Road Trip: From Troy, NY to Ruidoso, NM

Planning a road trip from Troy, New York to Ruidoso, New Mexico? Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, there are several routes you can take to get there. Each route offers something unique, so let's explore the different options to help you plan your perfect road trip adventure.

The Northern Route

If you're looking to take a scenic route, the northern route might be the perfect choice for you. From Troy, New York, take I-90 West to I-787 South, then merge onto I-87 South. Continue on I-87 South until you reach Albany, then take I-90 West towards Buffalo. From there, take I-90 West through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, and finally Colorado. Once in Colorado, you'll take I-25 South until you reach Raton, New Mexico, where you'll then take US-64 West to Ruidoso.

This route is approximately 2,200 miles and will take you around 35 hours of non-stop driving. Along the way, you can stop in cities like Cleveland, Chicago, and Denver to explore the local attractions and sample some delicious regional cuisine.

The Southern Route

If you're looking to save some time and take a more direct route, the southern route might be the better option for you. From Troy, New York, take I-787 South to I-90 West, then merge onto I-87 South. Continue on I-87 South until you reach Albany, then take I-90 West towards Buffalo. From there, take I-90 West through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Once in Texas, take I-40 West to Amarillo, then continue on US-60 West and US-70 West to Ruidoso.

This route is approximately 2,100 miles and will take you around 32 hours of non-stop driving. Along the way, you can stop in cities like St. Louis, Oklahoma City, and Amarillo to stretch your legs and take in some local sights.

The Midwestern Route

For a balance of scenery and efficiency, the Midwestern route might be the perfect compromise. From Troy, New York, take I-787 South to I-90 West, then merge onto I-87 South. Continue on I-87 South until you reach Albany, then take I-90 West towards Buffalo. From there, take I-90 West through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Once in Oklahoma, take I-40 West to Amarillo, then continue on US-60 West and US-70 West to Ruidoso.

This route is approximately 2,000 miles and will take you around 30 hours of non-stop driving. Along the way, you can stop in cities like Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Oklahoma City to break up the drive and experience some local culture.

No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way. Whether it's visiting a quirky roadside attraction, sampling some local cuisine, or taking a scenic hike, there's something for everyone on the road from Troy, New York to Ruidoso, New Mexico. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!