Route around Albuquerque

[Texpaul]

Any New Mexico members out there who can give me some route advice?

If I'm coming into Albuquerque from the east on I40 and want to get onto I25 north, to get to US550, is it better to just go into town on I40 and then pickup I25 north or is NM556 (on the east side of town) a viable alternative to avoid traffic?
Is it a loop or just a sideroad? Traffic lights or controlled access?

The ETA would be about 10AM, probably on a Saturday.

Is NM 165, also called Sandia Crest road, off of state hwy 14 from I40 a viable alternative? Looks like it avoids the city completely and comes out on I25 right where US550 starts. Looks twisty on the map and I assume the name, Sandia Crest road, means it goes over as opposed to around the peak.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[lkchris]

Haven't ridden that road in a while but can advise that the very first ABQ exit you'll see will be called "Tramway" (Tramway/Central) and you can take Tramway all the way to I-25 will little hassle save for a few (timed) stoplights. 50mph speed limit. It will be way easier than your idea. There's a funny little place as the two-lane exit ramp meanders where you'll want to be right to continue a few hundred feet on Central to the Tramway light--turn right/north. Central Av is BTW Rt 66. Tramway might be 556, actually--locals don't pay attention to this. I just did this Saturday and don't recall seeing 556 on the I-40 exit sign, either, but again I wasn't looking for it.

There's very little of ABQ east of Tramway, as the mountains begin.

You'll intersect I-25 just at Sandia Casino, and then it's not far north from there to US550 and road is recently triple-laned all the way. The last portion of Tramway (now going west) is basically rural and a 2-lane road, nicely curvy. Beautiful view down into the Rio Grande valley. The last stop before this portion is actually a stop sign and if you want you can turn right and ride the tram car to the top of the mountain.

FWIW you will encounter some rain grooves on I-40 the last few miles into ABQ but they don't bother any of my bikes.

FWIW(2) If you wanted to visit our BMW dealer I'd still recommend this "bypass" route, although you'll have to go south on I-25 for a little bit when Tramway intersects it. It's called Sandia BMW and you can google it and get detailed driving directions at the site. It's a combined car/bike dealer and one of the best bike dealers in the country.

 

[Texpaul]

Thanks ikchris, that's what I was looking for.

 

[moralem]

Just out of curiousity, are looking for a more scenic route around the city or just trying to avoid traffic and the freeway? I just don't recall that traffic is that bad at that time in the morning on a Saturday, the times that I have been through there. How about sharing a bit more about your overall trip for those of us who are itching for a ride, and live vicariously through others' rides. I am just picturing you coming up from San Anton but not sure from which direction or in from OKC......awwww the call of the open road. Travel safely.

 

[Texpaul]

The Albuquerque leg is part of a three or four day journey from San Antonio to Zion National Park. It will include a stop in the Navajo National Monument before Zion.

After Zion it's off to revisit some of the other parks in southern Utah like Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase and Escalante before heading to Moab to see Canyonlands and Arches.

Last stop on the tour will be the RA NAtional in Colorado before heading home to refesh supplies and service the bikes. Then it's off to the MOA NAtional in Sedalia.

After that we're headed to Canada to esacape the heat and see the remaining provinces we haven't been to as yet.

With few exceptions we'll be camping the whole way.

 

[moralem]

Now that is what I call a road trip. I lived in SA for awhile back in th late 90s and loved the city. Dallas is not as quaint or the Mexican food as great. Travel safely and I am sure we will see a travelogue update while you are on the road.

 

[RTRandy]

Highly recommend taking Hwy 104 from Tucumcari to Las Vegas unless getting to Albuquerque is a must. From there Taos is a good stopping point and you can get to Durango in half a day. The best part of 550 is the run from Durango to Ridgway.

550 from Albuquerque to Durango is certainly fine, but prefer coming from Taos.

Also Hwy 95 from Blanding to Hanksville is stellar if you have an opportunity.

All the roads out that way are pretty much all good.

Feel free to PM me if wanting more info.

 

[Walking Eagle]

Gasoline. . .

Keep an eye on the gauge when in these parts of Utah -- some long stretches with no gas (as always in the west.) Spectacular riding, and usually very little traffic.

Great camping/motels/food in the small town of Torrey.

Walking Eagle