Take a quiet drive through the high plains of New Mexico along U.S. Route 285 from Clines Corners to Encino. This 27-mile stretch offers wide-open vistas, fading relics of roadside Americana, and a peaceful slice of desert solitude.

The š» Prairie tag is used for routes that traverse open grasslands, rolling plains, or wide agricultural expanses typical of the central United States. These drives are defined by big skies, long sightlines, and a horizon that seems to stretch forever. Expect sweeping views, gently undulating terrain, and the occasional burst of wildflowers or sunflowers in season.
While prairie routes may lack dramatic elevation changes or dense vegetation, their subtle beauty and quiet charm make them ideal for reflective drives and unhurried travel. The vast openness often creates dramatic skies, especially during sunrise, sunset, or storm season.

Take a quiet drive through the high plains of New Mexico along U.S. Route 285 from Clines Corners to Encino. This 27-mile stretch offers wide-open vistas, fading relics of roadside Americana, and a peaceful slice of desert solitude.