July 3, 2011 -

This route borders on the exceptional and consists of NM State Highways 32, 36 and 117. From Apache Creek to Quemado the road climbs at a good clip with lots of nice twisties and sweepers. It flattens out at the top but there are enough sweepers to keep you focused - really sweet at 80mph. The vistas and rock formations are amazing. But perhaps the most "exceptional" thing about this route is how desolate it is out there. I passed one pickup from AC to Quemado and no vehicles from Quemado to Grants!! Coming the other way I saw maybe 5 cars/pickups over the entire distance - it's a very cool way to go if your traveling anywhere between, say, Silver City area and Taos!!