Three Scenic Song-Worthy Drives in New Mexico - United States Travel Story
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Title: Three Scenic Song-Worthy Drives in New Mexico
Website: http://www.travelwriterstales.com
By Jane Cassie The best way to check out New Mexico’s treasures is by getting off the beaten path and onto roads less traveled. Twenty six scenic byways lace this fifth largest state and are so rich with culture, history and visual overload they’ll get you singing. Here are three of the tune-worthy trips.
Do You Know The Way To Santa Fe?
Words are altered in my own rendition of Do You Know the way to San José, the catchy tune that helped Dionne Warwick get on the Grammy map back in 1968. And even though I’m nowhere near the state of California (and certainly no threat to this African-American songbird), it seems like a good fit while cruising Highway 14 a.k.a. The Turquoise Trail. The Rail Runner commuter train efficiently bridges the gap between downtown Albuquerque and Santa Fe, but this pokier path is much prettier. Like a silver thread, it laces over the vast arid landscape, bisecting sun-bleached grasslands and veering around undulating hills. Cacti, piñon and juniper flank the rural route, as do pockets of communities –everything from curvaceous adobe dwellings to teetering shanty shacks. From the flatlands, we climb to Sandia Crest, a rise that provides a heart thumping vista of the unfolding terrain. Adventure seekers are drawn to nearby Sandia Ski Peak and Tramway, where chiseled-out runs appease summer hikers and winter powder hounds. Whimsical wanderers are lured to Tinkertown, a museum of intriguing collectables that range in everything from miniature wood-carved figurines to wacky western schlock. Although tempted by these sidekicks, we hug tight to the tarmac and keep on cruising. The two-bit town of Golden is followed closely by Madrid (Mahdrid). Quirky-type galleries line the streets of this post-mining hippie haunt where potters, carvers and weavers flaunt their wares. We mosey through shops that are jam-packed with crafts, check out splashy blankets and funky furnishings, and chow down on spicy green chili, a definite wake up call to the palate. Cerrillos is our final stop before reaching New Mexico’s culture-loving capital of Santa Fe. Centuries-old structures still stand in this oldest southwest mining town where records of prospecting date back to 1582. Back in the 1880’s when miners came in search of gold, silver and turquoise, this bustling township was home to four hotels and twenty-one saloons. Its history can be retraced at the Turquoise Mining Museum that showcases everything from tools and artifacts to the timeline of its Native American, Spanish, and Anglo ancestors. A petting zoo with personable goats and loving llamas will also keep the kids content. Distance: 143.7 km / 89.8 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours
You take the Low Road and I’ll Take the High Road
Highway 68 is the most direct way from Santa Fe to Taos and though scenic, while paralleling the Rio Grande River, it doesn’t compare to the High Road To Taos. Our drive begins in the lush Tesuque Valley and soon opens up to a plateau of wide open space and big sky. Jagged monoliths, created millions of years ago, jut up from the desert floor like native arrowheads. Snow-tipped Sangre de Cristo peaks frame the backdrop as they pierce the cobalt sky at a height of 3,962 meters (13,000 feet). And the sun illuminates the windswept mesa like a painter’s palette; Shimmering golds, vibrant purples, deep sea greens -it’s all quite magical and surreal. After veering onto highway 503, the land closes in. We ascend to greater heights, navigating turns, hairpins and arroyo-etched hillsides. Historical townships, reflecting the Spanish heritage, are sprinkled along the way. We stop at the Santuario de Chimayo, a quaint country chapel on the outskirts of Chimayo (Shim-i-o). Whether its fact or fiction, people come here in droves for the healing powers of its sacristy soil. Unfortunately a service is in session when we arrive so, instead, we seek out some retail therapy at a few of the galleries. Heading north onto Highway 518, we bisect the artsy hamlet of Cordova and climb to the ridge top town of Truchas. Rio Grande vistas are provided from its 2,454 meters (8,051 feet) perch and it’s easy to see why Robert Redford chose this picturesque setting for his film, The Milagro Bean Field War. We weave in and out of pine-clad Carson National Forest and get glimpses of the distant Rockies. Las Trampas, home to the 1700’s colonial-style San José de Gracia Church is the next drive by and a short detour later is Picuris, a modern day pueblo known for its mica-flecked pottery. At Peñasco we take route 518 and just south of Taos is Ranchos de Taos and the famous 18th-century San Francisco de Asis Church. As well as being one of the most painted buildings in the world, this sanctuary was the inspiration of Georgia O’Keeffe, New Mexico’s iconic artist. Distance from Espanola: 93.3 KM / 58 miles Driving Time: 2 hours
