Community Forums

ketelhut · 01-25-2015, 09:29 AM

This March I'll be leaving SoCal heading to east coast & would like to avoid the major Hwy's (Hwy 40). I have done Hwy 70 & Hwy 10 in the past.

The second week of March I'll be leaving South Rim Grand Canyon heading east. I would like to take Hwy 64 to 89 to get to 160 East to connect to Hwy 64 again, thru Shiprock, Farmington & Bloomfield. I would like to continue on Hwy 64 over the southern Rockies, thru Taos, NM to Oklahoma where I can connect to Hwy 412.

I can check weather (snow) when closer to departure date. Only reservations are for Grand Canyon so I can adjust my route as needed.

If anyone has driven there coach, with toad, over Hwy 64 thru northern New Mexico I would appreciate your input.

pagosajoe · 01-25-2015, 03:29 PM

We've been through that route with the exception of the 85 miles from Bloomfield to Chama, NM. If the rest of 64 is as good as what we've traveled in that area, you should have no issues on that section.

There are some steep grades from Tierra Amarilla over toward Tres Piedras, but not a big issue if you're used to driving in the mountains. In places, the road is rough, although last we were through there (June 2014), the NM DOT was working on repairs.

Hwy 64 from Taos over toward Angel Fire is very twisty and steep in places. Definitely a slow go, even in a car. Elevation through that section tops 8500 feet.

Haven't been on the section from Eagle Nest over to Cimmaron, but it appears there are some twisty section for a short distance.

My biggest concern would be weather. March is the snowiest month for this part of the Rockies. Ya just never know what the snow gods will do...there are several ski areas (Taos, Red River, Angel Fire) on the route you're considering around Taos - with highway elevations of 8500 to well over 9000 feet or more, I'd be concerned and consider a more southern route.

Above all, have a safe and fun trip!

ketelhut · 01-26-2015, 09:00 AM

Thanks Pagosajoe. Your handle makes me think you might be from Pagosa Springs, CO. I went through there last year on my way over Wolf Pass. I have driven the coach in the Rockies in CO, Black Hills in SD, Unica Mts. in northern Utah & the Appalachians in Kentucky & Virginia.

Just wanted to make sure 64 is a well traveled route that is kept in decent condition by the appropriate DOT.

Weather is a concern & have planned to check weather daily. There are several routes off 64 that allow me to head south to 40 & even all the way to 10 if necessary.

pagosajoe · 01-26-2015, 09:05 AM

You're welcome. The road is fairly well maintained and traveled. Where there were issues last summer, the NM DOT was working on improving them. Yup - we live in Pagosa Springs. If you've done Wolf Creek Pass, then you are pretty familiar with the "worst" of mountain driving. Be sure to check the weather, as you have planned. It can change quickly. Yesterday we were told it will be 50 and sunny this coming week., Today we're told that we could get 8 inches of snow in Pagosa, and waaaay more than a foot in the higher elevations.

Have a fun and safe trip!