Northern-Central NM Loop

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > New Mexico

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 2 visitors

State: New Mexico
Date Submitted: May 15, 2011
Submitted by: MCR Contributor
Motorcycle Road Length: 345 Miles

Written Directions

Start Albuquerque, NM. I-25 North to Bernalillo, exit 242 Highway 550. Highway 550 west to San Ysidro, NM Hwy 4. NM Hwy 4 north through Jemez Pueblo, Jemez Springs, Valles Caldera to Hwy 501. Hwy 501 through Los Alamos, San Ildefonso Pueblo to Hwy 285. Hwy 285 north to Hwy 503 east to Hwy 76. Hwy 76 east to Hwy 518, just east of Penasco. Hwy 518 south to Las Vegas, NM. Interstate 25 south from Las Vegas to Hwy 285, Lamy exit 290. Hwy 285 south to Hwy 41 to Galisteo, NM. In Galisteo, turn right (north) at the old church. Stay on road north until reaching Hwy 14. South on Hwy 14 through Madrid and Cedar Crest to Historic Route 66. Route 66 west to Albuquerque.

Scenery

None better, especially in the fall. Rocky Mountains, National Forests, and high desert. Route can be shorted or modified for any length and desired scenery.

Road Quality

Excellent in some places, a bit poor in others. Minor construction delays but worth it knowing the improvements are being made. Stretch from Sipapu to Las Vegas is EXCELLENT! Open the throttle and take in the scenery.

Roadside Amenities

Plenty of gas stops and eateries along the way. Everything from hole-in-the-wall diners to fast food chains to upscale dining. Rider's choice. Personally recommend Plaza Burgers in Las Vegas. NM.

Additional Info

Nickname (optional) Patrick

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Reviewed by airhead on November 2, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: airhead
motorcycle_year: 1983
motorcycle_make: BMW R100RS
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: One of my favorite NM rides. Beautiful scenery with lots of twisties. Try the Spic n' Span Diner in Las Vegas.
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Reviewed by MCR Contributor on May 15, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Jason
motorcycle_year: 2001
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
Comment: rating would be alot higher except all the really good twisties are heavily occupied by slow drivers, scenery gawkers and cops. the scenery is very nice (esp on 4 and 536) but high traffic really ruined it for me (taking a 35mph posted turn at 5-10mph because of slow drivers really gets old fast) If you are lucky enough to go on a weekday in the fall the trees will be stunning, but watch out for snow/ice patches
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