Southern Enchanted Century Loop

Holman Hill Descent

The Southern Enchanted Century Loop begins and ends at Ranchos de Taos. This spectacular, scenic ride is a demanding, take plenty of water and food. Be prepared for storms. There are a number of towns along the way where you can get food and water but not much between. Note the elevation gain. There are several hard climbs. For the most part there is minimal traffic, no shoulders, but the road surfaces are decent. Thanks to Tom Sullivan for developing this ride.

Distance: 104 miles, 6,200 ft. elevation gain.

Getting There: This loop begins and ends at Ranchos de Taos south of Taos on NM68 at NM518. Since it is a loop it can begin at other points on the loop.

Roadway: Most 2-lane with light traffic, some shoulders from Questa to Red River. Heavier traffic from Taos to Questa. There are some narrow sections around Arroyo Hondo north, uphill.

Options: Combine the Southern Enchanted Century Loop with the Taos High Country Tour for a two day ~140 mile ride overnighting in Angel Fire. This eliminates the NM64 leg over Palo Flechado Pass.

• See also Taos - Dixon US Hill Loop, Taos Ski Area Climb, and the Taos High County Loop.

Notes:

Route Map
Elevation Profile

Southern Enchanted Century Loop CueSheet Mileage Waypoint Leg Description 0 Start and end in Ranchos de Taos, at the intersection of NM68 & NM518. Travel southeast on NM518 through Talpa, climb US Hill (1 false summit) to US Hill. There is a nice turnout just before the summit. 16 Jct with NM75 at Rock Wall Screaming downhill, Whee!. - Continue left on NM518. There are a couple of small stores along the way. Minimal traffic after this turn. 20 Sipapu Ski Area Continue on NM518 36 Jct with NM121 Stay right on NM518, climb Holman Hill, the easy side. Stop and enjoy the vistas at a few turnouts, including Hermit Peak before the terrific downhill into Holman. There are a few campgrounds with bathrooms along the way. 37 Holman Continue on NM518. Several convenience stores. 41 Cleveland Continue on NM518. 44 Mora Turn left on NM434 (the left turn is in town on a small street at a white building - easy to miss). 58 Guadalupita Continue on NM434. Now come several steep climbs. However, the route follows a narrow road along a wooded canyon, following a stream that is one of the highlights of the trip. 69 Jct NM120 Continue left on NM434. Now out in the Moreno valley, enjoy the distant vistas. Once in Angel Fire there is a grocery store and other services. 80 Jct US64 Turn left on US64. 2 mile ascent to the pass but not too bad of a climb. Narrow road with guard rails. Beware of Texans dragging house trailers around narrow switchbacks cutting you off. 84 Palo Flechado Pass (9200') Continue on US64, enjoy the fast downhill. There's a bit more traffic on this stretch into Taos. Be careful of a few potholes in the old pavement on the downhill. There may be a "Bicyclists Ride Single File" sign. Unfortunately, this is mainly in the trees without much of a view. 99 Jct US64 & NM585 Turn left on NM585, follow the "Santa Fe" sign. The right turn takes you into the center of Taos and lots of traffic. 103 Jct NM68 Traffic light - Turn left (south) This is the main drag into Taos so there is a lot of traffic. 104 Ranchos de Taos Finish line, Hoorah! for this superb ride.

Southern Enchanted Loop Route Map

Southern Enchanted Loop Elevation Profile

Note: Disregard the sharp elevation "spikes" that are bogus artifacts of the software