Driving from Boulder,CO to Berkeley,CA

Hi,
I'm driving with my dog from Boulder,CO to Berkeley,CA on Dec.11 and going the southern route to visit friends along the way in Santa Fe,NM, Phoenix,AZ, and San Diego,CA before getting to Berkeley.

I would like advice on tires. I have studded snows, but think I should NOT have them on since I'll be going the southern route. However, returning on Jan.2 I will probably take the most direct route which will involve going thru the mountains. Should I have snows on then?

Also, I would love to share the driving and gas expenses with someone needing to get from the Bay area to Denver/Boulder.

I'm grateful for any and all advice. Any takers on ride sharing? I'm a female, young, retired teacher used to traveling alone, with my dog, and with others.

Thanks,
CA

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I'd agree that studded snow tires wouldn't be a good choice for this - or most long distance trips - even though it is quite possible you will see snow - even on your southern trip through New Mexico and Arizona.

As long as you have all-season tires, and are sticking to interstate highways, you should be fine. I'd much rather deal with being delayed for a day because of a bad storm, while you wait for road conditions to improve, than dealing with the hassle or driving with studs - or even worse, bringing extra tires to change while on the road.

I'll move this thread to the "share the gas" section to increase your odds of finding a co-traveler.

I have a different opinion. If you have studded tires, run them unless you don't want to wear them out prematurely. They are legal in the winter in all the states you will be passing through. However - if you encounter chain restrictions, you will have to turn around or put chains on. California is especially picky about that.

There are 3 levels of chain restrictions in CA:

1. Chains or snow tires required
2. Chains required except 4wd vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels
3. Chains required on all vehicles

Snow tires have to have the snowflake logo, and it doesn't matter whether they are studded or not.