Best routes to drive from Nebraska to Los Angeles, CA and trying to avoid mountains

Hello, I’m planning on moving from Nebraska to Los Angeles in June. I have never driven on mountains before, so will that be apart of my trip? I’m a little afraid of heights and driving on mountains seems so scary. Also, could there possibly be snow anywhere during the trip in that month? I’ll also have time, so time won’t be an issue. In fact, I’m probably going to stretch the trip over three days with no driving at night. So I’ll probably spend the night somewhere after the first 11 hours on the first day. And break up the rest of the trip over the next two days. Or I may just stick to the trip being over two full days. I’ve driven 11 hours straight about four times in my life so that won’t be an issue. All in all, my main concerns are driving through mountains, no matter how high they are.
Thanks!

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

You don't say from where in Nebraska you are setting out from but wherever it is you will need the minimum of 2 overnight stops. If your goal is getting from A to B as quickly as possible then staying on Interstates will mean you should have nothing to worry about with regards to having a fear of heights. They are designed with gradual grades and curves for the biggest of rigs and will generally have crash barriers and shoulders where necessary. 1-70 (a very scenic Interstate) to I-15 or heading to I-40/15 will likely be your 2 quickest and easiest routes depending on where exactly that start point is.

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

I understand having a fear of heights, but consider this: Are you afraid of heights as you drive around Nebraska? Well, most of it is about 2,000 feet above sea level. That's pretty high, almost half a mile. But what most people mean by 'fear of heights' is looking down into an abyss. But Interstates through the mountains are generally built in the bottom of valleys because they are required to be as flat as possible (less than a 6% grade) and as straight as possible (no tight curves that would require a big rig to slow down). They are the safest roads in America on an accident per mile-driven basis.

I would, then, suggest the shortest all-Interstate route that connects wherever-you-are in Nebraska to Los Angeles. That would, for almost all of Nebraska, I-80 to west of Ogallala, then I-76 to Denver, I-70 through the Rocky Mountains to I-15 in Utah and just follow that the rest of the way to Los Angeles. That can be driven in three relatively easy, but workmanlike, days. Overnight stops would depend on where, exactly, in Nebraska you're starting from. I chose Grand Island for purposes of seeing what your trip might look like.

On the other hand, if you really want to avoid mountains at all costs, then should head as directly as you can for Trinidad CO using US highways such as US-287/US-50/US-350. From Trinidad, I-25 south to Albuquerque NM, I-40 west to Barstow CA, and finally I-15 again down into the Los Angeles Basin would be in order. This will mean a longer trip on slower roads, so you might need a third overnight stop, again depending on where you're starting from. But even with this route, you will see mountains and you will gain significant elevation; Flagstaff AZ is higher than Denver.

BUT... there is simply no way you can make this trip, from anywhere in Nebraska to Los Angeles in two days. Even driving 11 hours over each of those two days would only net you about 1,200 miles, and you've got farther than that to travel. I would also note that driving for 11 hours in a day would be against the law if you were a professional long-haul driver, because it is so dangerous, due to fatigue decreasing your alertness and increasing your reaction time. You'd be taking on a known unsafe practice and we cannot recommend that.

AZBuck

Could you please be a bit more specific where in Nebraska?

Thanks! So I’ll be traveling from Omaha.

I’ll be coming from Omaha. So should I drive about 8 hours a day then? Which will make a three day trip? The total drive time says it should be 24 hours including travel. I’ll give an extra 2 hours in case if heavy traffic or something. When I say heights, I mean driving on actual mountain interstate. I just thought for some reason that the interstate would be around the physical mountains in Colorado or Utah. I have never been to Colorado or Utah but I’ve heard there are a lot of mountains there. Here’s a link of what I’m referring to
as far as interstates around a mountain or even higher.
https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=...SMjj9gMvAS6oPM

Everything that Dave and I told you previously still holds. I-70 through the mountains is still your best route. I-40 is an only slightly longer route. Neither of them can be driven in two days. At 1550 to 1670 this is a three day drive absolute minimum.

AZBuck

This is another example;
https://images.app.goo.gl/HiyRvhdoCWvLshQ49

...those are the kind of scenes that cause you concern then I would strongly suggest that you make yourself comfortable and take the 'southern' route I mentioned earlier: I-70 to Elm Creek (west of Kearney) NE, then take US-183 south to NE-383 southwest. This will occasionally duplex with (be co-signed as) other highways, but just stay with NE-383 until it joins US-83 south. Next take US-40 west to US-287 south to US-50 west to US-350 southwest to Trinidad CO and follow the routing given in my initial response.

