Cross country trip...fears...

I don’t know if it’s appropriate to post my fears but here goes...I am south Asian and old now but way back in the 70’s, I took my first road trip across, from St. Louis to San Francisco in an old Ford with my girl friend. Then, in the 80’s, working and living in Fresno, Ca, took a few cross country trips, both, solo and with wife in a plain Honda Accord. I enjoyed every one of those.

Now, retired, at 72, living in St. Louis, I want to do it again, go from St. Louis to San Francisco and back, over 15 days, give or take a couple of days. However, upon retiring, I had got myself a cute, bright red, sports coupe. Might draw unwanted attention.

I want to make the trip but these times, brown and old, worried about safety in these times when animosity towards brown people seems much higher, though I have always had friendly experiences in the past, perhaps a little less confident I could do it driving by myself...don’t know. Maybe I am looking for encouragement.

If I decide to do it, given time of year, what might you recommend as route to take going and returning. Would ai run into winter weather issues or is it still early enough to not have to encounter it? No hiking but certainly,some scenic places to drive by and stay.

Not much has really changed about RoadTripping in the intervening 40 or so years since your last significant drive. The roads, attractions, restaurants and lodging choices have gotten a little bit better and prices have gone up, but that's about it. Yes, the vitriol surrounding the national election is still strong, but that should die down as final votes are counted and a winner declared (by the states, not the news organizations).

Your car might be attractive to thieves, but random car thefts are fairly uncommon. If it's a concern to you, though, it's a legitimate concern. You can get a 'kill switch' installed for around $100. That should prevent most random thieves from starting your car and driving away even if they break in.

As to miles vs. time, there are several possible routes between St. Louis and San Francisco that all clock in at about 2,100 miles. That could be done in just 4 days of serious driving, but you're looking for a pleasant experience while taking time to stop and smell the roses. If you only drove half as far each day, you'd still only need 16 days total to make the round trip. So you certainly have time for such a trip. It will be up to you how to distribute your non-driving time.

As for weather, even if there is early snow in the Rocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada the Interstates should remain open or experience only relatively brief closures. You can mitigate the chances of seeing such a closure by taking a more northerly route westbound (I-70/I-29/I-80) and a more southerly (I-5/CA-58/I-40/I-44) eastbound. The other advantage to such a routing is, of course, that you're constantly driving 'new' road rather than just seeing the same stuff going both ways.

So, in general, I think your fears have some basis in reality but not enough to forego this trip. Taking a few common sense precautions will help put your mind at ease and let you enjoy the trip.

AZBuck

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Originally Posted by AZBuck

Not much has really changed about RoadTripping in the intervening 40 or so years since your last significant drive. The roads, attractions, restaurants and lodging choices have gotten a little bit better and prices have gone up, but that's about it. Yes, the vitriol surrounding the national election is still strong, but that should die down as final votes are counted and a winner declared (by the states, not the news organizations).

Your car might be attractive to thieves, but random car thefts are fairly uncommon. If it's a concern to you, though, it's a legitimate concern. You can get a 'kill switch' installed for around $100. That should prevent most random thieves from starting your car and driving away even if they break in.

As to miles vs. time, there are several possible routes between St. Louis and San Francisco that all clock in at about 2,100 miles. That could be done in just 4 days of serious driving, but you're looking for a pleasant experience while taking time to stop and smell the roses. If you only drove half as far each day, you'd still only need 16 days total to make the round trip. So you certainly have time for such a trip. It will be up to you how to distribute your non-driving time.

As for weather, even if there is early snow in the Rocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada the Interstates should remain open or experience only relatively brief closures. You can mitigate the chances of seeing such a closure by taking a more northerly route westbound (I-70/I-29/I-80) and a more southerly (I-5/CA-58/I-40/I-44) eastbound. The other advantage to such a routing is, of course, that you're constantly driving 'new' road rather than just seeing the same stuff going both ways.

So, in general, I think your fears have some basis in reality but not enough to forego this trip. Taking a few common sense precautions will help put your mind at ease and let you enjoy the trip.