We’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain… This song was put to the test while driving the Enchanted Circle, a loop that rings Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico. Road signage throughout the state is sketchy but on this scenic highway 64 there are a number of history markers and must-see memorials. In the lush Hondo Valley, we deek into the Kiowa Ranch where the ashes of British writer, DH Lawrence have been laid to rest, and near Angel Fire check out the monument commemorating the Vietnam Vets. Culture is big in New Mexico, but in these parts, the outdoors is bigger. Funneling from Angel Fire’s summit are ski runs that boast a 2,180 foot vertical drop. In summer, this resort becomes a magnet for golfers, hikers and mountain bikers. Fishing and windsurfing gurus head to the neighboring community of Eagle Nest Lake and snowmobiles and ATVs trace the wind blown summit beyond, at Bobcat Pass. Red River Resort is the next ski hill on our road romp. Silverado, Goldrush, and Lucky Strike are just a few runs that honor the town’s gold mining past. Many plummet from peak to base, offering a ski-out escape. This year-round playground also offers summer action; ride the range, reel in a catch, hike the hills. We stop to saunter the laid-back streets checking out everything from western gear at The Knot Hole to souvenirs at the Pioneer Emporium. Taos Ski Resort is the next, and the biggest of them all. After bisecting the artsy community of Arroyo Seco, we cleave through a narrow valley that snakes to its base. A hundred runs sweep over the powder terrain and thirteen lifts whisk gravity-defying borders to paradise. One even takes them to the thin air altitude of 12,000 ft. More adventures can be found just north of Questa. We follow route 378 through the village of Cerro then enter the Wild River Recreation Area. An asphalt drive loops around a pancake-flat plateau. Campgrounds veer off this main artery and the sheer-sided Rio Grande Gorge pulsates at the hub. It’s an eight hundred foot drop to the river below and in between is a profusion of plants, animals, and adventure. Instead of hiking the hills solo, we let a llama tote our load. Whether it’s just a day trip or a three day walk in the wilderness, owner Stuart Wilde and his Wild Earth Llama Adventures provides an exciting experience. http://www.llamaadventures.com/ Distance: 136 KM / 84 miles
Driving Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours This Land of Enchantment offers more than 121,000 square miles (194,725 Km) of scenic pleasure. From wide open mesas to meandering mountain byways it will inspire, captivate and put a song in your heart, no matter where the Long And Winding Road takes you. Where to stay:For the budget seeker Santa Fe Sage Inn
P: 866.433.0335http://www.santafesageinn.com/ For the luxury lover: Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & SpaToll free: (800) 419 0492http://www.bishopslodge.com/ For the Historian: The Taos InnPhone: 575.758.2233
http://www.taosinn.com/ What to do:New Mexico Tourismhttp://www.newmexico.org/
Website: http://www.travelwriterstales.com
By Jane Cassie The best way to check out New Mexico’s treasures is by getting off the beaten path and onto roads less traveled. Twenty six scenic byways lace this fifth largest state and are so rich with culture, history and visual overload they’ll get you singing. Here are three of the tune-worthy trips.
Do You Know The Way To Santa Fe?
Words are altered in my own rendition of Do You Know the way to San José, the catchy tune that helped Dionne Warwick get on the Grammy map back in 1968. And even though I’m nowhere near the state of California (and certainly no threat to this African-American songbird), it seems like a good fit while cruising Highway 14 a.k.a. The Turquoise Trail. The Rail Runner commuter train efficiently bridges the gap between downtown Albuquerque and Santa Fe, but this pokier path is much prettier. Like a silver thread, it laces over the vast arid landscape, bisecting sun-bleached grasslands and veering around undulating hills. Cacti, piñon and juniper flank the rural route, as do pockets of communities –everything from curvaceous adobe dwellings to teetering shanty shacks. From the flatlands, we climb to Sandia Crest, a rise that provides a heart thumping vista of the unfolding terrain. Adventure seekers are drawn to nearby Sandia Ski Peak and Tramway, where chiseled-out runs appease summer hikers and winter powder hounds. Whimsical wanderers are lured to Tinkertown, a museum of intriguing collectables that range in everything from miniature wood-carved figurines to wacky western schlock. Although tempted by these sidekicks, we hug tight to the tarmac and keep on cruising. The two-bit town of Golden is followed closely by Madrid (Mahdrid). Quirky-type galleries line the streets of this post-mining hippie haunt where potters, carvers and weavers flaunt their wares. We mosey through shops that are jam-packed with crafts, check out splashy blankets and funky furnishings, and chow down on spicy green chili, a definite wake up call to the palate. Cerrillos is our final stop before reaching New Mexico’s culture-loving capital of Santa Fe. Centuries-old structures still stand in this oldest southwest mining town where records of prospecting date back to 1582. Back in the 1880’s when miners came in search of gold, silver and turquoise, this bustling township was home to four hotels and twenty-one saloons. Its history can be retraced at the Turquoise Mining Museum that showcases everything from tools and artifacts to the timeline of its Native American, Spanish, and Anglo ancestors. A petting zoo with personable goats and loving llamas will also keep the kids content. Distance: 143.7 km / 89.8 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours
