Michael

I guess Google map is wrong.

DebitNM

I drive that route frequently, trust me about the time.

peterboy

Michael, Google maps assumes that you'll be going the speed limit. On those empty, straight highways you can make much better time in reality.

POlson

We did a similar drive Mesa Verde to Bernalillo with a stop at Chaco on our Southwest trip a few years ago. Unfortunately, we left a stuffed animal at Far View and had to turn around - add 45 minutes - and it started to rain en route - add lots of concern about poor road conditions - and our lunch stop ran long and finally add cranky toddler from several days on the road and stops already. You can probably guess where this is heading but we didn't make the Chaco stop.

On the positive front, we loved Far View lodge and Mesa Verde, stopping there for two nights. We also loved our 5 night stay at Tamaya Resort and Spa in Bernallilo with days trips to ABQ, Santa Fe and Bandalier (with some spa and pool time, and hotel activities like bread baking thrown into the mix). I also enjoyed a terrific cooking class in Santa Fe which I highly recommend (Santa Fe School of Cooking).

Digbydog

Thanks all! Great pictures DebitNM!!

Michael

Google maps assumes that you'll be going the speed limit. On those empty, straight highways you can make much better time in reality.

The total distance given between Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde is 143 miles. I would not expect an out-of-state tourist to average 70+ mph, especially when the first 25 miles out of Chaco Canyon are on a dirt road. Or is Google wrong on the distance?

peterboy

My experience is that the road into Chaco from the highway takes about 40 minutes. Perhaps you might not expect an out-of-state tourist to average 70+ mph but I can easily imagine that. I seem to recall criusing at 80 mph on the stretch between Cortez and Farmington on old Rt. 666 past Shiprock.

Have you driven these roads?

DebitNM

I drive them a lot with houses on both ends of the route. I do 70 on SR550. And except of a few areas where the speed drops for a little trading post or town, you can do that from Chaco to Mesa Verde. And you had better slow down and heed those signs, great speed traps, don't ask how I know.

The road off of 550 into Chaco, no you can't do anywhere near that speed. I was talking point to point on the main road. 2 hours, entrance to entrance.

Michael

Yes I have:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...th/4178398452/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...th/4086632556/

and I have picked up a speeding ticket in Utah in what appeared to be an open road in the middle of nowhere.

Digbydog

More wonderful pictures!!