Need some suggestions on going from Alamogordo, NM to Carlsbad. Would prefer to stay out of the steep mountain grades as much as possible.
Have been going in Northern NM but have no experience with the roads in the southern part of the state.
River Canyon, 34RLQSO
F-350, V-10, 4.30LS
Trailair pinbox & suspension
USN & 'Nam Vet
Well if you are not going to try going up 82 to Cloudcroft I guess the next shortest way would be to go up 70 to 244 and then come back to Cloudcroft and 82 on 244. Going to Cloudcroft is not a big deal on 82. The road is wide, three lane most of the way, and the 35 mph curves few. Once you are up to Cloudcroft the rest of the drive is smooth, gradual, gentle down hill through some good scenery.
F-250 PSD, 30ft Prowler, 18ft Bass Boat, 2 big dogs,
Boondocking at Rio Costilla, NM
Thanks for the advice. I couldn't tell you if I'm avoiding 82. I know nothing about the roads in that area. I don't know how high up in the mountains these places are and what the grades. I was just wondering which way would be long 8-10% grades and which would be in the 5-7% types of shorter lengths.
If you were pulling a 13K 5th wheel which way would you go?
I would take US82 and climb the hill to Cloudcroft just so I could stop and eat at "Big Daddy's Diner" on the east side of town! US82 has lots of passing lanes and was rebuilt a few years back. There is a short stretch of construction a couple of miles west of the tunnel but delays are short. Traveling mid-day is best to miss the commuter traffic going up and coming down. Forest Service just reopened the Lincoln National Forest with some restrictions. Several Forest Service Campgrounds just up highway 244 junction with US82. If you spend the night you'll need a jacket and extra blanket, Cloudcroft is 9000 ft. elevation. Enjoy your trip!
Desert Dog 1 said it right......
I would take US82 and climb the hill to Cloudcroft just so I could stop and eat at "Big Daddy's Diner" on the east side of town! US82 has lots of passing lanes and was rebuilt a few years back. There is a short stretch of construction a couple of miles west of the tunnel but delays are short.
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Mountain pulls on all three routes so take the shortest one up thru Cloudcroft. Spend the night in Cloudcroft and visit the Apache Point Observatory while in the area. Very interesting and worth the drive.
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