Alternate route From Chicago to Vegas!

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12-13-2008, 01:10 AM
AandBTrvel

Alternate route From Chicago to Vegas!

Hi, I am looking for an alternate route from Chicago, IL to Vegas and Back. Im am turning 21 next year and plan on traveling Mid-June . I want to get ot Vegas as soon as possible with maybe one night stay somewhere to sleep if driving there straight for two people is two much. The farthest we have driven is to Cincinnati from Chicago, so im not sure if we can handle it.... then were going to meet up with the rest of our friends and fam in Vegas for 4 days and road trip back but we dont really wwant to take route 66. That is the only route i can find online. After Vegas we want to go to Los Angeles for 2 days... then to the Grand Canyon.... and we want to stop in Dallas and Memphis for sure before ending up back in chicago.... need suggestions on stops, and good things to see or visit. we can take two weeks of total from work. were pretty open to anything, ill be 21 and my boyfriend is 25.... would renting be worth it, or sould we drive our car.
thanks,
adrianna
12-13-2008, 01:43 AM
Mark Sedenquist

Never even touches Route 66

Quote:

Originally Posted by AandBTrvel

but we dont really wwant to take route 66. That is the only route i can find online.

The fastest and shortest possible route between Chicago and Las Vegas is this one (basically I-70 to I-15) It never touches any part of Route 66. Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! It's 1800 miles and the fastest you can drive this (safely) is three days at 11 hours per day.

Quote:

After Vegas we want to go to Los Angeles for 2 days... then to the Grand Canyon.... and we want to stop in Dallas and Memphis for sure before ending up back in chicago...

How long are you planning to spend on this leg? It sounds like you'll need 4-5 days to do this.

Mark
12-13-2008, 01:56 AM
glc

Driving from Chicago to Vegas is a full 3 day drive. Trying to do it in 2 days is unsafe, and straight through is just insane. This is a 25 hour drive NOT counting fuel, food, and rest stops. It's 1750 miles. Chicago to Cincy is a simple 300 mile drive doable in 5 hours, I've driven from Chicago to Cincy and back in 1 day but I wouldn't even try to go from Chicago to Vegas in 2 days. That would be a bad start for your vacation, you would waste at least a day in Vegas recovering and wouldn't be able to enjoy it.

With 2 weeks total, that's pretty tight trying to spend 4 days in Vegas and 2 days in LA. This only gives you 4 days to go from LA to Chicago *and* see what you want to see. A road trip is no fun if all you are doing is driving long hours just to get to your next night's stop.

Fastest route is either I-88 or I-80 out of Chicago, I-80 to I-76 in western Nebraska, I-76 to Denver, I-70 to I-15 in Utah, then I-15 to Vegas. Suggested overnight stops would be around Kearney, NE and Grand Junction, CO.

Take your own car unless it's an old beater or it gets terrible gas mileage. Rental surcharges for under 25 year old drivers are expensive.
12-13-2008, 08:01 AM
AZBuck

You Get What You 'Pay' For

I'm in full agreement with the previous two posters. This is a three day drive each way between Chicago and Las Vegas. But still, with 16 days (assuming '2 weeks' means three weekends) you can make a nice trip of it I think. You just have to realize that having a great trip will cost you the time for a reasonable drive as well as the dollars for gas/food/lodging. I'd recommend that you take a variation on Mark's suggested route out. Leave Saturday morning on I-80 to western Nebraska (enjoying the sights along the old Oregon Trail), then I-76 to Denver and I-70 across the Rockies. Then as you take I-15 into Las Vegas, if you have time you can make a quick stop at Zion National Park. At three days for this leg, you get you into Vegas a day 'late' (Monday evening) but you'll have something to talk about other than what the inside of your car looks like and it still leaves you with three days with friends and family. This would be a good time to recall Ben Franklin's adage "After three days, fish and guests start to smell".

