Routes North from Santa Rosa NM

[MottissMT36RL]

We will be starting our annual trip to the PNW. We are going west this year to Odessa TX then north to Santa Rosa NM. After Santa Rosa We will decide on going north to Raton/Colorado City CO. on 84/25 or 550 out of Albuquerque to Durango CO. I was wanting to if there is significant grades on 84. Another thought was West to Clines Corner NM , 285 to Santa Fe and 84 into Pagosa Springs CO then 160 to Durango. Any info is Appreciated. Will be pulling Cougar 280RL with 09 Dodge 2500 diesel.

[MottissMT36RL]

Hey folks, we just finished our trip through NM. The route most of you preferred from Clines Corners to Santa Fe, Chama, Pagosa Springs and on into Bayfieid is a much prettier drive than 550, although it is slower track. Thanks for all the info...John.

[RamblinManGA]

Hi from AZ. . . I have also driven NM 104 from Las Vegas to Tucumcari, very interesting drive. Gas up 1st though, not many services. . . regards, Craig

[NMDriver]

You can also go up to I-25 via NM 3 past Villanueva state park, then over to 84 at Santa Fe. 84 to Pagosa is far more scenic than 550 unless you prefer dry sage scenery. 550 has some good sights and is a 4 lane road, which makes it the better choice for speed. 84 is through Georga O'keefe country and has better mountain views, goes by several good state/federal parks (abiquiu, heron, and el vado lakes) but does not have any significant grades (one short steep pull right before Abiquiu Dam turn off and a couple of long gradual pulls after that to get up to the altitude of Pagosa Springs.

[BillMFl]

padredw wrote:

Another thought was West to Clines Corner NM , 285 to Santa Fe and 84 into Pagosa Springs CO then 160 to Durango. Any info is Appreciated

I will express a preference for the route above, but that may be because we never miss a chance to stop by Santa Fe (we stay at Santa Fe Skies). The drive up 84 from Chama to Pagosa Springs is also one of our favorites, a truly beautiful drive.

I don't think there are any grades or passes on this route to be concerned about. You will miss Wolf Creek Pass by going to Pagosa Springs.

x2 My route too. Stay at Santa Fe Skies when visiting SF. 84 has fab scenery and no steep grades.

[padredw]

Another thought was West to Clines Corner NM , 285 to Santa Fe and 84 into Pagosa Springs CO then 160 to Durango. Any info is Appreciated

I will express a preference for the route above, but that may be because we never miss a chance to stop by Santa Fe (we stay at Santa Fe Skies). The drive up 84 from Chama to Pagosa Springs is also one of our favorites, a truly beautiful drive.

I don't think there are any grades or passes on this route to be concerned about. You will miss Wolf Creek Pass by going to Pagosa Springs.

[PRodacy]

Take 550. Much more scenic.

[Dadio24]

IMO...take 550 up. Be careful of a big bump in the highway near Jicarilla Apache Indian Casino at Dulce, NM.