Denver to Santa Fe Road trip advice, early May

[Idunn]

The drive south on I-25 can be pleasant and even interesting, if you've never done it before. Not much chance of snow in May, but possible. Raton is the only pass of any consequence, and simple in moderate weather. Traffic can be a pain at times until south of Colorado Springs, CO; once past Pueblo, CO you'll have largely open road.

All fine and well, but why not make this a road trip you'll fondly remember? US 285 will take you on a route through the mountains that is far more interesting and beautiful. A bit longer time wise, so just schedule accordingly, as in the better part of a full day to Santa Fe, NM (particularly if you stop now and then, for instance in Crestone, CO, and you may well find other places and reasons). There are a few passes, but nothing difficult. It's all two lane road, winding at times but generally moderately fast, save possibly the need to pass now and then. A lovely drive.

Come southern Colorado you've basically two options in opting to remain on US 285, through Ojo Caliente, NM and eventually Santa Fe, or through Taos, NM.

If through Ojo Caliente, you may wish to seriously consider allowing some time to enjoy the marvelous commercial hot springs there. Several hours at least, if not perhaps a day or two. Well worth the modest price (but know their accommodations, if nice, more ambitiously priced). This is a fine route and scenic, but if not interested in Ojo Caliente, you may prefer that through Taos.

If choosing Taos, your best path will diverge from US 285 in southern Colorado, just a bit south of the small town of Villa Grove, CO. Turn left onto CO 17, which runs nearly straight as an arrow to Alamosa, CO. (And for that matter, even if through Ojo Caliente CO 17 the faster route into Alamosa). Towards Taos, turn left at Alamosa onto US 160, taking it east to Fort Garland, CO, thence south on CO 159 (which turns into NM 522 at the border). This route will lead you through Taos and eventually to Española, NM, joining US 285 and thence into Santa Fe.

Similar to a significantly smaller Santa Fe, Taos has a charm all its own and well worth the visit. You might begin to wonder how long you can stay. Sights and attractions have been covered elsewhere, suffice it to say here that if liking Santa Fe you are sure to love Taos. South of Taos, one might take the 'high road' but in all this being new just sticking with NM 68 will prove a fine and interesting drive.

If so inclined, you might wish to read some tour books prior to, there is so much to see and do. Or you can just wing it, and probably find reasons and excuses why you need to come back. If in Taos, be sure and visit the Plaza. Absolutely the same in Santa Fe, as in both instances these are the true center and heart of town. Yes, more commercial than formerly, but remaining as such, not to mention a good geographic point to do a walkabout of town.

If looking for fine art, cuisine, or magic in Santa Fe, you can find it.

[Haley Wood]

Wow! Thanks everyone! To be honest, if I'd known I'd get such thorough and informative replies I'd have posted before ever moving to Denver!

I may actually delay my trip a bit given this whole Acronym Flu (INHI??) but that's maybe a good thing because then I'll definitely do the 285 thru Taos venture. I'm not a total wimp when driving (lived on the west coast, did the trip to Tahoe in January, drove from Portland to the coast too many times, ditto with Seattle to coast, and those trips can all be bad, also have done Seattle thru Montana). But I wasn't sure and after getting caught in a freak white out at Monument Hill near Colorado Springs, I won't take anything for granted on these roads!

I'm now planning to go early June, and with dog in tow, will feel pretty safe. Hopefully every place is dog friendly. I will DEFINITELY be stopping at Trader Joe's (oh, how I miss it) and thought about staying in rancho jacona at some casitas. But now maybe Taos?