One of the classic climbs in New Mexico, the ride up to Emory Pass has been listed as one of the greatest climbs in the country by Bicycling Magazine. This route begins at Truth or Consequences, but you can of course start at Kingston, which will cut much of the flat miles out (or you can even leave from Silver City). No matter which way you take, the climb is beautiful and the short detour out to the Emory Pass Overlook makes all that climbing worth it. The traffic should be light and the pavement well maintained, but there is no shoulder.