How far is it safe to drive in one day?

[pattertj]

I'm planning a one person roadtrip from Prior Lake, MN to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado to meet up with some friends to climb Long's Peak. Google Maps puts it at 997 miles one-way, 14.5 hours driving time. Is this too far in one day considering the driving would be 2 days before the full-day climb?

I have family in Des Moines I could stay with for free making it a 2-day drive, 3.5hrs & 11.25hrs each day. Is this a better option?

What do you think?

Thanks for all your help!

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

First of all, as we mention on the forum very often, online map programs don't do a good job of including required stops into their estimates, so that 1000 mile trip will likely take about 17.5 hours, not 14.5.

But 1000 miles is way too far for a solo driver in a single day. Its unlikely you could travel that distance safely in that timeframe, and even if you did, you'd still be feeling the effects by the time you'd try your climb.

There is no one size fits all rule, and age and experience will certainly play a role in your personal limits, and you can go a little bit farther on a one day sprint when compared to a multi-day trip but the following guidelines should be considered.

500 miles is close to ideal.

600 is a very long day and for a solo traveler, really should be pretty close to the limit. It is also roughly the limit that professional drivers are allowed to travel in a day because of safety laws.

700 miles starts to really get into the grueling stage, and really can't be recommended for a solo driver.

800 or more starts putting you over the 14 hour mark on the road, and really isn't recommended even if you have multiple drivers.

[pattertj]

Excellent, thank you. I'll definitely be making an overnight stop. I might push the stop out a bit further than Des Moines however, following those guidelines.

[UKCraig]

I think that's a wise decision! Speaking from personal experience, I'd push on as far as I was comfortable with on the first day, looking to get at least 600 miles completed. When you've had enough, pull into a motel and settle in for an early night. You'll sleep well for sure (!) and can awake the next day safe in the knowledge that you've broken the back of the journey and you'll have time to break up the journey by stopping at one or two roadside attractions. Works for me anyway :)

[mja108]

I would definitely say to take your time and stop overnight. I once drove from West Palm Beach, Florida to the Delaware Water Gap (about 1200 miles) without stopping other than to use the bathroom. My boyfriend was in the car with me but fell asleep soon after we left and I felt bad waking him. He woke up when we got to the Delaware Water Gap and drove the rest of the way to Florida. I was exhausted when I got home!

[scatteredmom]

I think it depends on the person. My husband is an avid driver and we can clock a lot of miles in a day...but just not multiple days in a row.

[Gary]

The current record is held by Barry Stiefel who wrote about a trip he did on 10/26/03 in which he visited 21 states in 1 day. If you go to his website you will see the breakdown of this trip and his 50 states in 1 week trip. It takes a very unique person to do this type of driving. This coming Sunday Nov. 2 ,I will attempt to break Barry's record. This is only for a very experienced long distance driver that knows his own body , mind , and limits.
I personally drive many miles at all times of day with my job as a District Manager in circulation for USA Today. I currently hold the record for quickest visit to all 50 states with my son Peter in 2001. 8 days and 20 minutes. I have 'Trained" if that's the right word to be one of those strange unique people that can safely do a trip such as this. I've done a few 1200 mile single day trips in about 18-20 hours. Naples, FL to D.C. and Yellowstone to Vancouver as examples. I've even done a dry run on the trip I'll do Sunday by testing different routes for efficiency.
For me, the key is efficient travel, good audio entertainment, and as my daughter calls it "The map in my head" that is always on. No need for GPS. So wish me a good ride, minimal traffic, and great weather on Sunday Nov. 2nd as I cruise from Vermont to Mississippi. Then I can answer this question with new data.

Gary

[Southwest Dave]

Hi Gary,

I wish you well in your attempt at the record, good luck and have a safe journey. As you rightly say, it's not something "most" people should attempt.

I will look forward to seeing how it turns out for you.

Dave.

[glc]

I go from Joplin to San Diego once or twice a year to visit my sister. It's a 1600 mile run. I could *probably* do it in 2 days, but I haven't tried to yet. I take 3 days, and it does take me a day or 2 to recover. The most I've pushed in 1 day in recent history is 805 miles, but I was cooking and did it in just over 12 hours - gotta love that 80 mph speed limit in West Texas! I'm 59 years old and know my limitations, in my far younger days I do have some 1000 mile days under my belt. I no longer am comfortable driving well into the night. I drive a F-150 which for me is a lot more comfortable than a small car. I make the trip out a speed run, and sightsee/explore on the trip back.

To the OP - I'd recommend a stop about halfway. Des Moines isn't far enough for the first day - if anything, push the first day, not the second.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Gary,

This is a wild challenge -- looking forward to hearing how it went!

Mark