New Mexico in mid November?

[Dr. Strangelove]

I am planning a shakedown ride before the Great American Ride. I am thinking about northern New Mexico in mid November. I will follow 64 across the state then drop down 550 to Canyon de Chilley then across to Bandelier then down to Las Vegas. I hope to explore many side roads and will be camping.

Any suggestions apprciated.

I've checked the weather and it looks to be cold, but not freezing, though it may be at higher elevations.
As a flatlander, well, really a swamplander, I need to know how likely I am to be obstructed by weather and any other pointers that may be useful or lifesaving.

Thanks

John

[VintageDirt]

I think it will definitely freeze overnight and it might not warm up much during the day, but then again sometimes it's suprisingly warm in Nov. The northern part of the state usually gets the first snow of the season and anything can happen at the higher elevations. There's got to be a reason why some of the state's premier ski resorts are directly in your intended path. The good news is November might work for you. Taos ski area opened on Nov 23rd in '06 and Dec 13th in '07, Angel Fire Dec 14th both years, Red River Nov 21st both years...well, you get the idea. Of course just because the ski areas opened doesn't mean it snowed a lot, I think they make their own snow, but I'm not a skier so I don't pay attention. I'd dress warm and watch out for black ice, but then I'm no expert.