First major road trip!!!!

[Midwest Michael]

I-25 directly links Denver and Santa Fe - so that's the route most often used between the two cities. Of course, there are thousands of other possibilities depending upon your interests and how much time you have for this leg.

[howard]

The route Michael described, I-25 from Denver south all the way to Santa Fe, is the certainly the quickest way to get there. But, if you aren't in a hurry, I would suggest going through Taos, NM first, then continue on to Santa Fe. Two routes you could take are:

I-25 south to Walsenburg, CO > west on US Hwy 160 to Ft. Garland, CO > south on CO 159 / NM 522 to Taos, NM.

OR I-25 south to Raton, NM > west US Hwy 64 through Cimarron and Eagle Nest to Taos, NM.

From Taos, there are two routes that will take you to Santa Fe:

NM Hwy 68 south along the Rio Grande to Espaņola, NM then US Hwy 285 to Santa Fe.

OR you can take the scenic High Road between Taos and Santa Fe.

If you have time, spend at least one day in both Santa Fe and Taos. There is a lot of great stuff to see. Have fun!

[Southwest Dave]

There is also the Great Sand dunes NP to consider which would mean coming off I25 at Walsenburg or take US285. South of there on NM522 is the little town of San Luis where there is the Shrine of the Stations of the cross. You walk past the stations up the hill [which are wonderful bronze sculptures] to a chapel at the top of the hill with views all around. You don't have to be religious to enjoy and appreciate the walk and it's a nice way to stretch your legs for half an hour.

[cookiemonster2]

Oh wow! These are great options, thank you!!

[cookiemonster2]

I am super stoked to drive along route 66. I will be taking it from Santa Fe to Flagstaff and then Flagstaff to Cali. I have read up about the Route 66 stops and stuff but wanted to get some advice from people who have actually been there. Any MUST stops? I am very into stopping for cool pics and cheesy tourist stuff. I am also a HUGE fan of the Disney movie Cars, so.... ;D THANK YOU GUYS!!!!!

[glc]

Things on Route 66 that come to mind:

Holbrook, AZ - the Wigwam Motel
Winslow, AZ - Standing On The Corner
Seligman, AZ
Oatman, AZ
Amboy, CA

Radiator Springs in the movie was modeled after a composite of locations, but it's said the main inspiration was Peach Springs, AZ on 66 between Seligman and Kingman. That stretch is the longest remaining part of old 66 still in existence, it's actually signed and maintained as AZ-66. The stretches between Kingman and Topock, CA (going through Oatman) and the one in CA going through Amboy are probably the next longest ones.

[cookiemonster2]

Thank you!!!!

things on route 66 that come to mind:

Holbrook, az - the wigwam motel
winslow, az - standing on the corner
seligman, az
oatman, az
amboy, ca

radiator springs in the movie was modeled after a composite of locations, but it's said the main inspiration was peach springs, az on 66 between seligman and kingman. That stretch is the longest remaining part of old 66 still in existence, it's actually signed and maintained as az-66. The stretches between kingman and topock, ca (going through oatman) and the one in ca going through amboy are probably the next longest ones.