State Highway 17 (98.o9 miles) is in both New Mexico and Colorado but almost all of it is in the incredible San Juan Mountains. There are endless things to do and adventures to enjoy on this road. There are countless camping spots, fishing holes, and hiking trails.

New Mexico’s portion is only 9.59 miles and it begins south of the charming city of Chama at the intersection of US 64 & US 84.

In Chama you’ll find lodging and plenty of restaurants as well as the awesome and rather famous Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. You can check out the museum and buy tickets to ride the old train in Chama. I got lucky and while driving north towards Colorado I saw the smoke, heard the horn, and got to wait as it crossed the road. You may recognize the train from the opening of Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade.

The drive itself is gorgeous but just off the highway are many incredible spots like the privately owned Rancho del Oso Pardo. They privately manage one of the most beautiful non Federally owned land in the nation. They make sure the Chama River is clean and the Cutthroat Trout (New Mexico’s State Fish) stays off the endangered list. You can drive the FS Road 121 to the end of the line where there are hikes and spots to fish but don’t veer off into private land. The fishing, hiking, and horseback area is known as The Chama Trail/ Chama Wilderness Area.

At the top of Cumbres Pass (10,022 feet) on the Colorado side is the awesome little Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad National Historic Site. It has a great view of the valley that extends down into New Mexico. It also has a station and buildings from the railroad. It’s a nice spot for a picnic and a walk around the outdoor museum.

Immediately after Cumbres Pass is the turn off for the gorgeous and rewarding Trujillo Meadows and Trujillo Reservoir where you can camp, fish, relax, and enjoy the incredible views.

The remainder of the drive is equally as beautiful as you wind up and down the San Juan Mountains. Make sure to stop at the Conejos Canyon Viewpoint. There are plaques there that explain the historical significance of the region to the Ancient ones, the Spanish, and the Anglo settlers.

There is one National Forest Campground and a few private campgrounds as you head east towards Antonito and plenty of fishing on the river itself.

And speaking of the Spanish, in the small town of Las Mesitas, a few miles east of Antonito is the burnt ruins of a church from 1932 (San Isidro Church). It is famous for being photographed although we did not stop and take any pictures. Next time!