{
  "name": "High Road to Taos",
  "slug": "high-road-to-taos-nm76-nm518",
  "url": "https://www.bestdrivingroads.com/roads/high-road-to-taos-nm76-nm518/",
  "summary": "NM 76, NM 75 and NM 518 climb from Chimayó through the Spanish villages of Truchas and Las Trampas, over 8,700 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, then run by Peñasco and Talpa down to Ranchos de Taos.",
  "roadNumbers": [
    "NM 76",
    "NM 75",
    "NM 518"
  ],
  "location": {
    "country": "United States",
    "region": "New Mexico",
    "start": {
      "name": "Chimayó",
      "lat": 36.004016,
      "lon": -105.946907
    },
    "end": {
      "name": "Ranchos de Taos",
      "lat": 36.362516,
      "lon": -105.603973
    }
  },
  "measurements": {
    "lengthMiles": 45,
    "lengthKm": 72.4,
    "driveMinutes": 90,
    "corners": 51,
    "hairpins": 1,
    "maxGradientPercent": 8,
    "summitMetres": 2608.8,
    "elevationConfidence": "measured",
    "difficulty": "moderate",
    "tightnessOutOf10": 5
  },
  "timing": {
    "bestSeasons": [
      "spring",
      "summer",
      "autumn"
    ]
  },
  "conditions": {},
  "hazards": [
    "Sand and gravel washed across the road on curves after rain",
    "Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the warmer months, and it gets cooler with elevation",
    "Narrow, winding sections through the Carson National Forest",
    "Few services between Chimayó and Peñasco"
  ],
  "scenery": [
    "mountain",
    "forest",
    "valley"
  ],
  "pointsOfInterest": [
    "Rancho de Chimayo",
    "Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church",
    "San José de Gracia Catholic Church",
    "Sugar Nymph's Bistro",
    "U.S. Hill pullout",
    "San Francisco de Asis Church"
  ],
  "geometry": {
    "pointCount": 447
  },
  "attribution": {
    "source": "bestdrivingroads.com",
    "citation": "Cite with a link to the road page. Stats are measured from the mapped line; where elevationConfidence is \"approximate\" the 30 m DEM cannot resolve that line and the elevation figures are indicative.",
    "roadGeometry": "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL",
    "terms": "Facts are free to cite with attribution; bulk reproduction of the catalogue requires permission (simon@keane.studio)."
  },
  "updated": "2026-10-11"
}