It chose NM 76 and a series of two lane back roads that followed the ridge of a bluff, then curved through a river valley, coming in from the southeast. NM 76 is a road to remember. It has some of the most delicious back to back 180 degree 70 mph sweepers that I've found in the USofA. I would rate this in the category of the famous Lolo Pass route. It is definitely on my short list of favorites. Pay attention to the weather if you do this, because between Chama and Taos the road climbs through 10,200 feet.
Storms get nasty quickly there .
And don't be tempted to do any of this in the dark. Even if you miss all the deer and sheep that graze on the road, you will also miss the fabulous little Rio Grande Gorge ten miles west of Taos. The high plateau is nearly flat there, then suddenly there is a 650 foot drop straight to the river. One more Taos tip. My favorite breakfast spot is Michael's Kitchen and Bakery just north of town center on Route 64.