Alabama to Durango, CO
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 816
Likes: 172
From: ALABAMA
Alabama to Durango, CO
Pretty much have to take I-40 to at least Amarillo.
Would like to jump off the interstate somewhere before Albuquerque to head north to Colorado.
I see several alternatives, but, was wondering if anyone could suggest a route.
Would like to jump off the interstate somewhere before Albuquerque to head north to Colorado.
I see several alternatives, but, was wondering if anyone could suggest a route.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 300
From: New Mexico-No, you don't need a passport.
I haven't ridden much in eastern NM so I can't reccomend anything there.
Take I-40 to the Tijeras Exit, this is about 15 miles east of Albuquerque, and follow Highway 14 north to Madrid where Wild Hogs was filmed. Continue north and you will end up at I-25 south of Santa Fe.
This is is the back road from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and it is a good ride.
Take the bypass route around Santa Fe if you don't want to do the tourist thing.
From Espanola you can go to Taos or Chama.
Taos will add about 60 more miles to the trip.
From Taos head west at the end of town and cross the Rio Grande Gorge bridge.
64 will take you to Tierra Amarilla and on to Chama.
Or
Head to Espanola and on to Chama.
From Chama you can take 84 to Pagosa Springs and 160 to Durango.
It's about 275 miles and the riding is great once you get past Espanola.
You will reach about 8,000 feet of elevation whichever route you take so be prepared, it might get cold. But then, it might not.
Good luck
Take I-40 to the Tijeras Exit, this is about 15 miles east of Albuquerque, and follow Highway 14 north to Madrid where Wild Hogs was filmed. Continue north and you will end up at I-25 south of Santa Fe.
This is is the back road from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and it is a good ride.
Take the bypass route around Santa Fe if you don't want to do the tourist thing.
From Espanola you can go to Taos or Chama.
Taos will add about 60 more miles to the trip.
From Taos head west at the end of town and cross the Rio Grande Gorge bridge.
64 will take you to Tierra Amarilla and on to Chama.
Or
Head to Espanola and on to Chama.
From Chama you can take 84 to Pagosa Springs and 160 to Durango.
It's about 275 miles and the riding is great once you get past Espanola.
You will reach about 8,000 feet of elevation whichever route you take so be prepared, it might get cold. But then, it might not.
Good luck
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
There aren't many choices of roads in that neck of the woods. Exiting I40 at Clines Corners then taking 285 through Santa Fe, hitting 84 north of Santa Fe to Pagosa then 160 to Durango is an interesting ride. I must say that getting through Santa Fe can be very frustrating, lots of traffic and ridiculously slow speeds on 285 north of town.
Lots of restaurants in downtown Santa Fe but it takes a long time to get into and out of town, plus loooong waits at the restaurants. Depending on your time it may not be worth trying to eat in Santa Fe. Yeah going through Madrid is interesting, cute little town, lots of touristy stuff.
Lots of restaurants in downtown Santa Fe but it takes a long time to get into and out of town, plus loooong waits at the restaurants. Depending on your time it may not be worth trying to eat in Santa Fe. Yeah going through Madrid is interesting, cute little town, lots of touristy stuff.
Last edited by harleyflyboy; Jun 6, 2016 at 02:42 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 376
From: Mississippi
Straight through Dallas and Abilene on I 20 to 84. 84 to 60 through Clovis to Encino to 285 to Clines Corner to Santa Fe. Then to Pagosa Springs and Durango. this is a lot of backroads.
From Amarillo you can hit 87 to Raton and then I 25 to 160 West to Pagosa Springs and Durango.
I have a friend in Pagosa Springs. He said he has been every way there is and there is not a lot of difference. We went up this way to meet my friend to go elk hunting and came back through Trinidad and Raton.
From Amarillo you can hit 87 to Raton and then I 25 to 160 West to Pagosa Springs and Durango.
I have a friend in Pagosa Springs. He said he has been every way there is and there is not a lot of difference. We went up this way to meet my friend to go elk hunting and came back through Trinidad and Raton.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 816
Likes: 172
From: ALABAMA
We have a couple of weeks and plan on camping in Durango. From there, who knows, depends upon which way the wind blows.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 300
From: New Mexico-No, you don't need a passport.
I have never ridden 84 or 518. 84 look like mostly desert. 518 looks like it might be an interesting ride.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 376
From: Mississippi
I have been through Santa Fe on a bike twice with no problems.
When we went elk hunting in CO, we missed our turn and went through Taos. We crossed the Rio Grand Gorge right before dark. Big hole in the ground. The road over to 84 seemed like one curve after another. May be good riding.
We rode the train last year in Durango. Beautiful. If I did it again, I would ride the train up and take the bus back.
When we went elk hunting in CO, we missed our turn and went through Taos. We crossed the Rio Grand Gorge right before dark. Big hole in the ground. The road over to 84 seemed like one curve after another. May be good riding.
We rode the train last year in Durango. Beautiful. If I did it again, I would ride the train up and take the bus back.
Last edited by Grandslam; Jun 7, 2016 at 05:06 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 816
Likes: 172
From: ALABAMA
We made it to Durango. Did the San Juan loop and spent a good bit of time in Silverton.
Ate at Handlebars, it was great.
Going to Moab tomorrow and check out one of the parks. Maybe Arches or Canyonland.
Weather has been good, but got caught in a good shower between ridgeway and Rico.
Ate at Handlebars, it was great.
Going to Moab tomorrow and check out one of the parks. Maybe Arches or Canyonland.
Weather has been good, but got caught in a good shower between ridgeway and Rico.