Northern New Mexico in mid November

[PhysicsWinz]

good or bad idea regarding weather?

 

I plan to cross East to West on US 64, mostly then go down 550 to Canyon de Chilley then back east to bandelier then down to Las Vegas.

 

Any advice appreciated regarding, well, anything, expecially advisability of going there at that time

 

tia

 

John

[DavidEBSmith]

I'd say there's a significant risk. Some of the passes are pretty high.

 

You can find weather data for Los Alamos here, and I note they had a 5" snow last November. Now, it was one snowfall and it was probably gone the next day, but . . . And Los Alamos is lower than some parts of US 64.

 

I can definitely say don't ride US 64 through the mountains at night, especially east of Taos where it goes through a game reserve that's full of elk and deer.

[hopz]

64 is one of the prettiest highways around. I've done it in both directions, but November is a high risk proposition.

 

If you have alternatives I suggest you take them.

 

If you have ever heard Robert Earl Keen's song... "Snowing on Raton" remember that Raton is basically the eastern end of 64. I would think twice or even three times even doing it in a car. Angel Fire is pretty high altitude and the ski resort is probably open, or at least making snow. Good luck.

[Whip]

I think you'll be fine in the afternoon......if your an early riser.....weeellllll....

 

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USNM0314?from=tenDay_bottomnav_undeclared

 

 

[gtunches]

Here is the New Mexico Roads phone # 1-800-432-4269

[xpict]

John, weather is a crap shoot-anytime! But if you do get to Canyon de Chilley plan on spending the night as it is at least 1/2 day into the canyon and you would want to do that. You will have to go by horse, or an army truck tour as the canyon floor is deep sand and motorcycles are not permitted. It is a great place to visit but it is a long way off the beaten tracks. I have done it 4 times and never get enough. You can ride the perimeter on top and there are a number of viewing stations. Pictures please !

[keithb]

John

First of all Canyon de Chelly is beautiful and a well kept secret. It is a jewel of a canyon. I like it because you can actually see to the bottom of it. If you go into the canyon you have to go with a guide or there is one location where you can hike down. We went to the south side of the canyon and rode the perimeter and spent about 2 hours there. It was totally worth the trip. If you are planning to go in mid November I think you might want to be in a car. It can get pretty chilly on that plateau in Az, N.M.