Durango, Colorado to Albuquerque, New Mexico

There are faster routes, but you can figure those out for yourself!  I am not pointing out photo ops on this route, because they are too numerous, and change with the seasons. There will be plenty!

From Durango, head East on US 160 to Pagosa Springs, and drop down US 84 to US 64, then over to Chama. You will then want to stay on US 64 through Tierra Armarilla to Tres Piedras. Continue across the Rio Grande and into Taos, where there is an abundance of restaurants and shops! After you have eaten, and taken in Taos, ride south out of town on NM 68 and look for the NM 518 turn to the left.  It is easy to miss.  This will take you down to Peñasco. 

The Rio Grande Gorge and Bridge

From Peñasco, go west about seven miles to NM 76 and turn left.  This will take you down to Cordova.  This area is populated by descendants of some of the original Spanish settlers that came into this territory in the 1600’s.  It is very old and full of charm.  The roads are narrow, but extremely scenic, so take your time!  This is what you may have heard referred to as “The High Road” to Taos.  A few miles west of Cordova catch NM 503 and go down to Cundiyo.  You may elect to go into Chimayo instead, but the Cundiyo route is by far the way to go! NM 503 will take you through Nambe and into Pojoaque. You will be back in civilization now! 

The High Road to Taos

A more direct route into Albuquerque has been mapped out in order to make some time.  If you are not in a hurry, and have not had enough of New Mexico’s vistas and twisties, you can elect to go through Los Alamos, through the Valle Grande, and through Jemez, catching NM 550 over to Bernalillo, which is just North of Albuquerque. This would add about two to three hours to your trip.  You also avoid the construction on US 84/285 with this route!

= The Valle Grande