North or South loop around Taos, NM

[ki-speed]

Staying Sunday night (Sept. 5th) in Raton, NM.  Heading out Monday (Labor Day) on hwy 64 towards Chama, NM, then on to Durango.  I've ridden the south route (64 through Taos), but never ridden the north route (hwy 38 then hwy 522) and pick up hwy 64 on the west side of Taos.  The south route is great but had a lot of traffic going through Taos.  I thought maybe the north route would be great riding and less traffic around Taos.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,

Mark    

[Medic09]

I say go North.  You've already been south.  Time to do something different.

[cruisin]

The north route through Red River and Questa is a pretty drive.  There are a few good place to eat in RR; one is called Texas Reds ( I think).

You can bypass the congested traffic in Taos coming from either direction by taking Blue Berry Hill Rd. on the west side, If I recall correctly there are no stops on it anywhere.  Allows you to cross Taos in about ten minutes. (see map)

Of course if you take the northern route you will turn onto 64 to head for Chama long before you get into the city traffic anyway.

Depending on your lodging preferences (Holiday Inn or old motels), we have a favorite little place we always stay in Raton.  It's called the Colt Motel; sort of old style with carports between the units.  Doesn't look like much but the rooms are usually clean and it is right behind the Chinese restaurant that has a great buffet.  And it's cheap.  If Sam and Lisa still run the place tell them Kevin and Deb say hello; (that's Keevin with a long e, they'll remeber us).

[Kneescrubber]

If you're looking to bypass the traffic in downtown Taos, the north route is definitely the one to take.

[cruisin]

Staying Sunday night (Sept. 5th) in Raton, NM.  Heading out Monday (Labor Day) on hwy 64 towards Chama, NM, then on to Durango.  I've ridden the south route (64 through Taos), but never ridden the north route (hwy 38 then hwy 522) and pick up hwy 64 on the west side of Taos.  The south route is great but had a lot of traffic going through Taos.  I thought maybe the north route would be great riding and less traffic around Taos.

so, how'd this trip turn out?  any good pics or stories to share?