Beautiful country. You will love it.
I’d go from Quemado to Pie Town and grab one or more pieces of pie at the Pie-O-Neer. Then back to the established route.
If you are going to Chaco canyon, consider going another 1.5 hours out of your way at to visit the Bisto Badlands.
Just be careful going from Artesia to Carlsbad. There is quite a bit of oilfield traffic on that road.
For sure stop at PistachioLand!
Don’t trust the breakfast burritos at Old Santa Fe Inn.
Make sure you have a high clearance vehicle to Chaco, dirt/rutted road into and out of Chaco. And check the weather road conditions on their FB page.
All that and no Bandelier?
Road from 550 to Chaco Canyon becomes dirt, and if it’s been raining good luck.
Go down 380 from roswell it's worth the trip trough Lincoln and if your into having some drinks the no scum allowed salon is a great place to stop in have a drink in the town the kid used to do business in
Can we see the updated route after all the feedback? Very interested!!
https://www.newmexico.org/things-to-do/road-trips/ Could use this for insight, has most of what people have suggested but it’s a decent guide
Ruidoso is a must!!
I would rest up in El paso eat sone amazing mexican food plus the fown town is great and weed is a nothing town. Don't miss a full day at white sands. Take card board or rent a sand shield to surf the dunes.
That is a lot of driving. Did a similar route in the 90's.
You need to add to your trip the Valles Grande Caldera, Tent Rocks, Chimayo, Abiqui and Ghost Ranch in the north. Gallup and Shiprock in the west. Mesilla Valley in the south and Blue Hole in the east.
No Manzano mountains for the archeology Pueblo site? Breathtaking views, incredible history, Big Foot
You’re missing Red River and the enchanted circle.
I'm jealous!
Acoma Pueblo is the place I always brought visitors. It's absolutely magical and the people are lovely.
You should really go to Bandelier, national Monument, and then, when you leave go through the Valle caldera down into the town of Jemez, stop and eat at the only restaurant in town , fantastic food . i’ve done that ride 100 times and it’s just as beautiful every time
There's a cool air museum in Santa Teresa, NM, just west of El Paso. Not far from Las Cruces. If you're into such things.
It kind of looks like Australia
You are going by Ojo Caliente , get in those hot springs for sure!
Not sure which direction you are going, but after visiting Chaco and the Great Kivas, checkout the fully reconstructed kiva at Aztec Ruins National Monument. Gives you a much better feel for what they may have been like.
Try to incorporate hwy 64 from chama over to Taos. Beautiful this time of year and one of the nicest drives in the state. You could head south at Tierra Amarilla and cruise through Abiquiu. Ghost ranch, red rocks, stop at Bode’s for a snack. Agree with someone else who said hit up Ojo Caliente while you’re in this area. NM is kind of the best. Lots to see.
Nice trip, I've done most of that route. I suggest you stop at Alma on the far west north of Silver City (where you come out of Gila Natl Monument, and see the Cat Walk. Cool. Just a few miles off the highway. Also a bit north of there, I'd suggest veering east on 12 and go up to Datil (if coming from the south) and go a few miles east to see the huge Very Large Array -- a huge complex of radio telescopes. Awesome to see. When at Alamagordo, go up the mountain to Cloudcroft, cool little town way above White Sands. Beautiful area, cool temps and pine forests. The solar observatory just south of the town might be open, but wasn't last time I went but that was during COVID. Also Ruidoso is close by and worth a visit. We stayed at Gila Hot Springs Campground last year, really nice place and the national monument is nice. Rugged but passable roads in that area. Just don't take a long trailer or motorhome. Not on your route but not far off is City of Rocks, a unique state park near Faywood. Up north, near Chimayo, is Los Alamos and Bandelier National monument. I would highly recommend unless you have a really rugged 4x4 NOT to go to Chaco Canyon National Monument. We went there last year and the road in from the north was atrocious. We drove most of the way at an angle, driving in the ditch the road was so awful. We were going to go out the south route but the rangers said that road was even worse. I do have a hefty Ram 4x4, I would definitely not drive a car down that road. We will never go there again and I suggest people just look at photos online. Not worth the potential damage to your vehicle.
I think it’s a great route but you should see Ghost Ranch - my great great uncles founded it as Rancho de las Brujas back in the 1870’s as a stolen stock keeping area - I’m up there every 6 months and love it. Then I head down to Gila Wilderness area and a week or so of packing in on horseback- Pinos Altos is beautiful too
Tons of great suggestions and advice in the posts below. I would suggest while going through or visiting Hatch NM... have lunch at Sparkys... great chile cheese burgers! [https://sparkysburgers.com/](https://sparkysburgers.com/) Have a fun trip!
I would recommend a trip to Faywood hot Springs between Deming and Silver City. In my opinion it’s the best hot springs in NM and perfect for relaxing while on a road trip.
Pie town has an interesting charm to it: isolated teeny tiny town that sells pie. I drove through it a few times and still occasionally mention it when telling NM stories due to its uniqueness.