On day 7 of your trip, drive to L.A. and spend a couple of days there, then on day 10, make the drive to the Grand Canyon and spend a day there. That leaves you 5 days to get home. A route from the Grand Canyon through Dallas and Memphis is around 2000 miles, so 4 days of driving, leaving you a day's worth of time (total) to spend seeing whatever you want in those two cities, and still get home on Sunday night.

AZBuck
12-13-2008, 10:12 AM
Midwest Michael

more than maps and math

Quote:

Originally Posted by AandBTrvel

road trip back but we dont really wwant to take route 66. That is the only route i can find online.

In addition to the previous comments, which I completely agree with, especially about the amount of time you need to make this trip, I would also encourage you to think about how you are approaching this trip.

There is never just one route to get between any two places. Yes, Route 66 was a popular and direct route to get between Chicago and the southwest (it technically doesn't exist anymore, since being decommissioned 2 decades ago), but a roadtrip isn't a math problem where there is only one right answer. If you pull out an atlas you'll see thousands of roads between Chicago and Vegas, and any combination of them could be used. In fact, the ability to choose between a number of different possibilities is one of the key differences that makes a roadtrip unique from traveling by by plane, bus, or train, where you can only pick your route based on a specific schedule that someone else has designed.
12-13-2008, 10:49 AM
glc

Very true, but the OP has expressed a desire to get to LV as quickly as possible, which just about rules out sightseeing and this is where taking the shortest and most direct route, staying on Interstate highways, comes into play. Perhaps if time permits, sightseeing would be possible on the return trip.
12-13-2008, 11:20 AM
Midwest Michael

certainly

An no one said that taking a direct Interstate Route is a bad idea. The time available is one of the elements that can help determine which route will be best for a particular trip. The OP also is expressing interest in stopping at other places like LA, Grand Canyon, Dallas, and Memphis. Those too will also play a roll in which route would be the best choice.

The point is on a road trip, there is never an "only route" like when the OP said the only route they could find is route 66. There are many choices, and many factors that can help make the best decision, but there is never a one and only option.
12-27-2008, 04:50 AM
AandBTrvel

Thanks

Thanks this was a lot of help...
I understand that there are countless ways to get to one place and back.... that is why i posted :) Besides Cincinnatti Ive never actually planned a road trip(i dont really count that though)... Figuered you guys could help me out internet searches would just give me the same info...
besides this site what are some good web sites to help with planning? I found one that lists off beat spots alog the way which was pretty cool, Roadsideamerica.com, are there anyother interesting sites?
Well thanks for all the help. :)
~Adrianna
12-27-2008, 05:31 AM
Southwest Dave

Help us to help you.

Hi Adrianna,

Have you had any more thoughts on your Routes and travel times that have been mentioned?
I am sure there will be more help available here but it would be an idea to share your thoughts and possibly post an outline plan up and then we could possibly recommend places within your schedule.
With 14 days I would be looking at 6 days travelling from Chicago to Vegas and back and with 4 days in Vegas and 4 days to L/A and G/C pretty much takes your time up but allows time to make stops in Dallas and Memphis e.t.c.

Is L/A a "must do" this trip? It would free up a lot more time elsewhere in your travels.
If so what are your interests?

I hope you have a great trip!
12-27-2008, 06:45 AM
Midwest Michael

look around

I'd suggest you look around this site some more, because I have a feeling you haven't used this site to its full potential yet. There are dozens of articles in the planning section that can help you find your footing there. If you look there, you'll also find our "best of the Web" section, which has tons of links to other sites of interest to roadtrippers.
12-27-2008, 05:47 PM
AandBTrvel

Well this is my plan so far. The only thing that is definate is that i have to bein Vegas by Thursday June 18th Im staying there three nights but i was thinking maybe staying one more night to rest because we wont be sleeping much that weekend.

