Roads in NM

[redtj06]

I will be headed to Cortes , CO at the end of April from Carlsbad , NM.
I plan on using the NM route 6 to by pass Albuquerque. Has any one ever been on that by pass? I am driving a 05 Pace Arrow

[TW]

Never driven Route 6, but we use I 40 all the time. It's no big problem.
Traffic is not that bad

TW

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by redtj06 I will be headed to Cortes , CO at the end of April from Carlsbad , NM. I plan on using the NM route 6 to by pass Albuquerque. Has any one ever been on that by pass? I am driving a 05 Pace Arrow

I would highly recommend taking Hwy 285 from Carlsbad through Santa Fe, then Hwy 84 through Chama, Pagosa Springs, Durango, etc. The drive on Hwy 84 north of Santa Fe is absolutely beautiful and the highway is a good one. We came this way going the other direction last year. We stayed in Cortez on our way back to San Antonio from visiting the Canyon country.

You never have to get on I-40, or should I say the 18-wheeler tube.

Have a great trip. I am envious.

Don

[Pinz6x6]

I live in Farmington NM. just a little under an hour from Cortez. When we go south looking for "little green men" or "caves" we take 550 south to Bernalillo then 25 south to Albuquerque and 40 east to 285 south. You will be on freeway in Alb. and it is marked very well. Total freeway is <40 miles. If you plan on missing rush hour, it is not bad at all. 9AM-3PM works well. 6AM-9AM or 3PM-6PM not so well.
I would think 550 all the way to Durango then west on 160 would work well. If I have been on 6, I'm sorry I don't recall.
As stated in another post 285 north to Santa Fe and north to 64 or all the way to 160 in Pagosa Springs CO. is VERY nice. It will add 2-4 hours but, if you have the time. Watch for dear and elk on the roads in the AM & PM hours north of Alb. or Santa Fe.
Enjoy your visit to "The Land of Enchantment" and CO. Don't miss Mesa Verde.

[redtj06]

My sister lives in Crotez and I did for about 5yr's then moved back to AZ. I appreciate all the info,had not thought about Northern rout,as long as I can stay away from Wolf Creek been there done that.

[Pinz6x6]

I said hwy 285 to Pagosa Springs that was wrong. At Espanola 285 & 84 split from there 84 north to Pagosa Springs will take you to 160 and the west side of Wolf Creek Pass so it wouldn't be a factor. I still prefer 550 from Bernalillo to Durango but I guess I'm in to much of a hurry most times.
Good Luck Safe Trip Ken

[Dave1956]

I would second akadeadey's route! Great route, lots of places to stop and enjoy the trip! We drive this route several times a year from west Texas to Abiqueu NM. If you need some great places to see along the way, PV me for details.

Dave

[Jim2]

I assume the NM hwy 6 you refer to is from Los Lunas to I40 west of Albq? That seems to be a bit out of the way, but hwy 6 is an ok 2 lane road, you wont be on it very long. You're taking a long detour just to avoid Albq? If you stay on I25 or I40 going thru Albq is no problem.
From Carlsbad I would go north on 285 and then decide if you want to take 550 (faster/shorter) or 84 (more scenic) into Colorado. Depending on that choice you'll either continue north on 285 all the way to Santa Fe or jog west at I40/I25 to hook up with 550.

[chief02]

Rt 6 is a goodt short cut from I-25 to I-40 west to Gallup then north on 371 to Farmington or 491 north to Cortez,,faster but no very pretty,

I agree with Pinz6x6.

Is that you BOOB?

[Pinz6x6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief02 Rt 6 is a goodt short cut from I-25 to I-40 west to Gallup then north on 371 to Farmington or 491 north to Cortez,,faster but no very pretty, I agree with Pinz6x6. Is that you BOOB?

You only asked because I was/am lost.

My best posts are on a Moab off road thread.

BTW 371 SUCKS if you are towing. Thoreau to Crown Point there are so many moguls/bumps a hitch really gets a good test. But, if you like roller coasters -2Gs to +2Gs can be fun and keeps you awake!
Don says you are in AZ or Las Cruces?