Advice on a visit to NW New Mexico NGC

[charlie b]

NM is still kinda wild--there have been some bear attacks this year:

http://www.koat.com/news/hiker-attacked-by-bear-near-los-alamos/35222610

Had a bear visit my house a few years ago, estimated to be 300 or so lbs from the size of its paw print, which was on my kitchen window.

Rich A

I had not heard about that one.  We carry bear spray when hiking anywhere.  We have a bear visit the house sometimes, but, we're near the habitats too.  The last one I guess got startled cause he went through a wood fence and a chain link gate (tore it off the hinges).  Prints were 10" across.

FWIW, there are great mexican food (more properly called 'new mexican food') all across the state and even into southern CO and eastern AZ.  For us, it really has to have green chile to be good mexican food :)

My favorite place was a little one in Hatch.  They hand made all their tortillas, sopapillas and tamales.  Closed up when the owner passed away.  Kinda like chinese food.  The best places are the small ones.  You know the kind.  You are either gonna die from food poisoning or have the best meal of your life  :)

[Tom]

If you're in the area during the Balloon Fiesta, talk to someone and get a ride.  Worth the money.  Use to fly there.  Amazing to see that many balloon in the air at the same time.  Hang out at the launch field you'll see them launch and the other half flying in.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque_International_Balloon_Fiesta

[rocker59]

The best places in New Mexico will not be found on pavement...

[oldbike54]

The best places in New Mexico will not be found on pavement...

 Looks like a good place for a rally .

  Dusty

[Jim Rich]

Where is that located Rocker?

[rocker59]

Where is that located Rocker?

It's called Comanche Point.  It's at the confluence of Costilla Creek and Comanche Creek on the western end of the Valle Vidal area in the Sangre de Cristos.

You can access it from Costilla on NM-196, which turns into FR-1950. About twelve miles off pavement, but no biggie for a Stelvio.  Ten miles further on is a great NF campground, Cimarron Campground.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/carson/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=44112&actid=29

It's beautiful country.

[rboe]

We've drive I25 several times and that stretch from Santa Fe to Trindad, mostly on the northside of the freeway, looked darn inviting. You confirmed it.

[rocker59]

We've drive I25 several times and that stretch from Santa Fe to Trindad, mostly on the northside of the freeway, looked darn inviting. You confirmed it.

Next time you have some extra time for that trip, try this route:

Google Map Link

[rboe]

  Thanks!

[rocker59]

Thanks!

Two great places to eat along the way:

St. James Hotel in Cimarron:  http://www.exstjames.com/

Rancho de Chimayo in Chimayo:  http://www.ranchodechimayo.com/restaurante/restaurante.htm

I ate breakfast at St. James in Cimarron yesterday morning.  Good food, with a western museum ambience.  Cool place.

[Rich A]

R59--I passed thru Cimarron the other day on my way back from the Whittington, and I ate at the Cree-Mee drive in. You did better! There's a place fairly nearby called, "Cold Beer, NM."

http://sentimentaljourneyz.com/september-2012/cold-beer-new-mexico-2/

Rich A

[charlie b]

Rich,  were you up there for an event?

[boatdetective]

The trip's booked!

I'll be there from Oct 10-17. Now I have to process all the info here and plan a route to hit (some) of the wonderful places you've mentioned. I think heading out of Albuquerque to Jemez, Los Alamos, and then Santa Fe sounds good. Rich- we'll definitely have to meet up when I'm in the area. I guess heading north from Santa Fe along 64-84 would be best and maybe snake over to the four corners.

Can't wait!

[Aaron D.]

The best places in New Mexico will not be found on pavement...

My God that is beautiful. Is that road about the way it is? Because I just did some of that on the Scout last week, and I will go to THAT place next time I'm out in New Mexico.

And I just looked, I was soooo close.

[Rich A]

You will be here for the last two days of the Albuquerque balloon fiesta--it's quite a spectacle. The evening "glows" are especially neat as are the mass ascensions.

http://www.balloonfiesta.com/

You might allow some time on the evening of the 10th for a glow--but check the schedule.

Rich A

[rocker59]

My God that is beautiful. Is that road about the way it is? Because I just did some of that on the Scout last week, and I will go to THAT place next time I'm out in New Mexico.

And I just looked, I was soooo close.

Yep.  Mostly wide, graded fine gravel.  Washboard in places.  FR-1950 runs from Cimarron to Amalia, through Valle Vidal and Costilla Park.  There are two campgrounds in Valle Vidal:  McCrystal Creek and Cimarron.  About 55 miles of gravel to make the entire run.  It's some of the most beautiful country you'd ever ride through. Elevation varies from 6500 to 10500.

Don't attempt it if it's been raining.  The road turns real nasty when wet.  But, when dry, it's no biggie. 

Google Map Link:  FR-1950 through Valle Vidal

[charlie b]

If you want to meet up for a meal one day when you are in Alb let me know.  I work in town but live in the east mountains.