Directions to Western Life Camp
from I-25, Exit 345, in Las Vegas, NM
Take Las Vegas Exit 345 from I-25. If headed north (coming from Santa Fe), go left after the stop sign. If headed south (coming from Raton), go right after the stop sign. In either case, you will be on University Ave. (although it is not marked). University Ave. slopes downward as you come off of the overpass.
The first traffic light is Grand Ave. Turn right, heading north on Grand Ave. In less than a mile, as you approach the next traffic light, move into the left lane. At the light, turn left onto Mills Ave. A small, non-grassy park with a black locomotive can been seen at the northwest corner of the intersection.
Continue about 1½ miles, through two traffic lights (at 7th Street and at 8th Street), and you will reach a third traffic light. At this intersection, please note the reading on your odometer (it might be a good idea to write it down).
Turn right onto Hot Springs Blvd. Soon, on the right, can be observed a cluster of signs, including a Hwy 65 sign, along with mile markers to Montezuma (5 miles) and to El Porvenir (15 miles). (Adhere to the posted speed limits on this road, as stops by the police are semi-frequent.)
A mile after the 4-way stop, on Hwy 65, there will be a green mile marker to the right with a 1 on it. Continue on Hwy 65 (Hot Springs Blvd.); the road will curve to the left into Montezuma after mile marker 4. The large United World College (castle) can be seen on a hill on the right.
About ½-mile after mile marker 5, continue on the main paved road as it veers right and begins a steep mountain climb. A long, narrow pond can be seen down on the left. The green mile markers will continue being seen on the right.
Drive carefully for the next few miles, as there will be many twists and turns and occasional oncoming traffic. After a gradual climb, the pinnacle (“high point”) of the trip will be reached as your odometer reads about 7½ miles (from the 4-way stop intersection in town). After this point, the road mostly will descend (continuing to twist and turn, although there still will be a few “ups” and “downs”). After a few miles, the road will level out.
Soon after mile marker 11 is the tiny town of Gallinas (which means “Chicken”). In the distance, Hermit’s Peak will be prominent.
After mile marker 12 (which is the last one you will see), a Gallinas Canyon and El Porvenir sign will be seen. Soon thereafter will be an important intersection. Stay left toward Gallinas Canyon; do not veer to the right toward El Porvenir.
Immediately to the right, after the intersection, will be 2 signs (one indicating Road “263” and the other “WARNING WINDING ROAD NEXT 2 MILES”). Be careful on this road, as there are many blind curves and sometimes fast oncoming traffic.
Look at your odometer; there are about 2¼ miles remaining to reach Western Life Camp. Soon on the left, you will see ponds created by beaver dams. Along the way, also on the left, you will pass the ranch of actor Patrick Swayze.
Look for the Gallinas Canyon and Johnson Mesa sign on the right. Soon thereafter, you will drive over a cattle guard. Make an immediate left; do not go straight.
The road will go downhill. A small sign indicating Road “156” will be seen on the right, and on the left will be the Duplex Cabin. Over the bridge and a few yards further, turn left into Western Life Camp.
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