Now I know that the above directions sound complicated, but they're really not. If you get a detailed paper map or atlas of the US, you should be able to mark it out relatively easily. If you use GPS while driving, look at the route on an on-line mapping program and pick out about 7-10 cities along the way and enter those into your GPS as way points and just drive from one to the next. If you're pretty good at mapping and navigating, there are a few obvious shortcuts - I did try to keep it as simple as possible!

But such a routing can be driven in three relatively solid days. Your two overnight stops would be roughly La Junta CO and Holbrook AZ. Most importantly, it would keep you away from anything resembling the images that are causing you concern.

AZBuck

I am going to concur with the suggestion to take I-80 west to I-76 to I-70 to I-15. That first photo you linked is actually one of our favorite places to drive along I-70, I recognized it right away as being the drive through Glenwood Canyon. You are on a very safe piece of interstate there and when you go along further, you will realize how gorgeous and safe it really is. Interstates were built for high speeds.

I think you're fearing something like in the Lucille Ball/Desi Arnaz movie, "The Long Long Trailer." On 80/76/70/15, there is NOTHING like that. Your second photo, I believe, comes from I-84. You aren't going to need to go anywhere near that one, but it's still built to interstate standards which are really, really fussy and finicky -- for good reason.

I also agree....three days for this 1550 mile route. Don't believe any electronic mapping program for their driving time, because they assume you'll be driving the speed limit the whole way and that you aren't ever going to stop for bathroom, gasoline, a stretch break, food, to walk the dog, and that there isn't any construction or any accidents to hold you up.

My husband and I always plan to average 50-55 mph, and if we do better than that, great! So dividing that 1550 miles into 3, that means 515+ miles per day which will be around 9-10 hours. That's like a work day, so don't plan much more than that.

Donna

Thanks all!

I think I’m going to take the route AzBuck and Southwest Dave suggested. I-70 to I-15. Now looking at the first image I posted, that doesn’t seem as scary as the second one so I think I can manage driving in the first scenario without freaking out. And I will expand the trip out to at least three days. Thanks for all of the advice!

I would like to offer an alternate to Buck's suggestion.

Take I-80 west to York NE.
Take US-81 south to Salina KS.
Take I-70 west to Exit 225.
Take KS-156 to Great Bend KS.
Take US-56 to Kinsley KS.
Take US-50 to Dodge City KS.
Take US-283 to Minneola KS.
Take US-54 to Tucumcari NM.
Take I-40 to Barstow CA.
Take I-15 to LA.

This is going to take every bit of 3 full days, and I'd allow 4 to account for anything unforeseen. First overnight should be either Liberal KS or Dalhart TX and second one should be either Holbrook or Winslow AZ if everything goes well.

And thanks DonnaR57, I’m going to take the first route you suggested. So I-80 West to
I-76 to I-70 to I-15 looks like the winner! So there won’t be any other higher elevations in regards to the first picture I posted? The second picture looks so scary! Also, Any other tips on actually being physically prepared to take on a three day trip? I’ve driven 10 hours straight before but then I had at least a four day break before heading back out on the road. I’m just concerned even after a 8 hour night’s rest that the following day I may be still fatigued? Or should I be okay? With rests throughout the day and a lot of tea and healthy snacks? Lol. Also, thanks for all of your time!

If you are going to take 80/76/70/15, plan on overnights on the west side of Denver (to avoid morning rush hour the next day) and Cedar City UT. This route is not only the shortest and fastest, but is Interstate highway all the way. You will have to deal with mountain driving west of Denver till you get to Grand Junction. There is almost no chance of snow in June.

I just want to make sure that when you say mountain driving, you’re stating staying low to the ground as possible right? And not high up on the actual mountains?
Are you referring to examples 1; https://images.app.goo.gl/qZQR9aYQvBcP4jkq6

example 2? https://images.app.goo.gl/AUW4gGyCsupMkeMz5

Or example 3? Where I’m low to
to the ground as possible?https://images.app.goo.gl/wi93ep4X12BkLgp67

I guess I’m afraid of being high up on a mountain road with no guard rails with the potential of falling off it 😕.
I would like to stay low to the ground as possible.

Interstate highways are built with shoulders and guard rails where needed, they are designed to carry a large amount of traffic as quickly as safely possible, and are multi-lane. Obey the speed limit and stay in one lane as much as possible and you will be fine.

None of those 3 examples are Interstates, they are 2 lane mountain roads.

In regards to the pictures, I’m referring to the height of the mountain, not referring to the actual roads. Basically, will the interstate highway be on the actual mountain like in the above pictures? I would like to be closer on the ground.

