taos to questa in winter (Espanola: to live, costs, buses)

[txag05]

For those who are familiar with the taos/questa area ..... does the road (NM 522) between Taos and Questa get a lot of snow in the winter or does it close frequently for snow? I'm contemplating just commuting between the two, but I wondered if other people thought it was a logical thing to do?


Thanks.

[catman]

My guess is that it gets a lot of snow, but it's not frequently closed due to snow. NM seems to do a fair job of keeping roads open.

[Fernienm]

Roads are maintained in winter, it is a bus route. However, there have been a few storms in which I was forced to turn around in. From Taos to Hondo things are usually fine, its once you pass San Cristobal that it starts to accumulate. The hills (questas) require some speed to get up in the normalist of conditions, and in the snow they can get a bit treachous.


My mom however has survived several winters driving an ancient Volvo. She is a frequent customer with all of the tow companies in town. The jury is out as to whether this is because of her driving abilities, or the weather!

[GregW]

Sounds like northern New Hampshire. Why not try to live closer to work?

[rljsrubicon]

I'll be in Taos for Christmas and wondered about that as well. We have a couple of day trips planned (enchanted circle and high road) so it could be fun. My Jeep group friends say "nothing to worry about" of course we do drive jeepsRon

Originally Posted by txag05

For those who are familiar with the taos/questa area ..... does the road (NM 522) between Taos and Questa get a lot of snow in the winter or does it close frequently for snow? I'm contemplating just commuting between the two, but I wondered if other people thought it was a logical thing to do?


Thanks.

[JOHNRCERRO]

I Live In Questa And My Brother Drives To Work In Taos Daily. The Road Is Rarely Almost Never Closed. It Is A Very Excellent Road And A Beautiful Drive. As Long As You Are Not Commuting Before Dawn The Road Is Usually Cleared. It Is Well Traveled And Maintained. Anyone Used To Winter Driving Will Have No Problem What You Do Have To Watch Out For Is Other Drivers And Drunk Drivers. There Are Many Campesantos On The Road. These Are Memorial Crosses. But If You Take Care You Should Be Able To Do It Okay. Many People Here Commute There. Also The County Has Just Started A Bus Which Goes To Taos Espanola And Further. It Only Costs Two Dollars Each Way. Two Buses In The Morning One At Six And One At Nine. If You Want Anymore Info You Can Email Me. Good Luck Jr

[NM Appraiser]

The salt/cinder trucks tend to be more up there but you never know - you can call 800 432-4269 for road conditions - sometimes faster (sometimes NOT) than the web.

[rljsrubicon]

Many thanks.. Only thirteen days until V-Day.. Ron

Originally Posted by rljsrubicon

I'll be in Taos for Christmas and wondered about that as well. We have a couple of day trips planned (enchanted circle and high road) so it could be fun. My Jeep group friends say "nothing to worry about" of course we do drive jeepsRon

[Naima]

We really don't get a whole lot of snow in the Taos area, in my experience. An occasional real storm, but the sun is so powerful, it melts fast and first on the asphalt. Taos is a total wonder in winter.

[movingmaybe]

My FIL lives in Costilla, north of Questa, and commutes to Taos daily and has for five years. I think maybe once he couldn't get to town, every other day he's been at his office in Taos by 7am.