AZBuck

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Much thanks! Don’t you think it’s already too late taking the northern route and I-80?

If you need 100% absolute certainty that you will see NO adverse weather on a 2,000 mile trip, you're not going to get it, ever, anywhere. As I mentioned, the Interstates are kept open if at all possible. The are, after all, known officially as the "National System of Interstate and Defense Highways". They are the nations main arteries and having one close for even a day, let alone two, would be highly unusual, especially this early in the season. If you do hit weather you're not comfortable driving in, just take a day off. You've got time. This is why I suggested taking the northerly route outbound and the southerly route home, when you might be on a slightly tighter but still comfortable schedule.

Personally, I wouldn't let the small chance of seeing weather, the even smaller chance of seeing any road closures, and the almost nonexistent chance of experiencing a significant delay keep me from making this trip if I wanted to.

AZBuck

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Originally Posted by AZBuck

If you need 100% absolute certainty that you will see NO adverse weather on a 2,000 mile trip, you're not going to get it, ever, anywhere. As I mentioned, the Interstates are kept open if at all possible. The are, after all, known officially as the "National System of Interstate and Defense Highways". They are the nations main arteries and having one close for even a day, let alone two, would be highly unusual, especially this early in the season. If you do hit weather you're not comfortable driving in, just take a day off. You've got time. This is why I suggested taking the northerly route outbound and the southerly route home, when you might be on a slightly tighter but still comfortable schedule.

Personally, I wouldn't let the small chance of seeing weather, the even smaller chance of seeing any road closures, and the almost nonexistent chance of experiencing a significant delay keep me from making this trip if I wanted to.

AZBuck

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Agreed! Now, how do I plan. I suppose I head west from St. Louis on I-70 to Kansas City, take I-29 to I-80 west. I would likely drive around 500 miles the first day, probably less each following day till I get to San Francisco (where ai plan to stay 2-3 nights at my brothers place). I want to identify some towns to stay at.

How do I best plan a trip. In the past, I just headed out, pulled into a motel when ai was ready to sleep.

Take I-435 around the NE side of KC. At Nebraska City, take IA-2/NE-2 into Lincoln to US-77 to I-80.

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In the past, I just headed out, pulled into a motel when ai was ready to sleep.

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You can still do this. If you want to make this trip in 4 days, look at overnights:

Grand Island NE
Rawlins WY
Elko NV

This is just over 500 miles a day.

If you want to take part of a 5th day - which may be advisable so you don't hit SF at rush hour:

Lincoln NE
Cheyenne WY
Salt Lake City UT
Reno NV

This is around 450 miles the first 4 days and a bit over 200 miles the 5th day.

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Originally Posted by glc

Take I-435 around the NE side of KC. At Nebraska City, take IA-2/NE-2 into Lincoln to US-77 to I-80.



You can still do this. If you want to make this trip in 4 days, look at overnights:

Grand Island NE
Rawlins WY
Elko NV

This is just over 500 miles a day.

If you want to take part of a 5th day - which may be advisable so you don't hit SF at rush hour:

Lincoln NE
Cheyenne WY
Salt Lake City UT
Reno NV

This is around 450 miles the first 4 days and a bit over 200 miles the 5th day.

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Excellent, Thank you. Gives me time to take some pictures. Canbtake a day or two longer to get there if any National Parks, scenic sites are places I migh5 take pictures at. Thanks!

Your suggestions call for me to go from St. Louis to Kansas City, North to Lincoln, ZnE and then into WY.

I am wondering if it might be more scenic to go through Colorado, or is scenic enough traveling through western Nebraska and to Cheyenne, WY. Might not it be much colder, less scenic in mid November?

The route I suggested is actually the fastest way, if that makes a difference. You certainly could stay on I-70 through Colorado, but if the weather is not good it can get pretty hairy as it's a lot more mountainous west of Denver, plus Colorado is having fire issues. Then how do you get back to I-80? You could take US-50 west of Salina all the way to Reno, but that's called the "loneliest road" for a reason - services are few and far between. Otherwise, you would have to take I-15 south to Las Vegas and work your way across and up to SF from there.

