MN to CA need to avoid mountains...

[CaliMinn07]

Hi, I'm moving my girlfriend out here to California (Orange County) from Minnesota (Minneapolis) in July. We'll be driving a big 2-3bedroom-sized u-haul. I'd like to avoid mountain driving if I can. I'm assuming that parts of the 70 and 15 have some mountain roads so is there another route anyone can suggest? Maybe taking the 40? There really are no time issues so going out of our way a bit isn't going to hurt. Any help advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Sean

[Robert Schaller]

You have three basic choices. You cannot avoid the mountains on any of them totally, but I doubt you'd have any trouble on any of them. First, go down to I-80, and across to Salt Lake. Then south on I-15 through Las Vegas.

Two, down to I-80 (or 70), west to Denver, south on I-25 to I-40 at ALB, then I-40 west.

Or, I-70 to I-15. Frankly, even in a U-Haul, this would be my choice. My guess is that the first choice is the one with the least grades -- basically east of Salt Lake and just outside of LA.

Oh wait... there's another choice; take the interstate from MN down to I-40, and that directly west all the way. Also a good route. Still, I like I-70 across CO for the beautiful scenery, and as an interstate, your U-Haul can make it!

[Midwest Michael]

I'm in agreement that I would take I-15 and I-70 through Colorado. In fact, I've done it myself driving a Uhaul, while pulling my car on a trailer.

I didn't have any problems making it over the mountains, the grades were not a problem, and when you stick to the interstates, you aren't dealing with with any twist or turns you might think of from "mountain roads." It really is a pretty easy trip.

That said, I might lean towards I-80 for this trip if you are worried and inexperienced driving this sort of vehicle. I've never found the terrain to be much of a challenge when driving a UHaul or similar trucks, however, driving in high traffic areas can be a bit of a challenge. For that reason, I might take I-80 through Salt Lake instead of I-70 through Denver.

[CaliMinn07]

Thanks Michael and Bob. You've given a couple good options. I feel a little better hearing that the uhaul driving shouldn't be a problem, even with pulling a car (which is now a distinct possibility). Just a little inexperienced and a little nervous about it, but I'll get over it when I'm out there. :) Thanks you two. The 15/70 route sounds kinda fun, although the 80 sounds easiest. Something to think about. hehe.

Sean