Low Road or High Road to Taos? Chama?
From Santa Fe, which road to Taos? Which road is the Ranchos de Taos church on? I can only do one on my way to the Grand Canyon; would like the one with the best view. Any recommendations on a rout...
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You actually have a few choices. From Santa Fe to Taos, there is the normal way, US84 to NM68, and there is the high road, NM76 to NM518, although we usually start at NM503. I am not sure which is the official start. The normal road is easy and follow the Rio Grande, the high road does go into the mountains and is fairly curvy and hilly. But, does provide lots of scenery changes. Both roads pass close to the church.
Now, from Taos to Chama you can take US64 to US84. This does go over a mountain pass at 10,000 ft and has a great view of the Chama valley. Or you can go back down NM68 to Fairview Ln. in Espanola, then to US84. This might be considered more scenic especially to give a more varied scenery of New Mexico. It is a bit longer, but won't be that much since you are avoiding the mountain pass.
So, you can take the high road to Taos and then the normal road back down on the way to Chama.
David
Now, from Taos to Chama you can take US64 to US84. This does go over a mountain pass at 10,000 ft and has a great view of the Chama valley. Or you can go back down NM68 to Fairview Ln. in Espanola, then to US84. This might be considered more scenic especially to give a more varied scenery of New Mexico. It is a bit longer, but won't be that much since you are avoiding the mountain pass.
So, you can take the high road to Taos and then the normal road back down on the way to Chama.
David
