Overall Route Rating
speedo-meter speedo-arrow
speedo-meter-grey
3.2 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.2
5 Reviews

US 180 Alpine, AZ - Deming, NM

Motorcycle Route Author

profile Image
By MCR Contributor (1039 McR Points) on May 22, 2011

Rider Reviews

See All Rider Reviews
No Image Found
Guest
May 30, 2013
180 was ok. But took 12 back west and that was a…
Read More
Thumbsup
No Image Found
J.C.Whitehead
July 17, 2016
Once you're up in the Gila, 180 is great.…
Read More
Thumbsup

Written Directions

This route begins in extreme eastern Arizona in a little town called Alpine, AZ at the intersection of US 191 (Coronado Scenic Byway) and US 180. You will travel Southeast through the Gila National Forest, the small towns of Pleasonton and Buckhorn, the large mining and college town of Silver City and culminate in Deming, NM at I-10.

Scenery

Climb out of the alpine meadows of Apline, AZ and travel through nearly all of the habitat zones available in New Mexico. As you descend through the pine forests you notice the gradual climb in temp and by the mid-point Buckhorn, you will need to start shedding some layers. Leaving Silver City, the road flattens out onto a high desert with tall grasses and few if any trees. Plenty places to pull over for photos and include the USFS Leopold picnic area. It is a nice area with an excellent description/map of the Gila Wilderness in the distance.

Drive Enjoyment

Frost heaves took their toll on the early portion of the road in New Mexico. Watch out for areas where the asphalt seems spread apart as your tires will give quite a jerk when they track into one. Otherwise, good roads with little or any debris in the road. The drive from the AZ/NM line begins with a few twisties and transitions into sweeping curves as you descend the mountain. Watch for critters, especially cattle on the wrong side of the fence.

Tourism Opportunities

Nothing to speak of until Buckhorn, which is limited. Silver City is the best bet for major needs, otherwise, pack it on the bike.
 

Add Photo/Video
Share Your Comments ( 5 )
  Earn McR Points
Write a review
No Image Found
Dr. B
October 16, 2020
126 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This review is for the Hwy 180 Alpine to Silver City since we then went on the 152 which makes the ride enjoyment a 5 instead of a 3 to 4. Also elevates the scenery to a 4+ The Hwy 152 was a pleasant surprise in that the corners and scenery just kept coming. This is a great way to connect the Coronado Trail to Albuquerque.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
0 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
Dan Erhard
December 10, 2020
49 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Very nice route though New Mexico forests, but do get gas when you can if you don't have a real big tank. Take the short side trip to Mogollon, on NM 59 if you want some really nice hairpins. The main route on 180 has that a plenty, but more of the sweeper type. Near Mogollon, the catwalk is a cool short hike through a canyon so tight the trail is all bridges. If you are into stargazing, camp at the new campground for astronomers just north of Alma. Dark skies there. Or ride into Alpine, Egar, or Show low for the night. At that point, its your perfect chance to ride the spectacular Coronado highway back to Silver City, doing the big loop. I have done the big loop in one day, but it was a too long day. In miles it looks ok, in hours a bit much.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
0 riders found this road review useful