The San Andres pass between Las Cruses and Alamogordo can have some pretty extreme winter weather. Back in the early 70's I was stationed at White Sands Missile Range and there were times it got so bad up there between December and February that the state called upon us to take our military tactical 10-ton wrecker's up there to assist civilian semi's. More recently (past several years) I have been through there in the car, on the Harley, and pulling the Montana. Never any issues and it isn't that hard of a pull.
If you are coming all the way from Clovis on Rt. 70, then some of your steeper grades will be before the stretch between Las Cruses and Alamogordo. If I recall correctly we were on some down grades with speed limits of 30mph around Ruidoso.
I would certainly check weather conditions up there before doing it. If going from Las Cruses to Alamogordo you will be on a good side to pull over just past the crest at a extra parking area for taking photos. If it is sunny watch where you step because you may hear a "rattle".
I love that part of New Mexico!
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Ozz
I found this:
Would you suggest this instead?
I am only concerned about a storm popping up at higher elevations.
**1. Re: Driving from Clovis to Las Cruces
Nov 19, 2015, 5:24 PM
This is just a suggestion. To avoid driving through the Sacramento mountains, and the higher elevations. take US 60 west to Vaughn, then US 54 south to Alamogordo, and then 70 in to Las Cruces. No mountain passes, mostly flat country except between Corona and Carrizozo. Might take a bit longer, but maybe a safer way to go. Check the weather before you leave Clovis. Call statewide to 511 for up-to-date road conditions. Tank up in Clovis, some stations in Vaughn, Carrizozo and Alamogordo.**
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