New Mexico
May 16 - June 1, 2018
Motorcycles: Honda Africa Twin and Suzuki DRZ400S
3,470 miles
Itinerary:
1. Wickenburg, AZ (BW Rancho Grande) 335
2. Springerville, AZ (BW Sunrise Inn) 303
3. Reserve, New Mexico (The Frisco Lodging Company) 143
4. Pinos Altos, NM (Bear Creek Motel & Cabins) 158
5. Alamogordo, AZ (Super 8) 217
6. Cloudcroft, NM (Dusty Boots Motel) 177
7. Socorro, NM (Super 8) 191
8. Truth or Consequences, NM (Comfort Inn) 119
9. T or C, NM (Comfort Inn) 104
10. Socorro, NM (Super 8) 149
11. Los Alamos, NM (Comfort Inn) 219
12. Chama, NM (Chama Trails Inn) 158
13. Cuba, NM (Frontier Motel) 236
14. Grants, NM (Days Inn) 145
15. Springerville, AZ (Rode Inn) 158
16. Wickenberg, AZ (BW Rancho Grande) 305
17. San Diego CA 335 / 3,470 total
3,400 miles
New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada
23 days, May 11 - June 2, 2007
Suzuki DRZ400s, KTM 525 EXC
3 days driving Penske truck to El Paso, then ride:
1. El Paso TX - Silver City NM
2. Reserve NM
3. Grants NM
4. Aztec NM
5. Delores CO
6. Norwood CO
7-9. Grand Junction CO
10. Moab UT
11. Monticello UT
12. Monticello loop
13. Blanding UT
14. Hanksville UT
15. Hanksville loop
16. Richfield UT
17. Baker NV
18. Tonopah NV
19. Lee Vining CA
20. Moraga CA
When should I ride in New Mexico?
Planning dual-sport motorcycle rides across multiple states requires balancing weather conditions to avoid snow, cold temperatures, and other seasonal challenges. Below are recommendations for the best months to ride in New Mexico—while avoiding snowfall, unmelted snowbanks in high mountain passes, and temperatures below 45°F, or excessive heat. These suggestions focus on optimal riding conditions, considering elevation, regional climate variations, and typical weather patterns.
New Mexico
Recommended Months: May, September, October
Details:
May: High deserts and mountains (e.g., Sandia Crest) warm to 60s-80s°F, with snowmelt complete by mid-month. Pre-monsoon dry conditions.
September: Post-monsoon clarity (60s-80s°F), with clear passes. Mountains stay snow-free, and deserts cool slightly.
October: Crisp but rideable (50s-70s°F), with minimal snow risk until late month in high elevations.
Avoid: July-August (monsoon mud), November-March (snow above 7,000 feet).
Recommended Best Month: September
Summary: New Mexico’s high deserts and mountains (e.g., Sangre de Cristos) avoid snow by September, with temperatures in the 60s-80s°F. Summer monsoons (July-August) bring rain and mud, while winter risks snow above 7,000 feet. September strikes a balance, with clear passes and pleasant days.