LA to Denver and back in 9 days (late March)

[KMG]

Hi,
I'm a 22 year old college student/musician from Los Angeles, CA and am planning a 10-day trip with my friend across the Southwest and mountains in the second half of March, where we will be playing shows in each of the following cities in order:

Phoenix, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Albuquerque, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Denver, CO
Grand Junction, CO
Salt Lake City, UT
Provo, UT
Las Vegas, NV
drive back home to LA

I've traveled to all of these cities before with the exception of Utah and Colorado, so I'd like to be prepared as possible. Even with the expectations that we have to arrive in each city by 6-8 PM at the latest so we can make it to our show, none of these drives seem too crazy (right?)

(I understand this leaves no time for sight seeing, but I'd rather save touristy stops for a separate trip where I have more time to explore.)

My main concern is getting from Denver to Grand Junction- I've read that March weather in Colorado can be pretty rough. What are the chances of a storm that could close I-70, make the Rockies impassable, or otherwise prohibit us from making it to Grand Junction by the early evening?

I'd also be interested in anyone's input about any of the cities, highways, driving conditions, places to eat, things to check out, photo ops, or general advice.

Thanks!

[glc]

The odds of a snowstorm closing I-70 in March are pretty slim. However, it's always a possibility. I would think that if the weather got THAT bad, the show would likely be cancelled anyway.

I'd advise that you have a set of tire chains with you just in case.

[KMG]

Thanks,
I'm just trying to be on the safe side. Really looking forward to seeing the Rockies!

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

All the legs of your journey are doable and where as there are no guarantees, you shouldn't have any major disruption travelling Interstate.

This is a great thread for things to do in Albu and some more including Santa Fe. If the weather is kind and you would like some photo ops you could always get off I 70 for a while and travel over the continental divide at Loveland pass, fabulous scenery ! Although you have a reasonable drive from Grand junction to Salt Lake city, with an early start you could drive around the Rim road of Colorado NM, it's quite amazing.