Cuba - Chama - Agua Caliente - Cuba

This incredible loop covers a lot of amazing country in Northern New Mexico on roads that are generally low in traffic volume and some of which are quite remote. This was done unsupported, as a three day "credit card tour" - meaning we carried a toothbrush, flip-flops, and a credit card - in the late summer of 2007.

Day 1 Cuba to Chama is ~116 miles with 5100 feet of climbing:

• From Cuba, ride NW on Highway 550 (old 44) for 22 miles
• Turn right on Highway 537. Ride on 537 N for ~56 miles to the junction with Highway 64. This section goes trough the Jicarilla Apache Reservation and there's not much along here except for oil wells/pipelines and incredible scenery.
• Turn right on Highway 64. Ride N on 64 for ~11 miles to Dulce. Staying on 64, ride E for ~28 miles to Chama.

Day 2 Chama to Agua Caliente is ~95 miles with 4500 feet of climbing:

• From Chama, ride S on 64 for ~15 miles to Tierra Amarilla.
• Staying on 64 turn left and ride 64 to Tres Piedras.
• Turn right on 285. Ride S for ~1.5 miles, then turn right on "Highway" 519. This road quickly turns to dirt. Ride W and S for ~8 miles on 519 to Las Tablas. Here the pavement resumes and you ride S for another 16 miles on a small winding road through a really cool valley.
• Turn left on 554/111, then right on 285 to Agua Caliente.
• Soak in the hot springs (unfortunately, somewhat over rated, IMO)

Day 3 Agua Caliente to Cuba is ~93 miles with 4800 feet of climbing:

• Reverse the last 7 miles of Day 2 to the junction of 554 and 519.
• Turn left and ride W for ~21 miles on Highway 96 to the junction with Highway 84
• Turn right on 84 and ride W for ~10 miles to the junction with Highway 96
• Ride W on 96 through Coyote, Gallina and Regina to the junction with Highway 550
• Turn left and ride S for ~4 miles back to Cuba.