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| Rio Grande River in New Mexico |
A few years back I rated some roads I had ridden (Scenic Roads #6-#10 and Scenic Roads #1-#5) and found especially scenic. Since then I have had the opportunity to ride many other great roads and one in particular has become a "favorite" road.
Nestled in the northeast corner of New Mexico is The Enchanted Circle, a well known Scenic Byway which includes the mountain towns of Angel Fire, Eagles Nest, Questa,
Red River and Taos. This is a is a great place to ride, camp, hike, sightseeing and enjoy local New Mexico cuisine.
However, I have decided the 76 mile stretch of US 64 between the Enchanted Circle (just northwest of Taos, NM) and Tierra Amarilla (south of Chama, NM) is a fun, scenic must ride for motorcyclists and well worth the detour off the Enchanted Circle. Not to mention the charm of Chama and several good restaurants in the town.
However, I have decided the 76 mile stretch of US 64 between the Enchanted Circle (just northwest of Taos, NM) and Tierra Amarilla (south of Chama, NM) is a fun, scenic must ride for motorcyclists and well worth the detour off the Enchanted Circle. Not to mention the charm of Chama and several good restaurants in the town.
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| 76 miles of New Mexico landscape |
What does this road have to offer? Expansive views for the Rocky Mountains, a drive by the Greater World Earthship Community, sweeping curves, hairpin turns,
elevation change, scenic overlooks, wildlife and solitude (traffic is minimal).
Heading west from the Enchanted Circle US 64
passes over the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge which is 600 feet above the floor of the gorge. A visitor center with access to the walkway across the bridge is on the west side and is worth the stop and walk. US 64 intersects with US 285 then continues through the Carson National Forest. Riders need to be aware of
the potential for wildlife so keep alert. With a total of 5 passes over this road I
have seen a bunch of suicidal ground squirrels (they will dart out right
in front of you) and a few deer, but they were never very close to the road.
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| A scenic view of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and the Rocky Mountains |
Spirited riding is almost mandatory. The sweepers on the eastern
sector allows for consistent throttle and very little downshifting. The
middle sector has nice elevation changes with some straight sections
where some riders (not that I would :) ) could test bike velocity. In
the western sector there are some tight turns allowing the outer portion of
tires to get some usage.
Great view from US 64
Great views abound and the road reaches an elevation of 10,507 feet at
Brazos Summit (second highest point on any NM highway), so the
temperature can dip even in the summer. Like all mountain areas, rain
is always a possibility so have good rain gear. Two of the five times I have ridden the road I
have experience brief light rain showers.
View from overlook before descent to Tierra Amarilla, NM
The combination of various radius curves, elevation change, spectacular vistas, minimal
traffic and great destinations at each end makes this a road worth the
fuel to experience and enjoy.
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