Forum Discussion

rv2go's avatar
rv2go
Explorer II
Oct 06, 2015

NM Route 3 between I-25 and I-40

In a few days I will be traveling south on I-25 from Colorado Springs, CO. toward I-40 in New Mexico. The mapping programs that I have takes me on NM route 3 from 1-25 to I-40. Mile wise, this is the shortest route,
BUT, would I be better off if I took US-84?
Once I get on I-40, I will be traveling West.

Have any of you traveled NM route 3 between I-25 and I-40?

Motorhome towing the Jeep Cherokee.
  • Have fun and this time of year you might pick up some fresh produce along the way.

    There is a small store in Ribera (2 mi south of I-25 on NM3) just across the Rail Road tracks that sells fireworks and local produce. The cafe next door is not bad but is nothing special either.
  • NMDriver,
    Thanks for your comments. I was hoping that I would get a reply from someone that lives close and has driven NM 3. I think that I may give it a try.
  • I live just off of NM 3 in the summer and drive it between I-25 and I-40 often. It is a good two lane road. The first 15 miles down to Villanueva is reduced speed (35 most of the way) and follows the Pecos river valley. It is farm country and so you may find a tractor on the road and/or pedestrians, dogs, etc. At Villanueva you leave the river valley to go up onto the plateau and the speed limit goes up. The climb out of the valley is short with a twist or two but not to steep. I pull my 30ft 5er on 3 and it is the quickest way to get between the interstates in spite of the reduced speed for the first stretch.
  • I have always taken I25 and then take Tramway Road to get to I40. I live just off of Tramway Road near I40. If I were coming from Colorado I would do the same and take I40 east a few miles to Edgewood unless you just want to take backroads.
  • We have driven both US 285 and US 84. 285 is the better road in my opinion. 84 was decent road but a lot more curves. Taking 285 would take you a little out of your way because you go further west on I25 before you get on 285 and it angles to the east. But that would be my preference out of the possibilities.
  • Can you look it on Google Maps? Zooming way in I see a stretch wander along the Pecos river with towns and farms (long strip irrigated fields). There's a sharp turn in the town of Villanueva. It is straighter when it leaves the river and 'civilization'.

    That stretch might be interesting, but not fast.

    Going a little further and taking US285 and NM41 looks like would be faster.

    And yes, the fact that you are aiming for Edgewood makes a big difference. Otherwise I'd say stay on I25. Unless you want scenery in the toad, in which case I'd take 165 along the Sandia Crest.
  • Dennis M M wrote:
    Be interested in any response as well, we always just run I-25 all the way t0 I-40

    I should have stated that I was stopping over in Edgewood, NM which is on the east side of ABQ.
  • Be interested in any response as well, we always just run I-25 all the way t0 I-40