Rt 17 in southcentral colorado/new mexico

tom3171 wrote:
how is rt 17 from chama, new mexico to antonito, colorado pulling a 18ft tt with a 2014 ford expedition with factory tow package.i plan to go to the pondarosa comground on rt 17 during the summer. i can either start from antonito or chama to reach the campground.

State Highway in both states, so the road surface is fine.

Coming out of Chama, it's a fairly gentle climb up to Cumbres Pass, which tops out ~10000 feet. You'll be paralleling the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad line a goodly part of the way, and at the top of the pass, there's an old rail station and a great photo op for the train, if you time it right.

You'll also have La Manga Pass, at ~10,200 feet to go over, but it's also not difficult. Between Cumbres and La Manga, there's not a significant drop, not like it's a long up/down for either one. On La Manga Pass, there's some twisties as you drop down on the NE side of the pass, but again, not difficult. This is a good alternative route for RV'ers who don't want to tackle Wolf Creek Pass further north, so there's a goodly amount of RV traffic. Once you get down La Manga, you'll be in a valley all the way in to Antonito.

Doing it either way, it's a beautiful drive. More right into the mountains from the Chama side, a more gradual, high desert to mountains, going from the Mogote Meadows area near Antonito into the forest and the climb up La Manga. Going from the Antonito side, you'll get the twisties out of the way on the climb up La Manga.

Either way, your combo should have no problem with it. And if you have the time, I'd recommend taking a day and doing the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad; it's an experience to remember! There are a variety of options for doing the C & T. We've done it from the Antonito side, with the gradual climb out of the high desert, and the views were breathtaking. Once you get to Chama, you'll take a bus back to Antonito (or can do this vice versa). It's not cheap, but it's worth every cent!