I-80 through Wyoming is not immune to bad weather. You should check on both weather and road conditions as you progress and adjust your route appropriately. This can be done with a smartphone but a laptop or tablet would give you better options as you can use a desktop browser instead of a mobile browser. Safetravelusa.com has links to road conditions in each state. I travel with all 3 devices and if I can't find wifi I can tether my phone to the laptop.

I honestly don't think you have anything to be concerned about other than those same things in your home town. Just use common sense as to where you stay and if you get a feeling some place doesn't feel quite right, use your gut instinct and move along. Everywhere is someones hometown with good honest people and you often have to go out your way to roll into the 'wrong side of town'. If you decide to take this trip and put your concerns to one side it's time to start looking at maps and do some research as to what interests you along the way and start mapping them out, this will help determine the route(s) and work out where to stay overnight. I would look at a different route each way to see new things, heading further south to I40 would also be an option, route 66 towns, Grand canyon, Monument valley etc etc. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and road conditions and be open to change, but given the option I would certainly choose I-70 for the scenery. The more days you have te more you can do with them so once you have outlined your plansd we can certainly make further suggestions and offer 'tweaks' to your plan where(if)needed.

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Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

I honestly don't think you have anything to be concerned about other than those same things in your home town. Just use common sense as to where you stay and if you get a feeling some place doesn't feel quite right, use your gut instinct and move along. Everywhere is someones hometown with good honest people and you often have to go out your way to roll into the 'wrong side of town'. If you decide to take this trip and put your concerns to one side it's time to start looking at maps and do some research as to what interests you along the way and start mapping them out, this will help determine the route(s) and work out where to stay overnight. I would look at a different route each way to see new things, heading further south to I40 would also be an option, route 66 towns, Grand canyon, Monument valley etc etc. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and road conditions and be open to change, but given the option I would certainly choose I-70 for the scenery. The more days you have te more you can do with them so once you have outlined your plansd we can certainly make further suggestions and offer 'tweaks' to your plan where(if)needed.

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Thanks! I plan on starting out this Monday. Unfortunately, weather turns a bit colder in the Nebraska, Wyoming route with cloudy weather.

I am, at this time, leaning to going on I-70 or Rte 66.will return via I-40.

Just for the record, there is NO US-66 anymore. It was decommissioned in 1985. That was because most of it had been physically replaced by I-55, I-44 and I-40. In those few places where the old roadway was left and just bypassed by Interstates, especially I-40, US-66 was simply renumbered as a state highway, e.g. OK-66, AZ-66, etc.

Following "Rte 66" will require some serious navigation, both in preparation and execution. The longest continuous stretch of the old roadway that was US-66 is now AZ-66 between Kingman and Seligman through Hackberry and Peach Springs. This stretch would also be the easiest to follow, since it's the only decent road through the area. It is also the stretch of road that was the visual inspiration for animated movie Cars with Peach Springs becoming Radiator Springs, etc.

The other factor with 'Route 66' is that it is closest to I-40 (see above) and nowhere near I-70 except where they (used to) cross in the St. Louis area, so it makes far more sense to get a taste of the old 'Mother Road' when following I-40 rather than I-70.

AZBuck

I am planning a trip, posted earlier, from St. Louis to San Francisco. I don’t mind doing it in 4-5 days. I just want as scenic a route as possible this time of year without being unsafe for a rear wheel drive car.

Going on I-70, Plan is to head to Hayes, KS or nearby for the first night. However, for the next 2-3 days, I need help. Leaving Hayes, KS, I want to do the most scenic drive through to Salt Lake with a night ot two on the way.

Is it best to stay on I-70 to Denver or is there a nicer route. I have been to the Rocky Mountain National Park but are there others? Your suggestions are appreciated.

