Let the road set the pace.
A climb from the desert toward Cloudcroft offers a striking change in vegetation and atmosphere. Choose a forest-country outing suited to the day, then decide whether to extend toward other mountain communities.
Regional inspiration: these photographs show the named landscape, nearby place or related outing in their captions. They are not all views directly from this road; side trips may require additional travel.
NPS Photo · Public domain, NPS · Photo credits
Places and landscapes to consider
- Alamogordo approach
- Cloudcroft
- Forest and meadow country
Before you drive
Make it a satisfying day
Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.
Match the road to your vehicle
Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.
Selected scenic-drive outline. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.