289 - Cochiti to Hwy 4 Bandalier

[slimbuddha]

Hey, I was looking at some places to go camping with the family and see some of the State, and saw this map of the Bandelier National Monument area: http://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/upload/area map 12307 wo overlay 2.pdf

There is a road 289 (not sure if it is forest road, or state road) that goes from the Cochiti Pueblo area to hwy 4 near Bandelier that is marked 4wd road.

Has anyone here ever taken this road?

 

[Cruisergreg]

Yeah, don't get too excited - that's a pretty dull drive except for the scenary. Locals call it the Dome Road. It also leads to some pretty bleak camping areas. For my time and effort I usually go high up toward the Valle Caldera, taking NM 4 to NM 126 at La Cueva then either go south on FR 376 or continue up to FR 144 and go about 5 miles or so until you can pull off to the right and wind your way up several 2 tracks that end in great, lush, grass-filled meadows perfect for quiet camping. You prabably won't see another soul the whole time if you go all the way to the Caldera fenceline. I think I want my ashes spread there.

FWIW

 

[Rudical]

Yeah, don't get too excited - that's a pretty dull drive except for the scenary. FWIW

Yup, not much off-roading through there unless you have to make your way around a fallen tree. I was up there two weeks ago and looks like they already had the roads cleared. If you want to hike or bike it is great. I have a map somewhere that has all the single track (Carl Shipment, Killer Switchback, Media Dia, Beavers Pond, etc...) between there I picked up from Two-Wheel Drive if you decide you want to check the area out.

Rudy

 

[slimbuddha]

I think i'll have to take it one day on the way back from Jemez