The High Road to Taos runs... by talesfromnik
The High Road to Taos runs through some beautiful country and is just a bit longer trip than the Taos Canyon route. It is important to have a MAP or at least print one out from MapQuest.com of MapsOnUs.com. This is also HIGH country (hence the name) so traveling in winter can be hazardous. 4 wheel drive and a careful attitude is advised.Coming from Santa Fe on 84, you will reach an intersection just before Espanola. There is a large movie theater on the Northeast corner and not much of anything else out there ? at least in 2002. Turn right at the intersection heading toward Truchas. In less than a mile you will be turning left making a curve of sorts and end up at a ?T? intersection with stoplight. Turn right there and head for Truchas. You might want to stop off at the Chimayo church with the magic dirt (another story) on the way. You wander around through some lovely country and then reach Truchas, a small, low profile artist retreat town. There are studios here that are frequently open. IMPORTANT: it is VERY easy to miss the turn to Taos in Truchas. So keep your eyes open. It is not far after entering town and will be a narrow road to the left. If you end up ?in town?, don?t worry; lots of folks do. I am sure the locals are very use to giving directions.
From Truchas you will go through Las Trampas. Eventually you will come to another T in the road and you will turn right. There are good signs here. You are heading to Penasco. Your last turn to get to Taos will be to turn onto 75 going WEST. This is a large horseshoe curvy intersection that takes you onto the last leg of the High Road past Fort Bergwin (excellent free talks there in the summer) and eventually into Ranchos de Taos. Turn right (North) and in about 3 miles you will be at the Visitor?s Center for Taos.
