Driving to Taos Ski Valley (Santa Fe, Las Vegas: safest, vacations, land)

[Pilsn3r]

Hello,
We are looking to find the best (meaning the safest and least mountain road, least snow/ice possibility) route to Taos Ski Valley from Amarillo, TX. I would appreciate any advice!

1. 87 to 412 to 58 to 64 route that goes near Angel Fire to 150, or
2. I40 to 104 to Las Vegas then up 518 to 240 then 150.

The 1st one seems the least amount of mountain driving.

Oh, and this is the week after Christmas - thank you!!!

https://goo.gl/maps/87EKnoENhb1ap8z27

Then we'll head to Sante Fe for one of our regular vacations there.

[aries63]

We can't know what the conditions will be at the time you are traveling. Check nmroads.com before you leave for the latest conditions. Maybe a skier from Amarillo who has made that trip many times could advise you. I remember once almost sliding off the highway on 64 near Angel Fire on a beautiful sunny morning, but the road surface there was a sheet of ice.

[Pilsn3r]

Originally Posted by aries63

We can't know what the conditions will be at the time you are traveling. Check nmroads.com before you leave for the latest conditions. Maybe a skier from Amarillo who has made that trip many times could advise you. I remember once almost sliding off the highway on 64 near Angel Fire on a beautiful sunny morning, but the road surface there was a sheet of ice.

Thanks! I'll put in a reminder to myself to check that site prior to leaving for Amarillo and TSV.

[ABQ2015]

From one of my other NM forums, the general consensus is to take the first route you mention that goes from Clayton to Eagle Nest. An option on that route is whether to go through Raton and then back down on Highway 64 to Cimmaron whether than going through Springer. The Raton route is a little longer but the road is a much better 4 land highway with cell service along much of the route. Of course, as aries63 mentioned, checking road conditions in the winter is always a good idea. I will send you a private message with some specifics.

[CII]

Least mountain driving would be to drive to Santa Fe and then go up to Espanola. Take 285 toward Ojo Caliente and Chama, past Ojo Caliente, turn off on 567 toward Pillar and Taos. At the T crossing turn left toward Taos (Not right toward Pilar!) and drive to highway 64 and turn right toward Taos. All paved with some two lanes but not much traffic.

It sounds circuitous but we have steeper mountain driving than that here in Oklahoma.