You take the Low Road and I’ll Take the High Road
Highway 68 is the most direct way from Santa Fe to Taos and though scenic, while paralleling the Rio Grande River, it doesn’t compare to the High Road To Taos. Our drive begins in the lush Tesuque Valley and soon opens up to a plateau of wide open space and big sky. Jagged monoliths, created millions of years ago, jut up from the desert floor like native arrowheads. Snow-tipped Sangre de Cristo peaks frame the backdrop as they pierce the cobalt sky at a height of 3,962 meters (13,000 feet). And the sun illuminates the windswept mesa like a painter’s palette; Shimmering golds, vibrant purples, deep sea greens -it’s all quite magical and surreal. After veering onto highway 503, the land closes in. We ascend to greater heights, navigating turns, hairpins and arroyo-etched hillsides. Historical townships, reflecting the Spanish heritage, are sprinkled along the way. We stop at the Santuario de Chimayo, a quaint country chapel on the outskirts of Chimayo (Shim-i-o). Whether its fact or fiction, people come here in droves for the healing powers of its sacristy soil. Unfortunately a service is in session when we arrive so, instead, we seek out some retail therapy at a few of the galleries. Heading north onto Highway 518, we bisect the artsy hamlet of Cordova and climb to the ridge top town of Truchas. Rio Grande vistas are provided from its 2,454 meters (8,051 feet) perch and it’s easy to see why Robert Redford chose this picturesque setting for his film, The Milagro Bean Field War. We weave in and out of pine-clad Carson National Forest and get glimpses of the distant Rockies. Las Trampas, home to the 1700’s colonial-style San José de Gracia Church is the next drive by and a short detour later is Picuris, a modern day pueblo known for its mica-flecked pottery. At Peñasco we take route 518 and just south of Taos is Ranchos de Taos and the famous 18th-century San Francisco de Asis Church. As well as being one of the most painted buildings in the world, this sanctuary was the inspiration of Georgia O’Keeffe, New Mexico’s iconic artist. Distance from Espanola: 93.3 KM / 58 miles Driving Time: 2 hours
We’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain… This song was put to the test while driving the Enchanted Circle, a loop that rings Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico. Road signage throughout the state is sketchy but on this scenic highway 64 there are a number of history markers and must-see memorials. In the lush Hondo Valley, we deek into the Kiowa Ranch where the ashes of British writer, DH Lawrence have been laid to rest, and near Angel Fire check out the monument commemorating the Vietnam Vets. Culture is big in New Mexico, but in these parts, the outdoors is bigger. Funneling from Angel Fire’s summit are ski runs that boast a 2,180 foot vertical drop. In summer, this resort becomes a magnet for golfers, hikers and mountain bikers. Fishing and windsurfing gurus head to the neighboring community of Eagle Nest Lake and snowmobiles and ATVs trace the wind blown summit beyond, at Bobcat Pass. Red River Resort is the next ski hill on our road romp. Silverado, Goldrush, and Lucky Strike are just a few runs that honor the town’s gold mining past. Many plummet from peak to base, offering a ski-out escape. This year-round playground also offers summer action; ride the range, reel in a catch, hike the hills. We stop to saunter the laid-back streets checking out everything from western gear at The Knot Hole to souvenirs at the Pioneer Emporium. Taos Ski Resort is the next, and the biggest of them all. After bisecting the artsy community of Arroyo Seco, we cleave through a narrow valley that snakes to its base. A hundred runs sweep over the powder terrain and thirteen lifts whisk gravity-defying borders to paradise. One even takes them to the thin air altitude of 12,000 ft. More adventures can be found just north of Questa. We follow route 378 through the village of Cerro then enter the Wild River Recreation Area. An asphalt drive loops around a pancake-flat plateau. Campgrounds veer off this main artery and the sheer-sided Rio Grande Gorge pulsates at the hub. It’s an eight hundred foot drop to the river below and in between is a profusion of plants, animals, and adventure. Instead of hiking the hills solo, we let a llama tote our load. Whether it’s just a day trip or a three day walk in the wilderness, owner Stuart Wilde and his Wild Earth Llama Adventures provides an exciting experience. http://www.llamaadventures.com/ Distance: 136 KM / 84 miles
Driving Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours This Land of Enchantment offers more than 121,000 square miles (194,725 Km) of scenic pleasure. From wide open mesas to meandering mountain byways it will inspire, captivate and put a song in your heart, no matter where the Long And Winding Road takes you. Where to stay:For the budget seeker Santa Fe Sage Inn
P: 866.433.0335http://www.santafesageinn.com/ For the luxury lover: Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & SpaToll free: (800) 419 0492http://www.bishopslodge.com/ For the Historian: The Taos InnPhone: 575.758.2233
http://www.taosinn.com/ What to do:New Mexico Tourismhttp://www.newmexico.org/
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