Drive from Santa Fe

How is the road from Santa Fe to Chama? I would like to drive there but I fear mountainous roads especially if they are very high and close to the edge of a precipice. I don%26#39;t mind curvy or hilly roads, but I just would like to know what I am in for!

Drive from Santa Fe

Though it%26#39;s been almost 8 years since I last made the trip, I don%26#39;t recall the drive from Santa Fe to Chama being especially extreme. Now, if you are afraid of mountainous roads with hairpin turns, there are a few such around here near Silver City that will turn your hair white for you!

Drive from Santa Fe

The drive from Santa Fe to Chama is very mild... maybe only one small section (1 mile at most) that goes up a big hill. Nothing like mountain passes.

You will be just fine. DOn%26#39;t worry and just enjoy!

Thanks for the info. And I%26#39;ll have to look up Silver City on the map and be sure to stay away from it!

Two more questions: How is the road from Chama to Taos, and what about the High Road from Santa Fe to Taos?

Hwy 84 Santa Fe to Chama is primarily laid out among the valleys. Chama to Taos along Hwy 64 will take you over a mountain pass, which will include some drop offs along the roadway. However, 64 is wide and well maintained with sweeping corners and excellent site lines. It%26#39;s my favorite motorcycle road in NM, and the scenery is wonderful.

Yesterday I rode the High Road from Santa Fe to Penasco for lunch at Sugar Nymphs Bistro (highly recommended). This road was recently improved in the section near Cordova, but is tighter, narrower and has a few more drop-offs nearer the roadway than 64. However, this is hardly like driving Trail Ridge in CO, or other roadways in the high mountains of the world. There are shoulders and the road is well marked. Along the way, you%26#39;ll get a real flavor of northern NM, with it%26#39;s small towns and villages.

As always, be aware of animals and be watchful of other drivers. I hope you enjoy your stay, and welcome to our state!

Thank you so much for your specific and detailed reply. It really is a help. I will gather my courage and try those roads. It really sounds beautiful and I don%26#39;t want to miss out on these sights during my visit to NM.

Very easy, not hilly, ok if it snows. I have taken it in late fall early winter many times. Now, I wouldn%26#39;t take that past from Taos to Chama in the winter....although simply beautiful.

The Santa Fe to Chama is very beautiful too. Do it.

Debbie

Thanks for the info. I was there in June and drove the rode from Santa Fe to Chama. It was great...I loved it. I also did the entire Enchanted Circle Road from Taos. That was much more of a challenge especially that there was a rare downpour and I was afraid of a rock slide but it worked out fine and I am glad I did it. The scenery was wonderful and I had such a feeling of freedom on those roads. I drove both of those roads alone and feel much more confidence now in driving other more challenging roads. (Although I don%26#39;t think I am quite ready for Silver City yet!)

I did the enchanted circle in too this last October and enjoyed it too. It snowed but nothing that scared me. Did you enjoy the town of Red River. I love that town almost as much as Chama. We%26#39;re thinking of retiring in the Chama area. I am glad you enjoyed your trip. Debbie

Yes, I think it would be a very nice place to retire. The whole area is majestic. I stopped at the Vietnam Memorial on my way around the Enchanted Circle. It was very worthwhile and thought-provoking.

Good luck!

Marilyn

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