Rt. 4 - White Rock to Jemez Springs | New Mexico Motorcycle Roads and Rides

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Rt. 4 - White Rock to Jemez Springs

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 5 visitors

State: New Mexico
Date Submitted: August 1, 2006
Submitted by: John B.
Motorcycle Road Length: 47 Miles

Written Directions

Start your route in the town of White Rock, NM. Take Rt 4 north out of town until you get to SR 502 within Bandelier National Monument. Head west on SR 502 to Los Alamos, where 502 is Trinity Drive within town. Continue through Los Alamos on SR 502 until it becomes SR 501 (also called west Jemez Rd at that point). SR 501 intersects with Rt. 4 to the south of Los Alamos, turn right at the tee, heading west. Stay on Rt. 4 to the routes end point of Jemez Springs, NM.

* Note: SR 126, north of Jemez Springs, is a nice detour to Fenton Lake. However, the road quality is lower and the last few miles is gravel.

Scenery

The terrain frequently changes and the views are spectacular. There are several overlooks on the twisties and the gently sloping hills/curves provide wide-open vistas, especially Valle Grande, which is west of Bandalier National Monument. Through most all of the trip you'll be traveling through Santa Fe National Forest.

Road Quality

The road has a good combination of twisties near White Rock, over the top of Bandelier National Monument, and south of the 126/Rt 4 intersection. There are gently sloping hills and curves elsewhere along the route.

Roadside Amenities

State park camping is available along the route, Jemez Falls campground is better than Rodondo. Get a fair burger and hot chocolate at the intersection of 126 and Rt 4., about 2/3 through the ride. Los Alamos offers a few choices for food, shopping, coffee, etc. I strongly recommend taking the time to go into Bandelier for a hike down to the water falls or up to the cliffs.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) John B.

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Reviewed by Guest on January 7, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: kevin
motorcycle_year: 2010
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Fantstic run. Stop at the mineral baths in Jemez Springs and then accross the road to Los Ojos bar and grill. The best food I have ever eaten. Will go every year from now on. Yes on the rain gear.
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Reviewed by Guest on January 7, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: kevin
motorcycle_year: 2010
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Fantstic run. Stop at the mineral bats in Jemez Springs and then accross the road to Los Ojos bar and grill. The best food I have ever eaten. Will go every year from now on. Yes on the rain gear.
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Reviewed by Guest on April 20, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Ruby
motorcycle_year: 2009
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: An amazing ride, beautiful scenery, one that people never imagine in New Mexico, spotted some Elk. It's not a race, take it easy and enjoy the ride. A couple of hair pin turns getting off the mountain, Los Alamos end. I'll second the 'take rain gear' and a camera, you will not be disappointed.
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Reviewed by Guest on October 12, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Jeff F.
motorcycle_year: 2004
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: One of the best of many great rides in Northern NM. Endless scenery and elevation changes. Bring your raingear as the weather can change at the drop of a hat.
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Reviewed by Guest on July 16, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Dennis
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Great road, if anyone has ever seen the movie Wild Hogs, a lot of footage and some scenes were shot along this route. I definitly recommend it. Stop in Jemez springs at one of the local resturants for a great meal to finish out your ride.
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