Albuquerque to Ruidoso/Cloudcroft

[akadeadeye]

We plan on going to the Balloon Fiesta this Fall and wonder about the roads and road grades nearing Ruidoso and Cloudcroft, NM, on our way back to Texas.

Anyone have any experience that you can share?

Don

[Bigbluedog55]

Don,
We travel fairly often to camp in the Lincoln NF in Cloudcroft (except this season as drought has closed the NF) and less frequently to the Ruidoso area. Only about 90 miles from the house to Cloudcroft.
I am not quite sure what you would like to know, but the roads are all in good shape, plowed early and often in times of snow. I can't remember the last time the roads were closed for snow or ice. The grade is fair steep in places, but I have never had a problem chugging up them in my 42' Country Coach with the 505HP Caterpillar.
Not really a bad drive at all.
Of course, you don't have to go through Cloudcroft to get to Ruidoso, although you certainly can if you like. But, taking the road up through Cloudcroft is the more narrow , winding and steeper route. But just a little slower, not bad at all. Cloudcroft is at, I think, 8K-9K feet.
I think the Balloon Fiesta is in mid October, so the weather should be quite nice for your trip back to Texas.

Luck
Bob

[Theberrys]

We live in Albuquerque and go to Ruidoso several times a year. This is the rout we take and have had no problems at all. We drive a 37 ft National Tradewinds with a 300 hp Cat, Allison six speed and the grades present no real slow downs or scary downhills.

Have fun.

Dick

[mick]

I go from Ruidoso to Albq a lot. The route above is the best and least travelled. There sure aint nuttin to be worried about on that route. Well maybe the little hill just north of Ruidoso if you drive it 90.

If you are going from Albq to Cloudcroft then Ruidoso, the drive is nice, but its all uphill from Ruidoso to Cloudcroft but again nuttin to worry about unless you drive 100.