Santa Fe to Cloudcroft (Alamogordo, Ruidoso: live in, distance, map)

[cynanthus]

We're going to be driving from Santa Fe to Cloudcroft soon, and I'm wondering if anyone has advice on which route to take. Google Maps says that going 285/41/54/82 will take 4 hours 20 minutes, and 25 to 380/54 will take 5 hours.

I'm leaning towards the 285 route to save time, but wondering if it's the most boring drive in the world?

And... where are the tricky spots on the drive? Is it just Alamagordo to Cloudcroft on 82 that's mountainous?

Thanks much!

[jaxart]

The route you mention, via 285 etc., is definitely the most scenic and least boring. Weigh that against higher speed limits and interstate travel between Santa Fe and San Antonio (intersection of IH-25 and US-380).

The distance from Alamogordo to Cloudcroft on US-82 is only 16 miles, and some of the most spectacular scenery (panoramic views) to be found anywhere in the state. The highway rises something like 5,000 ft in that short distance.

One thing to consider if you have the time and want to make the most of the trip is to take US-380 from Carrizozo to Nogal then to Ruidoso via NM-37, and thence on to Cloudcroft via US-70 (4-lane) turning onto NM-244 into Cloudcroft.

Have a great trip whichever route you choose.

[GregW]

Just looking at a map I would suggest 84W to 54N to 3N to 285N. that looks about as short a way as possible. The other way would be to drive through the Sacramento Mountains to Carrizozo and then 54N. Looks like a nice drive either way.

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by cynanthus

We're going to be driving from Santa Fe to Cloudcroft soon.

And... where are the tricky spots on the drive?

Thanks much!

Every time I have driven down to the Alamagordo area, maybe 10 times in the past 10 years, I have always gone during daylight and I normally take the two routes, one on the way down and another on the way back. 380/54 is more scenic but we live in the ABQ area, so the trip is almost an hour less than from Santa Fe. It is not unusual for my driving times to be much greater the Google, I drive slow and stop a lot etc... For us, it has always been a pleasure trip, not a "have to get there and work" issue.

Good luck!


Rich

[GregW]

Please reverse my directions if you are going from Santa Fe to Cloudcroft.

[cynanthus]

Thanks all! I think we'll do the 285 route on the way down and 380/25 on the way back just to see both options. I appreciate all the quick feedback - and Jaxart - I may just try your route through Ruidioso on the way back if we have time.