Help Traveling Seattle - Kentucky

[skor27]

My girlfriend and I are planning a roadtrip from Seattle, WA to Lexington, KY. I drove this in the summer and went through Montana and Minneapolis, but I don't see this as a very good idea in early January. Any suggestions on a route? Thanks

-Spencer

[PNW Judy]

While it's more likely on the northern routes, even the southern routes can have snow/ice issues. However, these are all major trucking routes and unless it's a heckuva storm, most delays won't last long. It's best to be prepared for potential delays when traveling in the winter. And make sure you have plenty of things in your car to keep you warm if you have to stop for awhile while on the road - blankets, food, water, etc.

The route you took before is about 2450 miles. Here's a route a bit farther south that is only 2500 miles. A negligible different. Take I-84 to Salt Lake City, I-80 to Lincoln NE, I-29 to Independence MO, I-70 to St. Louis, I-64 to Lexington.

Alternatively, after Salt Lake City you can continue south to the merge with I-70 and follow I-70 to Independence.

Of course, these routes may have weather delays as well but at least you'll be seeing new and different scenery!

Oh, make sure you have the right tires for winter driving...they can make a huge difference in safety.

[RedCorral]

Hi,

I agree with Judy, but with one additional note. If the weather in the Colorado mountains is chancey, it is somewhat better to cross Wyoming from SLC to Cheyenn and head south to Denver, then go east. That way you don't cross Vail and Loveland passes, which can be tricky in a snow storm.

You can also continue from Cheyenne east into Nebraska, but cut south to I-70 on one of the N-S highways like 83 or 81 if I-80 gets too windy (I-80 is known for that, not that I-70 will necessarily be better).

An inexpensive NOAA weather radio is a good investment, though I don't know how useful it will be east of Cheyenne. Still, it can't hurt.

Happy winter driving,

Craig Sheumaker
co-author of the travel guide: America's Living History-The Early Years

[Mark Sedenquist]

I drove this in the summer and went through Montana and Minneapolis,

Actually, all things be equal that is the route I would suggest. Except that I would dip south at Fargo and take I-29 to Kansas City and then east to Kentucky. It is a little known fact that in many years, it is too danged cold to snow in January in the Dakotas. Also, for most winter travel the shortest route is usually the best. And like RedCorral suggests I would travel with a NOAA weather radio. Here are some more tips for you.

Mark