Moderator Note: PLEASE DO NOT CREATE NEW THREADS -- KEEP ALL OF YOUR NEW QUESTIONS IN THIS SAME THREAD.

If I-70 doesn't have weather issues, take it to Green River UT, then US-191 to US-6 to I-15.

875 miles, can be done in 2 days, suggest overnight in Beaver Creek (440 miles from Hays, 1 hotel, under $100), Eagle (460 miles from Hays, 1 hotel, over $100) or Glenwood Springs (500 miles from Hays, 3 hotels, 2 under $100, 1 over $100).

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Originally Posted by glc

If I-70 doesn't have weather issues, take it to Green River UT, then US-191 to US-6 to I-15.

875 miles, can be done in 2 days, suggest overnight in Beaver Creek (440 miles from Hays, 1 hotel, under $100), Eagle (460 miles from Hays, 1 hotel, over $100) or Glenwood Springs (500 miles from Hays, 3 hotels, 2 under $100, 1 over $100).

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Thanks. I could go from Hayes, Ks to Green River, UT via I-70 or through US 50. Is I-70 preferable?

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Originally Posted by ZeeBabar

Thanks. I could go from Hayes, Ks to Green River, UT via I-70 or through US 50. Is I-70 preferable?

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Well... I-70 is one of my favorite highways in the USA?:

The San Rafael Swell

And, if you have the correct vehicle: Off-road along the I-70

Mark

Green River is just before you enter the San Rafael Swell.

If you want to take US-50, this is how I'd do it, assuming you have time on your hands.

Take I-70 to Limon CO, then US-24 to Colorado Springs. Continue on US-24 to US-285 to Poncha Springs. Then take US-50 to Grand Junction to rejoin I-70. This is about 910 miles from Hays to SLC. I would do 2 overnights - one in Colorado Springs and one in Green River.

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Originally Posted by glc

Green River is just before you enter the San Rafael Swell.

If you want to take US-50, this is how I'd do it, assuming you have time on your hands.

Take I-70 to Limon CO, then US-24 to Colorado Springs. Continue on US-24 to US-285 to Poncha Springs. Then take US-50 to Grand Junction to rejoin I-70. This is about 910 miles from Hays to SLC. I would do 2 overnights - one in Colorado Springs and one in Green River.

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This sound good. Thanks. Another question, if I go from Green River, UT to Arches National Park, what other National Parks in Utah are worth going to and in order, if I drive..

There's the "Big 5". Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. How many days *DO* you have to spare? This could easily take a whole week.

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Originally Posted by Mark Sedenquist

Well... I-70 is one of my favorite highways in the USA?:

The San Rafael Swell

And, if you have the correct vehicle: Off-road along the I-70

Mark

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I agree. The natural scenery of the SWELL is breathtaking. You can actually got off I-70 at one of the Ranch Exits and explore the gravel and dirt backroads where you might not see another

A safety tip. At our ages, fatigue can fall upon us much sooner than when we were many years younger. The susceptibility to fatigue will increase every day you drive, so be careful out there!

Also, plan for the worst and pack MUCH warmer than needed to handle any emergencies.

St Louis to Hays, KS (no e in Hays) is easily done. You'll need some cash for the brief section of turnpike on the eastern side of Kansas...I think it was around $3 this past summer. Hays has a lot of hotels in every budget. The last time we stayed in Hays, it was at Choice's Sleep Inn. This past summer we enjoyed a delicious breakfast (but not socially distant) at Pheasant Run. It's been around for years.

I'm voting with Mark over the beauty of I-70. It's definitely our favorite way of traveling between our current home in San Diego County, and our daughter's place in mid-Missouri. If the weather will permit you to travel through Colorado and Utah on I-70, it's worth it!

As far as the Utah parks are concerned -- they're not called "the Mighty Five" for no reason! From Moab you could easily get to Arches and the northern end of Canyonlands NP. Capitol Reef is along UT-24. Zion and Bryce are in the other end of the state. Are you planning to stop at the Grand Canyon's South Rim on the way back, since it's only an hour from I-40? (The North Rim is usually closed by this time of year anyway, but had its troubles this past summer due to aging facilities, construction, and COVID-19.)

