This scenic ride takes you through some of the most picturesque areas of the Carson National Forest in north central New Mexico. We left from Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground which is about 15 miles southeast of Santa Fe, NM. The entire ride is about 245 miles; it will take you 8 hours if you stop along the way to admire the scenery.
Starting on SR 300, ride towards Santa Fe. Just before you get to downtown, about 10 miles, you will make a right onto US 84. After 27 miles you will be in Santa Cruz where you will make a right onto SR 68. As you ride the next 43 miles to Taos, the Rio Grande River will wind along the road with you for most of the way. Once in Taos, you may be ready for breakfast or lunch. There are a good restaurants in town but for some reason there aren't as many as you would expect. Taos Diner towards the middle of town and Michael's Kitchen at the north end of town, both on SR 68 are a couple of the good ones. In the middle of town, SR 68 turns into US 64 which you will follow for about 4 miles when the road forks. The right fork is SR 522 which you will take to Questa, about 20 miles. In Questa, make a right turn onto SR 38 and 12 miles later you will be in downtown Red River. To complete the loop, continue on SR 38 for 17 miles to Eagles Nest where you hook up with US 64 which will take you back to Taos and SR 522.
Much of the ride is through New Mexico desert with occasional patches of greenery. The road winds through small and large canyons and up and down with occasional switchbacks. It is a fun ride. The Rio Grande provides an oasis of green along its banks for many miles and as you climb to Red River the temperature drops and an evergreen forest surrounds you.
Red River hosts an annual Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally which attracts over 200,000 riders. We happen to be there on the first day of the rally. The town of Red River is town which retains its old western charm and is set in a valley surrounded by tall peaks which in the winter attract skiers and snowmobilers. Red River also has some of the best ATV, Jeep and offroad motorcycle trails in the west for more summer fun. Besides Red River, there are many small towns along the route which have their own unique qualities worth stopping for.
Bring the camera! If you are in the area, don't miss the ride.
Red River Loop
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