Overall Route Rating
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4.54 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.54
13 Reviews

Northern-Central NM Loop

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By MCR Contributor (1039 McR Points) on May 14, 2011

Rider Reviews

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CheeseheadChuck
March 25, 2015
I was heading out to see the Grand Canyon from…
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MCR Contributor
1039 McR Points
May 15, 2011
rating would be alot higher except all the really…
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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.

Drive Enjoyment

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.

Tourism Opportunities

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.
 

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Ridinfree
September 8, 2020
4 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This loop will take you through "a bit of everything." I especially enjoyed Highway 4 snaking through the reservations and beautiful scenery as well as passing Peñasco on the way to Las Vegas. The two stretches that were a bit long were from Espanola to Dixon and Las Vegas to the turnoff toward Madrid. I would recommend adding the 14 mile trek up to Sandia Crest on Highway 14 from San Antonito a few miles before getting onto I-40.
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ryderdad
September 30, 2020
9 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Just rode this route with my son and we both agree it was the best ride we've ever done. everything about the ride was great. Breathtaking and widely varied scenery, smooth pavement, great towns and people all along the way, and fantastic food. specifically, Pig and Fig in White Rock (right next to Los Alamos) and El Rialto in Las Vegas. i cannot recommend this ride highly enough!
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ryderdad
September 30, 2020
9 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I just finished riding this route with my son. We both agree it was the best ride we've ever done. Absolutely BREATHTAKING scenery that varies widely all along the route. Smooth pavement, great twists and turns and hills. The towns and people we met along the way were fantastic and friendly. And the food was awesome. Especially recommend Pig and Fig in White Rock (next to Los Alamos) and El Rialto in Las Vegas! I cannot give a high enough recommendation for this ride! LOVED IT!
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