This year, you might want to take the precautions of bringing your own masks, hand sanitizer, and either wear gloves while fueling up or use hand sanitizer right afterward.


Donna

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Originally Posted by DonnaR57

St Louis to Hays, KS (no e in Hays) is easily done. You'll need some cash for the brief section of turnpike on the eastern side of Kansas...I think it was around $3 this past summer. Hays has a lot of hotels in every budget. The last time we stayed in Hays, it was at Choice's Sleep Inn. This past summer we enjoyed a delicious breakfast (but not socially distant) at Pheasant Run. It's been around for years.

I'm voting with Mark over the beauty of I-70. It's definitely our favorite way of traveling between our current home in San Diego County, and our daughter's place in mid-Missouri. If the weather will permit you to travel through Colorado and Utah on I-70, it's worth it!

As far as the Utah parks are concerned -- they're not called "the Mighty Five" for no reason! From Moab you could easily get to Arches and the northern end of Canyonlands NP. Capitol Reef is along UT-24. Zion and Bryce are in the other end of the state. Are you planning to stop at the Grand Canyon's South Rim on the way back, since it's only an hour from I-40? (The North Rim is usually closed by this time of year anyway, but had its troubles this past summer due to aging facilities, construction, and COVID-19.)

This year, you might want to take the precautions of bringing your own masks, hand sanitizer, and either wear gloves while fueling up or use hand sanitizer right afterward.


Donna

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Thank you so much. I have travelled on I-70 thru Denver. Last time, about 7 months ago, lots of traffic, road closures and such at parts but still very beautiful. Some have suggested an alternate way from Colorado Springs to Grand Junction, Co. I hear of Monarch Pass and other sites on that route. Since I have time (it is a longer drive by an hour), going off the less trafficked path appeals to me.

After that, I will try and hit the parks in Utah. I have been to the Grand Canyon before but might do it again..
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If you decide to see the Utah parks, get off I-70 at Exit 214 in Utah and take UT-128 to Moab. See Arches and Canyonlands, then take US-191 back to I-70. Take that to Exit 149, take UT-24 to Hanksville and on to Capitol Reef. Then take UT-12 to Bryce Canyon, this is one of the most scenic roads anywhere. Then you can take US-89 to UT-9 and in to Zion through the tunnel. From there you can get to SF by taking I-15 through Las Vegas to Barstow, CA-58 to Bakersfield, then CA-99 to CA-46 to I-5. There are a few ways to get into SF depending on where in the area you are going.

If you plan to spend significant time in southern Utah seeing a bit of the Mighty Five, you can also visit the Grand Canyon and get quite a different feel for it than the usual visitor. That's because the usual visitor goes to the South Rim which is more easily accessible from a major Interstate, has a drive that follows the rim for a significant distance, and has more services. All good reasons, but also a good reason to visit the North Rim which is not as accessible, has only a single road in/out, and has fewer services. All that simply means that the North Rim sees far fewer visitors and is a much quieter, more natural, and more serene place to enjoy the Canyon. I would not write off a visit to the North Rim just because you've 'done' the South Rim.

AZBuck

From the website of the North Rim (dated as of today, 11/7):

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North Rim Services Update:

The North Rim is open for dawn-to-dusk day use through Nov. 30, 2020 - or earlier - if closed by snow.

North Rim Visitor Center - Closed for the Season.

North Rim Campground - Closed for the Season.

Grand Canyon Lodge - Closed for the Season

During the month of November, the North Rim General Store will be open Wednesday - Sunday between 9 am and 5 pm. Items sold will include general merchandise and coffee. The remaining inventory of groceries and alcohol will be available while supplies remain. No new grocery/alcohol orders will be placed.

The General Store will remain open through November 30th, or until the park otherwise closes due to snow.

Fuel is available 24/7 with a credit card at the North Rim Gas Station.

