Upon the advice of our German guide at Muley Point, the route today was adjusted to include the ‘high road to Taos’ as well as the Enchanted Circle. So we set out from Bernalillo on I-25 to Santa Fe for a quick visit to the state Capitol, and an all too brief visit to the old town square. Santa Fe looks to be a charming city and well worth a return visit in the future.
From Santa Fe we continued north on US-84 and US-285 to El Valle de Arroyo Seco before turning off on NM-76 which is the beginning of the ‘high road’. The route wound through a patchwork of communities, each with it’s own unusual and diverse buildings and land marks.
After passing through Penasco the road became more remote, twisty and steep, as we passed through pine forests on the way to Taos. Just south of Taos we popped onto US-64 to Angel Fire. This was a great “Slalom”** road throughout – great twisties and scenery to suit.
The route from Angel Fire to Eagles Nest was a classic “Super-G”** route with wide sweepers angling along high meadows and pastures with ridges rimming the edges. We drove over Bobcat Pass which at 9820 feet is the highest mountain pass in New Mexico, and then started our descent into Red River – another great “Slalom”** run.
Red River is the location of the Red River Ski and Summer Area which along with Taos Ski Valley is proof that skiing in the desert is possible – as long as you have elevation. Both are located above 9000 feet. (by comparison Lake Louise and Sunshine Village are only 5400 feet at base elevation.
After a short coffee break in Red River, we carried on to Questa along a nice “Giant Slalom”** route before picking up NM-522 into Taos where we finished up for the day.
** SIRES – Ski Inspired Road Evaluation System