US 180 Alpine, AZ - Deming, NM - By Dan Erhard

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.