If we leave Chicago at like 3am would two of us driving until 8 or 9pm be doable? i have family who have said it took them two days to drive from Chicago to Vegas. I just would like to stop one night somewhere to sleep get up ealry and continue to Vegas.

We want to go to Los Angeles, becuase we are thinking of moving there and just want to check it out, plus i have family there. That would be probly 2 days max.

From there were flexible on what we want to do or go. I was thinking Dallas and Memphis because my BF loves the Cowboys and the Astros and so to visit over there would be cool and he's an Elvis fan. Ive heard those places have fun night life...

so basically... this is what i was thinking... let me know if it is possible :)

Tue. June 16-Leave Chicago 3am stay somewhere (any suggestions?)
Wed. June 17-Drive maybe stay somewhere else/ maybe not
Thur. June 18-Arrive in Vegas(prefferably early. so we can rest before patryin
Fri. June 19-stay
Sat. June 20-stay
Sun. June 21-stay at some cheap motel to rest
Mon. June 22-leave early morning to L.A. stay the night
Tue. June 23-stay another night (any suggestion on what to do? day/night)
Wed. June 24-leave towards grand canyon maybe noon? want to view sunset. Would it be possible to sleep in the van there? (If we have the van, not sure about that yet.)

After this I really dont know....

Tue. June 30 or Wed. July 1-Be home

Excluding the Vegas part of the trip how much would a trip like this cost. I think I have a general idea. but im not sure its realistic. How much would food cost, were not crazy about eating at fancy restaurants three times a day or anything, AND... do we do laundry on the trip or just bring enough clothes for the whole trip? we dont mind wearing the same clothes for two days but then again it will be the middle of summer :)
Ok Thanks so Much!!!!
This will be fun
Adrianna
12-27-2008, 06:11 PM
AandBTrvel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Sedenquist

The fastest and shortest possible route between Chicago and Las Vegas is this one (basically I-70 to I-15) It never touches any part of Route 66. Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! It's 1800 miles and the fastest you can drive this (safely) is three days at 11 hours per day.
How long are you planning to spend on this leg? It sounds like you'll need 4-5 days to do this.

Mark

Is that 11hours for two people? Or it is just too much to be in a car for 11 hours whether your driving or not.
12-27-2008, 07:42 PM
glc

Before you try to make it to Vegas in 2 days, you need to read this article on speed runs. Anything over 650 miles a day is a speed run.
12-27-2008, 07:48 PM
Midwest Michael

Keyword: Safely

Could you possible cover the ground between Chicago and Vegas in 2 days, yes. Could you do it safely, that's pretty doubtful. Professional Drivers aren't allowed to drive at that kind of pace for a reason.

Your plan to wake up at 3am and drive until 9pm with just two drivers is not very safe. Unless you work and live your life on a schedule where you wake up very early in the morning I find it unlikely that both of you will be well rested if you are getting on the road at 3am (figure that you'll have to wake up at least an hour or two before that). Even if you were well rested, driving for 18 hours is not something that 2 people can do safely. Just sitting in a car is tiring, and it is mentally draining to drive at your best. The longer you are in the car, the more your focus is going to wander, and the less likely you'll be able to stay awake, alert, and concentrating on safe driving.

We generally recommend no more than 600 or so miles a day of driving, even with 2 people, especially if you will be driving for multiple days. Going much beyond that starts pushing the limits for safety, and makes it very difficult to have an enjoyable time.
12-27-2008, 08:52 PM
Lifemagician

Where is your margin??

What if you strike roadwork holdups?? I have struck those quite frequently, and can recall being held up for four hours. Half an hour or more is not uncommon.

You need to build in a margin for mishaps and holdups.

If this was me, I would drop LA, and enjoy Vegas, The Grand Canyon and then take your route back through Memphis.

But then, that is me!
12-28-2008, 06:52 AM
Southwest Dave

The 3 days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AandBTrvel

Is that 11hours for two people? Or it is just too much to be in a car for 11 hours whether your driving or not.

