In June we're loading the FJR in the back of the truck and heading to Santa Fe. From there we'll unload and leave the truck behind. We'll be traveling from Santa Fe to Durango, Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, Durango, and back to Santa Fe. We'll have 6 days on the bike.
We plan on visiting the ruins at Mesa Verde near Cortez for sure but other than that we're open to what we'll do and see. If any of you have some suggestions they'll be appreciated.
Oh, and before everyone jumps in with 'Why aren't you riding from Dallas to Santa Fe', my wife's been across West Texas once on a bike in 107 degree weather and will NEVER do that again. So if I want her to come along, and I do, then it's going to be in air conditioned luxury of the truck.
Welcome to northern New Mexico! Some fantastic riding here. Plan one day to shoot up to Bandelier National Monument outside Los Alamos. Take US 284 out of Santa Fe, take the turnoff for Los Alamos onto NM 502, the follow the signs to Bandelier. At Bandelier, take the 1.5 mile hike up the canyon to see the main ruins, then ride the FJR to Jemez Springs for lunch at the Laughing Lizard Cafe. State Road 4 from Bandelier to the Valle Grande is one of the 5 best motorcycle roads in the state (and often ranked in the top 50 nationally). On you way back from Jemez Springs, come through Los Alamos, and stop at the science museum in town for a look at the atomic history in the area.
The other 2 routes I'd strongly recommend are:
1) the "high road" to Taos, which you can take from Santa Fe on the way to Durango. This will take you through some of the nicest, small communities in northern NM. Stop in Chimayo to see the local weavers and their stunning wool coats. Once in Taos, take US 64 over the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, to Tres Piedres, then continue on 64 to Tierra Amarilla. From Tierra Amarilla, you can catch US 84 north to Pagosa Springs, and then over to Durango. IMHO, US 64 between Tres Piedres and Tierra Amarilla is the finest motorcycle road in New Mexico, and one of the best in the country. June is the perfect month, as the high mountain country will be just warm enough for enjoyment.
2) the "enchanted circle" loop from Taos. This is a separate, circular (duh!) trip from Taos, something you could do returning from Durango. This route takes you around to Red River, and back through Angel Fire. A stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire is a must-do. Regarding the Enchanted Circle, some would argue that it's the #1 motorcycle road in NM. Try both, and you can decide!
There really is great riding here. Welcome, and enjoy!
