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Big Dude · 09-04-2016, 10:46 AM

I will be driving from Salida, CO down to Santa Fe generally using US-285, but where it bellies west for about 15 miles, I'm looking at going straight south on CO-17. My truckers atlas shows it as an okay road but I'm curious about the road surface or any other issues. If you've been over it recently, I'd appreciate any feedback as well as any info on US-285. Thanks in advance.

twogypsies · 09-04-2016, 08:34 PM

Highway 17 has some grades - 6&7% but there are more rolling descents rather than straight down. We've driven it with our 40' MH.

Jim2 · 09-04-2016, 09:32 PM

From your description, it sounds like the section of Co17 you're referring to is from Villa Grove to Alamosa. That's a flat straight road through a farming & ranching valley just west of the Great Sand Dunes NP. Its 2 lane asphalt with grass shoulders, light traffic, no hills, no turns, no issues.

The other section of 17 that runs from Antonito to Chama NM goes up and over a 10,000 ft pass, but if you're headed to Santa Fe on 285 from Salida, you wouldn't be using that section.

Big Dude · 09-05-2016, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim2

From your description, it sounds like the section of Co17 you're referring to is from Villa Grove to Alamosa. That's a flat straight road through a farming & ranching valley just west of the Great Sand Dunes NP. Its 2 lane asphalt with grass shoulders, light traffic, no hills, no turns, no issues.

The other section of 17 that runs from Antonito to Chama NM goes up and over a 10,000 ft pass, but if you're headed to Santa Fe on 285 from Salida, you wouldn't be using that section.

Yes - Villa Grove to Alamosa (sorry - should have said that). Thanks for the feedback. Is the road surface in good shape?

Jim2 · 09-05-2016, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Dude

Yes - Villa Grove to Alamosa (sorry - should have said that). Thanks for the feedback. Is the road surface in good shape?

Its been a month since I was on it, but yes its kept in good condition. Its used frequently this time of year by trucks to take our bulk potatoes and barley crops to market. So, its designed & built for heavy vehicles.

Big Dude · 09-10-2016, 08:42 AM

We made the drive yesterday and except for a couple of slightly rough patches, CO-17 was a good route. Can't say the same thing for US-285 in NM though. It is a paved over concrete road with all of the joints now very apparent. It wasn't rattle your teeth rough but it definitely needs redone.