I have made the drive on 117 south from the Grants area to Quemado and then on down to Silver City on 32/12/180. Loved it all the way. Almost no traffic, lots of scenery and good two lane roads. Fill up on fuel, etc. before you head out. There isn't much out there besides cattle and old wild west scenery. On the northern end you will pass the ancient El Malpais lava fields and near Grants, Bluewater State Park is a nice RV campground and Bandera Crater and ice cave are a fun side trip. Its a trip back in time thru "old" New Mexico ranch land and rugged wild west scenery.