I would return via I 25 north to save time and get to next location. I would not necessarily take it all the way to SF, but would head to I 40 east and then take NM SR 14 ( the Turquoise Trail) up to SF.

Not sure of all the road numbers - but the old?/high road from SF (Sante Fe - not San Francisco, righto?) - 76?- to Taos from Sante Fe passes through the historic/fabled town of Chimayo. My mother insisted we bring her back some of the "sacred soil" - which we did. Some cute little places to dine also, but would go early to beat the tour buses.

see: http://chimayo.us/ and for pics: http://tinyurl.com/c7spmdg

Actually - is the old/high road # 98? see: http://chimayo.us/Maps.html

thank you both for responding so quickly.

DebitNM - returning to ABQ via I 25 N from Carlsbad or Guadalupe NP (not sure which we'll do first) where do you suggest to pick up I 25? Go through El Paso or cut across further north on one of the east/west roads? Also, does the routing make a difference if we leave from Gaudalupe or Carlsbad?

I would like to get this southern segment worked out, so i know how many days to allot to it, then I'll plan north of ABQ.

Thanks again.

Maybe take I 25 south DOWN to Carlsbad area and then take 285 north on your return.

I like DebitNM's last suggestion. Take I-25 south to Hwy. 380, just south of Socorro, then go east on 380 through Capitan (Smokey the Bear) and Lincoln (Billy the Kid country) to Roswell. From there, take 285 to Carlsbad.

Coming back, you can drive 285 up to I-40, head west to Hwy. 14, and take the Turquoise Trail north to Santa Fe.

Lee Ann

ElendilPickle & DebitNM,

I appreciate the clarification.

Is 82 from Artesia to Cloudcroft worth a detour in one direction for the scenery?

Lottie