Colorado Route suggestions Grand Lake to Antonito

**Keithb** · 08-18-2019, 06:59 PM

We are headed from upstate NY to Grand Lake, arriving in mid September. From there we want to go south towards Antonito or Chama New Mexico to ride the steam train. The Million Dollar highway sounds like a nice ride in just the truck, not towing. Then perhaps on to Albuquerque for the ballon fest.

Reading the posts on here I’m concerned about getting myself onto a road I shouldn’t be on.
I’ve got a 2500 Gas Sierra pulling a 303. The truck has a grade brake function that works well but I’ve not been on Rocky Mountain grades with it.

Also, I was planning to get off I70 westbound at Silverthorn and go to Grand Lake via Kemmerling. I’d appreciate any experience or suggestions on routes and places to base camp.

Thanks,
Keith

**cfowler55** · 08-18-2019, 09:46 PM

We base around Durango. Nice KOA north of town on 550 , which is the start of the MDH. The Durango to Silverton steam train is also a good one. You can ride it or a bus back.
Also a decent KOA in Bernalillo, which is just north of Abq. Be sure to eat at The Range. The Gruet winery is close as well. Plan well ahead for the balloon fest as sites fill up early.
Sorry but I don’t have any input on the gasser , but be prepared for some long steep grades in both directions.
Charlie

**Bradnailer** · 08-19-2019, 08:07 AM

If you are in Grand Lake Colorado, you could head back over to I-25, go south to Walsenburg, west to Alamosa then south to Antonito. There aren't any campgrounds in Antonito but if you head out toward Chama there are a few maybe 10 miles out of town. Nothing fancy but a place to park. From Antonito, you can head back down to Santa Fe then Albuquerque. Agree, the KOA in Bernallio was nice the last time we stayed there.