US Hwy 82 in New Mexico

[Air_Boss]

We will be traveling from Las Cruces, NM to Artesia on US Hwy 70 and 82 in March. I have a Good Sam Atlas that highlights "RV friendly routes" in orange. This route is not highlighted except to Alamogordo on US 70. Immediately east of Alamogordo US 82 looks like it has a mountain pass to overcome as well as many curves. I will be pulling a 36' fifth wheel with a 2500 Dodge diesel. Would you be so kind as to offer any input concerning this route? Thank you.

[Air_Boss]

Thanks to all for you input. To 2gypsies: We're visiting a relative recently moved there. From there we will go to Waco, TX. But for Artesia I think we will go via Ruidoso. Its only about another hour or so, and an easier drive. I don't mind a steady climb at 50-60 mph but if 25-35 mph curves are thrown in, it bothers me. I lose energy in the engine, which, I believe, makes it harder on the transmission. Please continue with you input. I just might change my mind. I was looking forward to stopping at the Western Cafe.

[frizzen]

There are several passing lanes on the uphill side to let traffic around you. Speed limits are 45, 35 in places.

[2gypsies1]

Is Artesia really your destination or just heading in that direction and beyond? Let us know your actual destination.

If taking 70 to Cloudcroft it will be all uphill with curves for approx. 15 miles beginning at Alamogordo. It's much more difficult coming down (west) from Cloudcroft to Alamogordo. From Cloudcroft to Artesia is very easy.

As mentioned above, you could take 70 to Ruidoso to Roswell which is an easy drive. Circle B RV Park on 70 just beyond Ruidoso is a good one if you want to explore the area.

[NMDriver]

frizzen wrote:
I've double towed up that with a 25 foot 5er and a 14 foot flatbed with 2 utility quads on it. It has about a 6 -7% grade in a couple of places and one 150 degree turn near the top but its not too tight. The 5er has gone up that several times. There is a short tunnel but it has plenty of clearance. You shouldn't have any trouble.

Going east from Cloudcroft to Artesia doesn't have anything to worry about.

When you get to Cloudcroft the Western Cafe is a good place to eat. It's on the tourist trap street a block north of the highway.

Frizzen gave an accurate description.

It is an easy climb with level stretches along the way up to Cloudcroft. A gentle down hill after Cloudcroft. Good scenery and little traffic. I also pull a boat and 5er up it and can maintain traffic flow speed, with no issues.

[Sandia_Man]

We've done it many times in our cars and once in our tow vehicle with 33' TT and it wasn't too bad truth be known, although it is quite a climb and you have to traverse some very curvy roads and inclines. If Artesia is your destination looks like you don't have much choice, take it nice and easy and you should be good to go.

As mentioned above, if you are not time constrained and enjoy beautiful pine covered drives you could continue on 54 to Tularosa and take 70 through Ruidoso which has a number of wonderful campgrounds and a resort casino for golfing and dining. Take 380 to Roswell and down 285 to Artesia, both are easy drives when towing.

[Old-Biscuit]

From Alamogordo to Cloudcroft is roughly a 4000' change in elevation in ~12 miles


Have towed my 34' 14K 5th wheel Up/Down several times. Not a big deal....typical mountain drive.

Sit back and let that 'tractor motor' purr

[Lwiddis]

Yes, paw paw, it’s the journey for me not just getting to the destination.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

US-82 from Alamogordo to Cloudcroft is one of the unique scenic mountain drives in the US.

It is also a steep climb of several thousand feet which will test your vehicle engine and transmission if east bound, or brakes if west bound.

People make the drive every day. Some for the first and ONLY time.

The easier route through those mountains is to go a bit north and take US-70 through Ruidoso.

Yes it is a bit out of the way, and a bit longer distance wise.

But unless you love challenges on twisty steep mountain roads, avoid the US-82 route.

Edit - Obviously the previous reply has a different opinion. I’ve been through the area a dozen times and have avoided the 82 while towing. To each his own. The choice is up to you.

[frizzen]

I've double towed up that with a 25 foot 5er and a 14 foot flatbed with 2 utility quads on it. It has about a 6 -7% grade in a couple of places and one 150 degree turn near the top but its not too tight. The 5er has gone up that several times. There is a short tunnel but it has plenty of clearance. You shouldn't have any trouble.

Going east from Cloudcroft to Artesia doesn't have anything to worry about.

When you get to Cloudcroft the Western Cafe is a good place to eat. It's on the tourist trap street a block north of the highway.

[Lwiddis]

Contrary to your concerns, if I’m not banned from pulling my TT over a route, my question is “is it scenic?” If scenic and I’m not forbidden, I go.