Mark is suggesting that you take a miniumum of 3X11 hour days for your trip and I agree. If you are not used to it you could find this to be pushing your limits.

Quote:

If we leave Chicago at like 3am would two of us driving until 8 or 9pm be doable?

Not only will a 17 hour day be exhausting you will have to follow it up with a 16 hour day,you will arrive in Vegas a couple of wrecks and not in a party mood. As Michael suggested, if your body clock is not used to such things there is a risk to yours and others safety. You will both get tired at the same time and when one sleeps it puts huge pressure on the driver.

Quote:

The only thing that is definate is that i have to bein Vegas by Thursday June 18th

If this is the case why not leave a day early? If it is not possible I would try and leave home as early P.M as I could on the 15th [your body will used to being awake these hours rather than leaving at 3.A.M the following morning.
Even if you didn't get away untill 6.p.m. you could drive 5 or 6 hours and find a motel room around midnight. On the 16th you could start out at 7.A,M. and drive for 11 or 12 hours and get an early night. On the 17th repeat this and that will leave you a 4 or 5 hour drive into Vegas on the 18th. You will arrive fresher and have time for R@R before your party.
Doing this would give you a run that would have stops near these areas, Des Moines, Denver, Cedar city and to Vegas[3 hours]
This will keep your body clock in zinc and give you a margin to play with.

Quote:

Wed. June 24-leave towards grand canyon maybe noon? want to view sunset. Would it be possible to sleep in the van there? (If we have the van, not sure about that yet.)

After this I really dont know....
Tue. June 30 or Wed. July 1-Be home

If you leave L/A around noon you could have a night in Lake Havasu city and continue to G/C early on the 25th, have a good look around the village and Hermits rest areas before enjoying a sunset. To sleep in your van you would need to book a campsite in advance,I doubt there will be any other available otherwise.
26th] A possibility would be to leave the G/C by the East entrance taking in the wonderful views along Desert view drive and drive to Monument valley and four corners.
27th] Head through Albuquerque to Amarillo.
28th] Nice easy day to Dallas.
29th]Drive to Memphis
30th/1st ]Memphis/home.

These are more suggestions than recommendations, but it puts you in areas to balance your trip, have a search through the areas you will be travelling and see what appeals to you.

I would look at 50 -$70 a night for lodging, you could always pack a cooler with food to keep costs down and top it up on the way. I would pack for the trip but I am sure your relatives wouldn't mind you washing a few bits while in Vegas if need be.
12-28-2008, 12:53 PM
AandBTrvel

Thanks SW Dave

So basically just leave half a day earlier and getting there should be no problem. That sounds good. If I want to stay more than one night in dallas or memphis Ill have to add days to the trip.
I didn't realize that LA to Grand canyon was 8 hours, for some reason i thought it was only 4 hours away!

Anyone know of any cool places between Grand Canyon and Dallas?
12-29-2008, 12:22 AM
Lifemagician

Quote:

Originally Posted by AandBTrvel

Anyone know of any cool places between Grand Canyon and Dallas?

I loved Albuquerque and Sante Fe and Taos and surrounding areas. So much to see. So much to do.
12-29-2008, 05:26 AM
Southwest Dave

Best option with the time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AandBTrvel

So basically just leave half a day earlier and getting there should be no problem. That sounds good.

I think it's safer and more relaxed than the other options with the time you have. There shouldn't be a problem but you are still going to have 2 very long days of travelling in between.

Quote:

If I want to stay more than one night in dallas or memphis Ill have to add days to the trip.

It's an option. Or you could go direct from G/C to Albuquerque and have an extra night in Dallas. That would give you 29th and 30th in Memphis and drive home on the 1st.

Quote:

I didn't realize that LA to Grand canyon was 8 hours, for some reason i thought it was only 4 hours away!

I think you probably got that confused with travelling from Vegas, although in reality that's more like 5 hours.