Route to Pagosa Springs, CA

We are assuming O P means Pagosa Sprngs, CO not CA.

From Shiprock down to I-10 would be 10 hours or so added to your drive, Shiprock to Alamosa via Gallup, NM on I-40 and over to Albuquerque to head north on I-25 to US 285 adds about 3 hours.

Would I-10 be a reasonable alternative?

From Shiprock head over on US 64 to Farmington, then use NM516 to US550 in Aztec and follow it up to US 160 between Durango and Bayfield. No significant hills except right when you get close to 160 there is a short, steep, down grade with a curve, but you will be on the inside so no riding the guard rail. US 160 from the junction to Pagosa is curvy but mostly flat.

You can stay on US 64 all the way over to US 84 between Chama and Pagosa Springs then turn north but if you are that far south you might as well stay on 64 to Chama and use NM17 over the pass to Antonito and pick up US 285 to Alamosa. The NM 17 pass over to Antonito is not as high, curvy, or steep as Wolf Creek but Wolf Creek is not as bad as it was 50 years ago when it got its reputation, before they widened the road and eased some of the curves. US 64 wanders across some of the Apache reservation and is not well traveled. However it is not a bad road, but watch out for livestock as some parts are open range.

Either way has some great scenery. 160 is greener and 64 is dryer.

I would agree with above, Pagosa to Alamosa on US 160 over Wolf Creek Pass. It is a high pass at about 10,850', but not bad. Very good wide 4 lane (2 up/2down) highway going up. Fairly steep grade going up the west side, but you can just stay in the right lane and take your time and not hold up traffic. Plus a number of pull outs if you want to pull over.

Going down the east side is not as steep. Just pay attention to the speed limit signs for the few curves there are.

You would have to detour nearly to Santa Fe to miss mountains altogether.

Going into Pagosa Springs involves more than "crazy hills" no matter the direction. It is deep into the mountains. I would go north from Shiprock until you reach US160 and proceed east at Cortez through Mancos, Hesperus, Durango, Bayfield and Pagosa Springs. When you say "the Springs" in Colorado people think you are speaking of Colorado Springs.

If you are going to Alamosa the trip over Wolf Creek Pass from Pagosa is the best route. You have plenty of equipment. If you go south it is mountainous with lesser roads. By lesser roads I mean two narrow lanes of twisty roads to get across the San Juans of New Mexico crossing at Chama (2 passes Cumbres and La Manga) or Tierra Amarilla. Brazos Summit between Tierra Amarilla and Tres Piedras is 10,550' the second highest in New Mexico only 300 feet lesser than Wolf Creek Pass. Both NM routes entail passes which are no easier for you than Wolf Creek Pass. Take your time there will be many campers on the 160 route. They have plenty of lanes for slow traffic.

Enjoy the sheer beauty of Wolf Creek Pass and the Mighty San Juans!

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