Cincinnati to San Diego Northern Route

[JoeT]

Father & Son planning to drive from Cincinnati to San Diego in late June. Planning to take I-70 through Denver to Utah, then I-15 through Las Vegas to San Diego.

First time driving to the west. How is I-70: construction, elevations in mountains, availability of motels without reservations, etc.

Been on I-15 before near Vegas, know to bring plenty of water, any other thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[jamesdozer31]

First time driving to the west. How is I-70: construction, elevations in mountains, availability of motels without reservations, etc.

I can't speak for the road construction on I-70 however most states have a DOT website that will give you up to date information on road construction occurring with in their state. I can tell you in Colorado there are two high mountain passes that take you up in excess of 10,000 feet above sea level. For those unaccustomed to high mountain conditions you will feel flush. Your skin will be hot to the touch and appear as though you have a sunburn. You will notice that you will take deeper breaths. As to accommodations along I-70 it has been my experience that they are readily available at reasonable prices. Hope this helps in your trip planing to the west coast.

[jamesdozer31]

Also as with water and I-15 I would recomend drinking plenty of water on I-70 through the high mountains of Colorado. Higher altitude then you are accustom to will tend to dehidrate your body.

[JoeT]

Appreciate your good advice, I'll check with the states for the construction. Never been in high mountains (just smokies) so this is good info for us.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Planning to take I-70 through Denver to Utah, then I-15 through Las Vegas to San Diego.

Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! I-70 is in great shape for the most part. Nice road surface and some of the best scenic views in the west. Here is a field report about the section in Eastern Utah.

Lodging should be no problem.

Mark

[JoeT]

Thanks Mark, very interesting article on the scenery and things to see on I-70. Can't wait to hit the road.

[PNW Judy]

The only reaction I ever have to those high altitudes is my ears. No flushing, not really hard to breath, or anything like that. But it's like flying in a plane. If I don't re-pressurize my ears periodically, I tend towards earaches. So do it even before you think you need to and do it often.

[JoeT]

Thanks for the great advice on atmospheric pressure on the ears. I'm sure that's something to consider in the high altitutes.

[JoeT]

Sold my wife on letting me fly back to San Diego to help my son drive home to Cincinnati. Plan to take I-40 this trip (we came out I-70 through Kansas, Colorado route) First night from San Diego will stop at Williams, AZ, and tour Grand Canyon.

? How does crossing the mountains on this route (I-40) compare to those on I-70 in western Colorado? (we will be in a 4 cylinder Honda Civic)

? We've been told to take I-44 from OK City to St. Louis to save time. Anyone know what the complete toll charge is for a car from OK city to MO state line? I've looked at OK toll web page and it's very confusing, with several named toll roads on the same I-44 through that state.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.
JoeT

[Mark Sedenquist]

? How does crossing the mountains on this route (I-40) compare to those on I-70 in western Colorado? (we will be in a 4 cylinder Honda Civic)

Since you will be east-bound the ascent using I-70 is much more gradual than using I-40 over Flagstaff. On the other hand, the descent into Denver is pretty steep --but if you follow the speed limits you will have no problem.

? We've been told to take I-44 from OK City to St. Louis to save time

If you do I-70 you won't need the toll road -- you are already too far north.

Mark