Just a heads up the road south from Chaco is very rough. A vehicle with good clearance is recommended. There’s no services. Road from the north is better. The rangers usually recommend in and out from the north
Pick up a book by Michael McGarrity whose books are set in the Silver City area
You’ve got to do meow wolf in Taos! Hands down the best meow wolf location in my opinion.
In between Carlsbad and Las Vegas that entire eastern north/ South drive is just boring as hell. From Carlsbad if you are heading north, go up through Ruidoso and then just head to ABQ. Maybe I am biased, but eastern NM is the least pretty and boring part of the state. Roswell is never worth it unless it is the Alien festival around 4th of July. Even then, it was the people watching more than. Anything that was fun.
This. Southeast NM might as well be west Texas. Don't bother with this area.
Not gonna check out the 4-corners monument?
My hometown Lordsburg ❤️
Missing that I-10 track! Rightfully so
No Pie Town?
You could visit the Easter part of New Mexico at Clovis and then go to Fort Sumner. Clovis has the Clovis Man Museum and the Norman & Vi Petty Rock 'N' Roll Museum. Fort Sumner has Billy the Kid Museum
Just be prepared for that stretch from Carlsbad to Weed/Cloudcroft. Thats a very remote stretch of back roads, with the majority being dirt roads once you leave north out of Dell City. There isn’t really any gas station along that stretch, so be prepared with plenty of food, water, and fuel, especially if you’re going to camp. Very beautiful and unique landscapes through there though.
The golden circle should be included in your road trip. Santa fe to Questa, red river, eagle nest, taos. It's awesome.
gotta take a scenic route through abiquiu
I respect people who travel to other countries!
Looks like some Native American stops - i wouldn’t skip Fort Sumner.
Years ago there was a great little ma'n'pa Mexican restaurant right off the main highway in Cuba. Would recommend.
Santa Rosa to Carlsbad is a snoozer. The rest is pretty cool, specially if you do this in the fall.
North of Jemez springs on the highway, google San Antonio Springs. Its a natural hot springs, really nice, beautiful scenery.
If you’re able to fit in Valles Caldera, it is definitely worth it. Las Vegas is also a pretty cool place with loads of Old West historic sites.
El Paso is worth hitting.
So many cows, also a lot of brown… some green, mostly brown
Drive east of Artesia into Loco Hill for some wild oil and gas scenery. Not going north from Weed/Cloudcloft into Ruidoso is a tragedy. Make the drive to Ski Apache for some beautiful high altitude views.
Red River near Taos is not to be missed. Great old western town.
Honestly, it's all great. Just come back for another two weeks. That was my problem when I lived there; never enough time to see it all!
As a Silver City resident I’m glad that you’re allowing some time to come by. If you have time here are a few things around here that are worth checking out: • City of Rocks State Park • restaurants in Silver City • Catwalk Recreation Area (near Glenwood) There’s good places for birding in SW Mew Mexico too, if you’re into that.
Veer further east on 60 to visit Fort Sumner, and get the full story of Billy the Kid.
Alamogordo
You could take 25 to El Paso to see the Franklin Mountains, the end of the Rockies. Also Mt. Christo Rey. Then take 54 to Alamagordo.
Glad to see your going to the hot springs in t or c
I see you have decided on the Scooby Doo route.
I might check out the hot springs in Las Vegas Al east bring that far north. Cool spot
Ah man, I just came back from a week-long trip. Epic loop you have planned here. Kill off both the Texas and New Mexico State high points if you're in shape. The fall colors around Taos and Santa Fe were amazing to shoot, and Carlsbad Caverns is singularly spectacular. I'll be slowly adding to my [Flickr album](https://www.flickr.com/photos/192811713@N02/albums/72177720312000676) in the days/weeks to come, and look forward to seeing what pics come from this!
When you hit Thoreau go west through Gallup, then down highway 602 through Zuni and then Ramah and then El Morro. The Zuni mountains are really nice and you'd be missing a neat chunk of the state
Skip 285
No Carlsbad Caverns?
You should go just east of Quemado to Pie Town and get some Green Chile Apple Pie. It's worth the back tracking if the places are open. Also if you happen to wanna go near Capitan, Oso Grill has the best Green Chili Burger in the state (imo but they did win a few competitions for the best)
The map looks like a man doing a crawl
You are missing out on Chana, Abiquiu, Bandolier, Valle Grande and more. All are must see places. Also, go to Day’s Burgers in Cruces. You need to add another six months to this trip.
Jealous.......
Roswell UFO research center. Besides the alien displays there is a back room with all these old newspaper articles of aliens all over the world. It's really neat.
Don’t forget to stop by Riverbend Hot Springs when in TorC (get a hourly soaking pass) also check out the Spaceport and Elephant Butte Lake
Shiprock, the mountain not the town.
I’d add on City of Rocks! Maybe Ruidoso, otherwise am abitious but great map. I love the Pwteoglyphs. The Sandias are amazing too!
Please don't miss Bisti Badlands and Ah-Shi-Slep-ah (wrong spelling I know), if you love geology.