Missing Albuquerque

[titleman]

We will be heading West on I40 in a few weeks on our way to Cortez, Colorado. I have been told that I can miss the busy part of Albuquerque by taking Tramway Road (or 556) at Exit 167 on I40 and following it North to I25, then North until I take 550 to Durango. Have any of you fellows pulled a fifth wheel on Tramway Road and know of anything I should be aware of, such as low clearances etc.? Also do you know of any RV Parks between Albuquerque and Bloomfield? Thanks a bunch.

[Lauren]

Have driven the 184 but not with our 5er; just a nice 2 lane road as I recall. Will be doing it this Fall.

[titleman]

Hey Folks, I really appreciate all the good ideas and suggestions. I will probably go thru Albuquerque and then on the return trip try the Chama route. Anyway, many thanks to all you for your insight.

On second thought, are any of you fellows familiar with Colorado 184 highway between Mancos and Dolores? Pulling a 5er. Thanks again.

[littlemo]

bradnailer wrote:
Not exactly sure where you are coming from but if you are on I-40 westbound, you might consider taking 287 at Clines Corners to Santa Fe. There's a reliever route around Santa Fe. From there you can head on to Chama, Pagosa Spring, Durango then Cortez.

I second this. It is a beautiful drive.

[joelabq]

I wouldn't call Tramway more convenient. I commute the i25/550 route every day, and never avoid it with my 5th wheel when coming or going for a trip. I would, personally, avoid Tramway for your route unless you enjoy an additional 10 minute drive if you happen to hit
11 lights you must traverse through all green.

That is just my opinion.

If you decide the I25 route, if you a northbound between 8AM to 3PM, you will not have any traffic problems. If you happen to hit during busy hours, Albuquerque traffic is likely a joke compared to Jacksonville. I only add 5 minutes to my commute at around 4PM through I40 -> I25 area.

To get to Cortez, I would not go through Santa Fe. I know of no better route than 550 unless you are going the long scenic mountainous route on purpose for which I have been known to do. 285 route is a good route, but not very easy to get back towards US550.

[bradnailer]

And stop at Bode's in Abiuqu and have a green chili cheeseburger.

[Allworth]

I think bradnailer has it best. We usually use that route. (Stop at Rio Chama CG in Chama and ride the trains.)

[bradnailer]

Not exactly sure where you are coming from but if you are on I-40 westbound, you might consider taking 287 at Clines Corners to Santa Fe. There's a reliever route around Santa Fe. From there you can head on to Chama, Pagosa Spring, Durango then Cortez.

[2gypsies1]

We would also recommend that you plan to spend a night at Sandia Casino (very pretty) before getting on 550 to Durango. Also, 550 to Durango is not steep. However, if you continue from Durango on 550 to Silverton, you'll get steep! So confidently take 550 to Durango and 160 west to Cortez and hoping that your plans are to include Mesa Verde Nat'l Park. Take a tour or two there. It's great! Have a good trip.

[ALBQ]

There are no(to my knowledge) rv parks on highway 550 after you leave Bernalillo until you get to Bloomfield and at best they are not world class. As a suggestion you could stay at Sandia Casino in Albuquerque which is about 5 miles north of interchange I-40 and I-25 for the night(for free) then make it all the way to Cortez via Farmington and Shiprock in about 6 hours. That route does not have as many steep climbs as going thru Durango.

[Sandia_Man]

No issues using Tramway from I-40 to I-25 and it is quite scenic as well. Just spent a week over July 4th in Durango area, so much to do in the Four Corner region we barely scratched the surface. Have a great time!!!

[PenMan]

Tramway is fine between I-40 and I-25. I live about a mile from Tramway and I-40 and always pull my TT along Tramway rather than using the highway. No low bridges or problems. My GPS tells me it is quicker to stay on I-40 and turn onto I-25 north but I use Tramway to check my brakes and make sure everything "feels" right before I jump on the highway. 550 to Durango is also nice.

[pbitschura]

If you like a slower pace and don't mind driving along with local traffic, Tramway is fine. The scenery is nice. Right now, there is a lot of new construction north of Santa Fe so you might want to avoid that area.