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So it really depends on when this trip will take place.



Donna

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Originally Posted by AZBuck

If you plan to spend significant time in southern Utah seeing a bit of the Mighty Five, you can also visit the Grand Canyon and get quite a different feel for it than the usual visitor. That's because the usual visitor goes to the South Rim which is more easily accessible from a major Interstate, has a drive that follows the rim for a significant distance, and has more services. All good reasons, but also a good reason to visit the North Rim which is not as accessible, has only a single road in/out, and has fewer services. All that simply means that the North Rim sees far fewer visitors and is a much quieter, more natural, and more serene place to enjoy the Canyon. I would not write off a visit to the North Rim just because you've 'done' the South Rim.

AZBuck

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But is November not to freezing cold out there? Is there lodging there?

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Originally Posted by ZeeBabar

But is November not to freezing cold out there? Is there lodging there?

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Thanks to all of you. At first, after many years, I just wanted to do a significant drive. I first thought of just going south to Natchez, changed my mind cause I wanted Mountain scenery, thought I would head to San Francisco. Then, thought of places I have not seen much of, so detours thru US 50, the national parks in Utah are now for sure. After that, I might start heading home thru a southern route or, if I have stamina left, go on to California.

I am more alone now, older, going alone, so don’t quite know how I handle it. I have a good car, my music, my masks...

The closest open lodging to the north rim is the lodge in Jacob Lake. Otherwise, look at Kanab or Page. It can get cold everywhere you are going this time of year.

If you are visiting the 5 Utah parks, there's lodging in Moab, Green River, Torrey, Tropic, Panguitch, and Springdale. Springdale is very expensive, you can find reasonably priced hotels in Cedar City or St. George.

I'd even check the Grand Canyon North Rim website in the early part of next week. A significant storm is moving in that could possibly close the North Rim for the season. Hate to see somebody book in at Jacob Lake only to find that the road down to the Canyon is closed.

Moab...if you're a John Wayne fan, you might want to stay where he did when he was filming in the Moab area, at the Apache Motel. We stayed there, albeit a number of years ago (8? 9?) It was an unassuming place, quite reasonable to the budget, and the reviews still are pretty decent. My only complaint about it was light -- parking lot meant you backed out right into the street. However, it's located on a back street that's not busy at all.

Cedar City....stayed there twice, once just about 3 months ago. Both times we bunked into Choice's Comfort Inn. Great place, not ritzy, indoor pool and hot tub (and it was open this summer!). Honestly, though, St George would be closer to Zion than Cedar City. Bryce Canyon City has Best Western Ruby's Inn, another good place.

Donna

As I am getting ready to leave, the weather looks good and here are questions to resolve.

First leg,, from St. Louis to Hayes, KS, about 500 miles the first day.

Second leg, Hayes, KS to Limon, CO, take US 50 to Colorado Springs, about 320 miles. Suggestions on where to stay, a sight or two to see there. Might stay 2 nights. Might not.

Third Leg, Colorado Springs to Poncho Springs to Grand Junction. Expect this to be very scenic. Distance is 305 miles. Any suggestions?

4th leg, Grand Junction to Moab, UT, about 113 miles. Now, could I just see sights (no hik8ng plans) in the rest of day, should I spend 2 nights in Moab or by Arches Natl Park?

I have planned thus far. Yet to plan the rest.

It looks like it's coming together.

There are plenty of hotels in the Colorado Springs area and in Grand Junction.

Colorado Springs has the Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy. You can also drive to the top of Pikes Peak, weather permitting and if you wouldn't be sensitive to high altitudes.

Between Poncha Springs and Grand Junction, there's the Black Canyon of Gunnison, it's a national park.

You can certainly drive through Arches and Canyonlands in one day to see the sights. If you run out of time, you can spend a second night.

I would suggest you stop at the first national park you come to and buy a lifetime senior pass for $80. This will pay for itself on just this trip.

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Originally Posted by glc

It looks like it's coming together.