Thanks

I am not trying to make light of your anxiety but honestly you will be fine on the Interstate and it won't look like the above pictures. You have to go over mountains no matter what and Interstate is the safest way to do it. It's great to prepare for a trip but don't overthink it and let it become a 'thing'!

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I’m just concerned even after a 8 hour night’s rest that the following day I may be still fatigued?

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Remain relaxed and calm and take appropriate rest breaks and you will be absolutely fine. I know it's easy to say but just enjoy the ride without fear of what's around the next corner, the only thing that will leave you fatigued is stress you put upon yourself. Yes there are mountains but you will not be anywhere close to 'hanging on to the mountain' or feeling that way. Enjoy the ride !

Have a wonderful trip !

Relax!

You will see mountains towering above you, but you will mostly be on flat or slightly sloping roads. Don’t forget, giant semis with full loads will be traveling at 70 mph. If they can travel safely, surely you can.

Your daily driving on two lane roads in Nebraska is MUCH scarier and much much more dangerous than driving an interstate through the mountains! Think about it! On the interstate, you have wide lanes to travel along, with shoulders, sometimes WIDE shoulders, on either side of the road. On Nebraska’s two lane roads, the lanes are narrower and you are just inches from a head on accident into oncoming traffic. I’ll take the interstate any day!

Another thing about interstates in the mountains. Much of the mountains are bulldozed flat. Most of the valleys have been filled in or crossed with bridges. The landscape has been drastically modified to create the flattest roadway possible. There IS NO mountain driving on the interstates; there are only Mountain Views!

You will of course gain and lose elevation, but the slopes will be gradual over longer distances. You’ll have to give it more gas as you’re gaining altitude and at times will need little or no gas while descending. You can always use a little brake or switch to one gear lower if you want to slow down. But, much of your driving will be on fairly level roadway.

Slow down if you feel uncomfortable at any time. Maybe pull behind a slower semi and follow it for a while. Just be aware that they can slow down a lot going up hills.

Enjoy the views but keep your eyes on the road, and take it easy at some of the scenic rest areas along the way.

The I-70 west of Denver has some very scenic areas, especially around Vail and where the highway tracks the river. I can't remember... are there any tunnels through the mountains? Other than the Denver to Grand Junction patch the route should be without issue. Certainly not like the scenic US-highways shown in your photos.

Thanks everyone!! You all have been very helpful!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by landmariner

I can't remember... are there any tunnels through the mountains?

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Yes, there are 2 sets of tunnels on I-70 - the Eisenhower Tunnel 60 miles west of Denver and (I think) 3 short tunnels in Glenwood Canyon.

I believe I counted a total of 6 tunnels, most of them very short, on I-70 between Denver and Grand Junction. I think tunnels are fun, maybe because my parents made such light of them when I was a little kid and we'd go through them. The longest is Eisenhower Tunnel near Vail Pass.

As I've said on here many, many times, I-70 between Denver and Salina, UT is about our favorite stretch of interstate anywhere in the US. It's just gorgeous. Mountain views (not mountain driving), river views. There are plenty of rest areas in the area between Idaho Springs and Glenwood Springs. Our favorite is the one at Vail Pass, and I think we stop at that one every time. We've been traveling this stretch of interstate since the early 1980s -- almost 40 years -- and we never get tired of it. We've traveled this stretch in early June a number of times and have never seen snow on it.

I also agree with the suggestion to stay on Denver's west side, if you spend your first night in Denver. The traffic there is never as bad as it's gonna be in LA (sorry to be a downer on that), but it still can be very slow-and-go in the morning. If you want to make Cedar City that night, stay on the west side of Denver, either in Wheat Ridge or in Lakewood. Both have lots of lodging possibilities, from the budget-minded mom and pops and Motel 6, to higher end places like Marriott.

Beaver is actually more mid-way between Denver west and LA, than Cedar City. Beaver is smaller and has less to offer, but it has budget and mid-range lodging. Cedar City, which is about 50 miles further south than Beaver, has every budget range.

Please let us know how this goes for you.

Donna

You’ll be surprised how much of your “mountain” drive is boring flat land! You’ll wonder where the mountains went.

Let me tell you about the Eisenhower tunnel so it doesn’t take you by surprise. Heading West, the tunnel is quite long but is also drops in elevation. You will simply coast at the speed limit, maybe even brake or shift to a lower gear depending on your car. Of course, the tunnel is quite large to accommodate the semis and it is well lit. The slope continues when you exit the tunnel and it is quite a long ride to the plain below. The view is fantastic.

If this makes you nervous, just pull behind a slower vehicle and follow it.