How to get by car to Ski Santa Fe in New Mexico?

How to get by car to Ski Santa Fe in New Mexico?

Usa, north-america

Length

25.91 km

Elevation

3,167 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in Santa Fe, New Mexico, ready for an adventure. Hop in your car and get ready to climb because you're heading up New Mexico State Highway 475, also known as the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway!

This paved road is your ticket to the Ski Santa Fe resort, perched way up high at 10,390 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in New Mexico and puts you among the highest ski areas in the continental U.S.

The road winds through the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains for about 16 miles, starting right from the heart of Santa Fe. You'll gain over 3,400 feet in elevation along the way, so buckle up for a steady climb! The views are incredible, and there are plenty of spots to pull over for photos, picnics, or even camping. Trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. The scenery is especially epic in the fall when the aspens are showing off their golden colors!

Where is it?

How to get by car to Ski Santa Fe in New Mexico? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 43.4556, -100.4740

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
25.91 km
Max Elevation
3,167 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
43.4556, -100.4740

Related Roads in north-america

How Long Is Elliott Highway?hard

How Long Is Elliott Highway?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, picture this: you're in Alaska, craving adventure. The Elliott Highway is calling your name! This beauty, part of Alaska Route 2, stretches 152 miles from Fox, near Fairbanks, all the way to Manley Hot Springs. Now, heads up: it's a mixed bag. You'll cruise smoothly on pavement from Fairbanks to the Dalton Highway junction, but thenโ€ฆ gravel time! The last 80 miles are unpaved, adding a rustic touch to your journey. You might not see another car for miles past the Dalton cutoff โ€“ talk about remote! Speaking of remote, winter here is NO joke. The highway department basically says, "You're on your own!" Ice, fierce winds, and drifting snow can make things super dicey. No cell service? Yep, that's part of the deal. Before you go, check those road conditions, pack emergency gear, and fill up with enough fuel to cover 400 miles. But if you're itching for a true off-the-grid experience and a soak in some hot springs, the Elliott Highway is definitely worth considering! Just double-check with your rental car company โ€“ many don't allow gravel road adventures.

Where is Monjeau Peak?moderate

Where is Monjeau Peak?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, so you're heading to southern New Mexico, north of Ruidoso, and you're looking for an adventure? Check out Monjeau Peak! This beauty sits high in the Sierra Blanca range, inside Lincoln National Forest, clocking in at a whopping 9,603 feet above sea level. You can drive most of the way up via Forest Service Road 117, a 5.7-mile dirt track that kicks off from County Road 532. Word to the wise: this road is curvy, rocky, and a little rough. While a regular car *might* make it in good weather, I'd strongly recommend something with high clearance. Also, the last stretch is usually gated, so you'll need to hike the final bit. The climb is pretty intense, gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation, so expect some steep and winding sections. Definitely check the weather before you go, and avoid it if rain or snow is in the forecast! This road closes down completely in the winter. The payoff? Stunning panoramic views and a historic lookout tower, Monjeau Lookout, built back in the 30s and still in use today. It's a super popular spot for good reason. Just be prepared for a thrilling (and possibly bumpy) ride!

North Oscura Peakmoderate

North Oscura Peak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, so picture this: North Oscura Peak in New Mexico's Socorro County. You're looking at almost 8,000 feet of elevation! The road up there, Wsmr S Rte 331, is a gravel track winding through the Oscura Mountains. Now, here's the catch: this isn't your typical scenic drive. It's off-limits to civilian vehicles. Why? Because at the summit sits an Air Force Research Laboratory, busy with top-secret tech. So while the views might be killer, you'll have to admire this peak from afar!

When was the road to Mount Greylock built?moderate

When was the road to Mount Greylock built?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you find yourself in western Massachusetts, you absolutely HAVE to check out Mount Greylock. This beast of a peak, topping out at 3,491 feet, is the highest point in the state, and the drive to the top is epic. You'll be cruising up Rockwell Road, a fully paved route that winds its way up through seriously beautiful alpine forests. Keep an eye out for some tight hairpin turns! This beauty was built way back in the early 1900s, so you know it's got character. The road clocks in at around 9 miles (14.6 km) starting near the NY border in Lanesborough. Heads up though, if you're rolling in anything longer than 22 feet, you're out of luck โ€“ leave the RV at the bottom. If you're coming from the north side of the mountain, Notch Road is another way to get to the top! What awaits you at the summit? Unbelievable views. On a clear day, you can see for nearly 100 miles and soak up panoramas of five states! You'll also find the Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower and a radio tower up there. The road is usually open from late May through November, so plan accordingly! Trust me, this drive is totally worth it for the views alone.