Colorado Springs to Taos, NM

[Clovis]

I want to get one last long ride in before the winter weather hits. October 15/16 looks good (Extended forecast says low 60s and sunny in Colorado and up to 70 in New Mexico).

Can anyone offer their insights on the best way to get there? I'm trying to avoid the high altitude summit passes of Colorado due to weather this time of year.

This is what I'm thinking:

http://mapq.st/pTN58g

On the way back I might go up through Pagosa Springs but depends on weather. I don't mind the cold but I don't like the snow!

Thanks,

-Clovis

[Justin]

Extended forecast for that week looks good, I think you'll be fine with that route. Myself and another rider will be doing an in state ss1k on the 15th as well - just plan to clear any high passes by sundown and I don't foresee any problems.

[sfarson]

If you have the time, ride the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway as an alternative to the I-15 slab from Walsenberg to Trinidad...

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=W+7th+St&daddr=La+Veta,+CO+81055+to:CO-12+E+to:Park+St&hl=en&ll=37.333041,-104.570618&spn=1.969813,3.941345&sll=37.149919,-104.562721&sspn=0.246831,0.492668&geocode=FaATPgIdRS3B-Q%3BFfRHPAIdYbW9-SkBwizgZ00RhzEO79a0Ra9e8A%3BFeUFOAIdyxe9-Q%3BFZ4yNwIdMEjF-Q&vpsrc=6&gl=us&mra=mi&mrsp=3&sz=12&t=m&z=9

If you aim for Pagosa Springs on the return, enjoy the lonely and fast sweepers U.S. 64 through the Carson Nat'l Forest, but be prepared for a serious construction zone west of Chama.  I was there two weeks ago...

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=W+7th+St&daddr=La+Veta,+CO+81055+to:CO-12+E+to:Park+St&hl=en&ll=37.333041,-104.570618&spn=1.969813,3.941345&sll=37.149919,-104.562721&sspn=0.246831,0.492668&geocode=FaATPgIdRS3B-Q%3BFfRHPAIdYbW9-SkBwizgZ00RhzEO79a0Ra9e8A%3BFeUFOAIdyxe9-Q%3BFZ4yNwIdMEjF-Q&vpsrc=6&gl=us&mra=mi&mrsp=3&sz=12&t=m&z=9

And if you return via I-25, complete the "Enchanted Circle" by riding NM 38 through Red River and over Bobcat Pass on the north side of the circle...

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Eagle+Nest,+NM+87718&daddr=NM-38+W&hl=en&ll=36.570872,-105.405579&spn=0.497415,0.985336&sll=36.584106,-105.463943&sspn=0.49733,0.985336&geocode=FQLILQId_s25-SlFDoIvM0QXhzHtUeAZJP41dg%3BFWYXMAIdZMq0-Q&vpsrc=6&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=11&t=m&z=11

[Clovis]

Thanks for the ideas

I'll add those in.