Headed to Santa Fe
- Thread starter lukeysh
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Hwy 285? Curious about road conditions, etc.
Matt & Pam Padgett
2016 Landmark Arlington
2016 F-350
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Doublegranch
Mountain Region Director-Retired
I have driven that route many times and for my two cents, you can't beat the I 40 route for towing.
Good open freeway vs a two lane road.
Good open freeway vs a two lane road.
TravelTiger
Founding Texas-West Chapter Leaders-Retired
Yes, 285. It's a good road, but out in the middle of nowhere. It gets more scenic as you get towards I-25.
Clines Corners has truck pumps, but they are hard to get to.
We chose this route even when going to western Colorado, rather than go through Albuquerque. I-40 getting into Albuquerque around the mountains is a little steep and curvy and traffic is very fast.
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I have not driven 285 in many years but it has to be more enjoyable than driving I-40 and then I-25. I-25 from Albuquerque to Santa Fe should be called the ABQ-SF Raceway - speed limit is not observed by most it seems. Couple of very steep hills as well. I-40 to I-25 interchange is a royal PITA - rivals some of the worst ones I've seen elsewhere. If you decide to go the I-40 to I-25 route though I STRONGLY recommend you get off at the first exit coming into town from the East -- Tramway Blvd. Take it north and just follow it around. It takes you through the east part of town (a lot less traffic albeit stop lights) and then you'll get a short two-lane road that takes you from the Tramway exit down to I-25. You miss 99 percent of the Albuquerque city traffic.
At the same time, if you like I recommend taking the Tramway up to the Crest. Again, have not taken it in many years so I don't know the cost but it has a spectacular view and there are some trails up at the top to enjoy. Goes from roughly 5800 feet to 12K as I recall. I remember having to climb to 13.5K to cross over the mountain when getting my Private Pilot's license years ago.
In any case, a suggestion.
Oh, if you are military Kirtland Air Force Base has a nice FAMCamp (RV Camp Ground) -- take the Eubank exit south. Follow Eubank and it will take you right to the correct gate to enter (open 0600-2400). Approximately 18.00 per night full hookups. There is a lot to see in Albuquerque. If not there is are two KOAs in Albuquerque (one just as you come into Albuquerque between the Tramway and Juan Tabo exits (sits back from Central Ave a bit) and the other is out by Bernalillo (I've never even seen it). The other camp grounds that I'm aware of are quite a ways out on the west part of town as is a Flying J, Loves and Camping World if you need such.
Hope this helps some.
Oh, fuel. I'd suggest you top off in Tucumcari - there are both Loves and Flying J there as you are coming in. We came through I-40 to Tucumcari (enroute back to Manhappiness Kansas) back in December and there are not a lot of places to fuel that are easy to get into with our Landmarks - as TravelTiger said, They are hard to get to and as I recall, rather tight.
At the same time, if you like I recommend taking the Tramway up to the Crest. Again, have not taken it in many years so I don't know the cost but it has a spectacular view and there are some trails up at the top to enjoy. Goes from roughly 5800 feet to 12K as I recall. I remember having to climb to 13.5K to cross over the mountain when getting my Private Pilot's license years ago.
In any case, a suggestion.
Oh, if you are military Kirtland Air Force Base has a nice FAMCamp (RV Camp Ground) -- take the Eubank exit south. Follow Eubank and it will take you right to the correct gate to enter (open 0600-2400). Approximately 18.00 per night full hookups. There is a lot to see in Albuquerque. If not there is are two KOAs in Albuquerque (one just as you come into Albuquerque between the Tramway and Juan Tabo exits (sits back from Central Ave a bit) and the other is out by Bernalillo (I've never even seen it). The other camp grounds that I'm aware of are quite a ways out on the west part of town as is a Flying J, Loves and Camping World if you need such.
Hope this helps some.
Oh, fuel. I'd suggest you top off in Tucumcari - there are both Loves and Flying J there as you are coming in. We came through I-40 to Tucumcari (enroute back to Manhappiness Kansas) back in December and there are not a lot of places to fuel that are easy to get into with our Landmarks - as TravelTiger said, They are hard to get to and as I recall, rather tight.
Lynn1130
Well-known member
Why are you going up to the Crest to go to Santa Fe? LOL A sight seeing trip but not pulling a rig.
Cline's Corners but it is two lane. Not a bad road. I don't recommend surface streets through Albuquerque. If you are going into town you will be stuck negotiating I-40/I-25 which is not that much fun and like most any freeway through any city, full of locals doing 80+. You just get over and take your time.
The steep incline coming into Albuquerque is Tijera's Canyon. Just have an exhaust brake. It is a long downhill.
Cline's Corners but it is two lane. Not a bad road. I don't recommend surface streets through Albuquerque. If you are going into town you will be stuck negotiating I-40/I-25 which is not that much fun and like most any freeway through any city, full of locals doing 80+. You just get over and take your time.
The steep incline coming into Albuquerque is Tijera's Canyon. Just have an exhaust brake. It is a long downhill.
Not to hijack the thread but the wife and I are originally from ABQ and we still have family living in the North East Heights. Tramway, albeit a city street, is wide four lanes and has average of 50 MPH speed limit. The lights are somewhat synchonized so if you get one green you will probably get all green; get one red and then you get to stop and enjoy the folks walking on the trail or riding bikes on the shoulder of the road. We either get off I-25 at the exit where Sandia Casino is, or I-40 at the Tramway exit and either go visit MIL first or go to Kirtland to get setup before visiting MIL. Regardless, I still say it is so much less stressful than trying to fight the BIG-I interchange. Back in my younger days I might have enjoyed it but now I look at ways to avoid it. Reminds me too much of the Highway from Osan AFB Korea going into Seoul, five lanes merging into one, may the bigger vehicle win 
. Back to the regular programing
Matt and Pam: Whichever way you decide to go there is beautiful country to be seen. Enjoy it and travel safe!
. Back to the regular programing Matt and Pam: Whichever way you decide to go there is beautiful country to be seen. Enjoy it and travel safe!
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