There are plenty of hotels in the Colorado Springs area and in Grand Junction.

Colorado Springs has the Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy. You can also drive to the top of Pikes Peak, weather permitting and if you wouldn't be sensitive to high altitudes.

Between Poncha Springs and Grand Junction, there's the Black Canyon of Gunnison, it's a national park.

You can certainly drive through Arches and Canyonlands in one day to see the sights. If you run out of time, you can spend a second night.

I would suggest you stop at the first national park you come to and buy a lifetime senior pass for $80. This will pay for itself on just this trip.

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Thanks for the wonderful ideas. I did go out Pike’s peak and Garden of the Gods last summer with family, also Rocky Mountain Nat’l park, stayed in Estes Park. So, likely I will just sleep in Colorado Springs, then go US50 to Poncho Springs and then to Grand Junction.

After reading your post, I remembered buying a senior life time pass in around 1999-2000 but I guess I have lost it. Will buy one.

Thanks.

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Originally Posted by ZeeBabar

Thanks to all of you. At first, after many years, I just wanted to do a significant drive. I first thought of just going south to Natchez, changed my mind cause I wanted Mountain scenery, thought I would head to San Francisco. Then, thought of places I have not seen much of, so detours thru US 50, the national parks in Utah are now for sure. After that, I might start heading home thru a southern route or, if I have stamina left, go on to California.

I am more alone now, older, going alone, so don’t quite know how I handle it. I have a good car, my music, my masks...

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At your age I drove to Alaska and back on my own. Have done that trip 4 times since the turn of the century. In fact I always travel on my own. I decide where I will turn, when/where I will stop, how long for, etc. I am my boss. Nothing like a new great advventure. Choose your roads as you go. If something looks interesting (whether on a map or on a sign) go for it. Adjust the following days according to the time you spent at such places. Just keep an eye on the progress and don't push yourself. These days I'd rather drive 350 miles than 500.

True, I have never driven in winter in the U.S., but I have driven twice from the east coast to LAX, in mid November, taking a different route each time. This was before my RTA days, before I knew a trip had to be planned. I would typically see something of interest, hit the road and go check it out. Rarely did I plan anything ahead, over what now amounts to more than quarter of a million miles in North America.

Unfortunately COVID deprived me of my road trip this year, but I hope to make up for it soon.

Am looking forward to reading how you got on, and maybe seeing some of your pics.

Lifey

p.s. I have driven quite some miles in winter weather in Alaska and northern Canada.

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Third Leg, Colorado Springs to Poncho Springs to Grand Junction. Expect this to be very scenic. Distance is 305 miles. Any suggestions?

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It's a great drive where you travel alongside the Arkansas river to Poncha springs before going over the continental divide at Monarch pass to the Gunnison river through the Currecanti Nat rec area towards Black canyon. All are worth stepping out of the car to 'smell the roses'.

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4th leg, Grand Junction to Moab, UT, about 113 miles. Now, could I just see sights (no hik8ng plans) in the rest of day, should I spend 2 nights in Moab or by Arches Natl Park?

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When you leave GJ take a small detour to the Colorado National Monument and experience the Rim rock drive, an amazing drive often overlooked. (check current conditions)

It has been mentioned but I will also recommend getting off I70 for UT128 through Castle valley to Moab. No real time loss but a lovely drive through the canyon alongside the Colorado river. With this in mind I would spend 2 nights in the Moab area to take time to drive around Arches NP and the Island in the sky area of Canyonlands NP where you can drive all the way down Grandview point road for a great view ! Be sure to stop at the Shafer trail viewpoint and Mesa Arch for more amazing views for little effort.

