Wehner Vacation 2013: JUNE 10: ALBUQUERQUE NM to DURANGO CO

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

JUNE 10: ALBUQUERQUE NM to DURANGO CO

Miles: 334

We took the scenic route from Albuquerque to Durango through the mountains of northern New Mexico. We were pleasantly surprised at what we found. Northern New Mexico is much more scenic and mountainous than we realized. Taos, which gets all the attention, was nice enough, but the drive north of there was fantastic. Across the Colorado border we found another hidden gem, Pagosa Springs, a cool little place I wish we could have spent a full day.

We also stumbled across the Earthship Biotecture Community. I have read and watched several stories about these folks but had no idea where they were when planning this trip. I do not mean to belittle their efforts but when I read about them, I got the impression they were in the middle of nowhere living a sparse life and eating from what they grew in a rugged landscape. Power lines obscured some of my photos and they are within 15 miles of a McDonalds. It is very interesting but not quite as advertised.

We arrived in Durango in time to walk around town a little and have dinner. We have two more nights to explore the area.

Drive from Albuquerque, NM to Durango, CO:
Espanola, NM
Taos, NM
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and Park
Earthship Biotecture Community
Carson National Forest
San Juan National Forest
Pagosa Springs, CO
Dinner at Steamworks Brewing Company in Durango, CO