Short cut from I-25 to I-40 in New Mexico

I run 285 all the time unless the weather is bad and then I stay on 25. Icy roads, blowing snow and high winds are a problem but usually forecasts give advanced warning.

If coming south on I-25 from Colorado toward Santa Fe and you want to get on I-40, I guess it depends if on I-40 you want to head east or west.

If heading east, take 84, if west take 285.

285 is very straight but 84 isn't bad with minimal curves. Both are good roads and would have the same precautions for December driving. Watch the weather. Have a good trip!

VegasBT wrote:
I grew up in Moriarty, NM, just west of both of these roads. Both roads are east of the mountains. I would recommend 84 over 285 to miss some of the possibility of snow east of Las Vegas. Remember, though, that these are the high plains (Moriarty sits at 6000'). I have driven those roads at 10 MPH in whiteout conditions, so please check the weather before you go!

OK, confused.

US 285 is farther west of Las Vegas than US 84. US 84 hits I-25 just 5 miles south of Las Vegas.

I grew up in Moriarty, NM, just west of both of these roads. Both roads are east of the mountains. I would recommend 84 over 285 to miss some of the possibility of snow east of Las Vegas. Remember, though, that these are the high plains (Moriarty sits at 6000'). I have driven those roads at 10 MPH in whiteout conditions, so please check the weather before you go!

Have not driven it in Dec, but US 285 is a very good highway. But google streetview shows US84 to be similar in appearance.

Weatherwise I can't see there being much difference since they are only 30-40 miles apart and similar terrain. Check the weather forecast before heading into either.

US84 stays on the east side of the mountains. On the map, and streetview, it is good 2 lane highway, about as flat and straight as you want.

In a blowing storm the all freeway route might be plowed sooner, but other that, why wouldn't you choose US84. I assume you are heading east on I40.

Either hwy 285 (western route) or hwy 84 (eastern route) shortcuts to I-40 from I-25 can be dicey in the winter. Just check out the local weather conditions before you attempt using either of these routes.