If you are undecided where to next, I would take UT24/scenic12 to Bryce canyon, it's amazing and will take you to Capitol Reef NP. Ruby's Inn at the top of Bryce canyon is a lovely place to stay and perfect for a drive along the Bryce point road with many scenic viewpoints a few steps from the car. To do this, head to the far end of the canyon and stop on the way back up, all the viewpoints will then be on your side of the road. Make sure you pack warm layered clothing as Bryce is at high elevation and it gets pretty cold up there, is it worth it ? OH YEAH!!(Check conditions)

Please be careful in Colorado. My daughter, in the SE of Denver area, has informed me that most of the schools there are returning to full-time Distance Learning within the next 2 weeks. That includes my grandkids school district. Why? Rising numbers of cases of COVID-19 in the Denver area. I couldn't say about Colorado Springs, though.


Donna

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Originally Posted by DonnaR57

Please be careful in Colorado. My daughter, in the SE of Denver area, has informed me that most of the schools there are returning to full-time Distance Learning within the next 2 weeks. That includes my grandkids school district. Why? Rising numbers of cases of COVID-19 in the Denver area. I couldn't say about Colorado Springs, though.


Donna

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Thanks. Actually, St. Louis is very high this week. Covid cases are spiraling. Having said that, I am not sure it’s safer at home as my son, 18, commutes to college, returns each day, works at Olive Garden and returns, hangs out with me. My wife, about 18 years younger, works at a dental office, goes about her life (masked, of course).

I might be safer by myself and I am not going into bars, crowded restaurants or casinos. I don’t think it’s worse anyway.

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Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

It's a great drive where you travel alongside the Arkansas river to Poncha springs before going over the continental divide at Monarch pass to the Gunnison river through the Currecanti Nat rec area towards Black canyon. All are worth stepping out of the car to 'smell the roses'.



When you leave GJ take a small detour to the Colorado National Monument and experience the Rim rock drive, an amazing drive often overlooked. (check current conditions)

It has been mentioned but I will also recommend getting off I70 for UT128 through Castle valley to Moab. No real time loss but a lovely drive through the canyon alongside the Colorado river. With this in mind I would spend 2 nights in the Moab area to take time to drive around Arches NP and the Island in the sky area of Canyonlands NP where you can drive all the way down Grandview point road for a great view ! Be sure to stop at the Shafer trail viewpoint and Mesa Arch for more amazing views for little effort.

If you are undecided where to next, I would take UT24/scenic12 to Bryce canyon, it's amazing and will take you to Capitol Reef NP. Ruby's Inn at the top of Bryce canyon is a lovely place to stay and perfect for a drive along the Bryce point road with many scenic viewpoints a few steps from the car. To do this, head to the far end of the canyon and stop on the way back up, all the viewpoints will then be on your side of the road. Make sure you pack warm layered clothing as Bryce is at high elevation and it gets pretty cold up there, is it worth it ? OH YEAH!!(Check conditions)

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Thanks for the advice. For now, I am planning on leaving at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow but reading it, I can’t wait to get on the road. I don’t know how the motel situation is in some of those places. Hope I can get into safe ones.

While I am planning to stay at Colorado Springs and then go via US50 through Poncho Springs to Grand Junction, might want to stay an extra night some place.

I strongly agree that you should take UT-128 off I-70 toward Moab!

At first, it will look like you are in the middle of nowhere, with no scenery to be had. But down the road you will be rewarded with spectacular views; simply beautiful!

My only advice is to keep your eyes on the road; the scenery is very distracting!

Colorado Springs to Grand Junction via US-24/US-285/US-50 is 300 miles. This is about 6 hours with no stops. In between, there are hotel options in Gunnison and Delta.

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Originally Posted by glc

Colorado Springs to Grand Junction via US-24/US-285/US-50 is 300 miles. This is about 6 hours with no stops. In between, there are hotel options in Gunnison and Delta.

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Excellent. If it’s very beautiful, don’t mind just hanging in a nice hotel, enjoying the scenery.

At this time, it looks like day time temperatures are going to be over 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, would it be much colder at the higher elevations? I ask because I planned to leave behind this nice but bulky winter coat I had from when I was living in upstate NY and Michigan. On windy cold days, and only at temps under 10 degrees, did I ever wear it. I have a couple of other warm leather jackets I make do with in St.Louis winters.