Upstate NY to Utah

[landmariner]

Upstate NY is kind of undefined so for discussion purposes I assumed Rochester and chose Arches NP. A couple of my upfront biases: 1) avoid Chicago and 2) generally prefer I-80 over the I-70 section from St. Louis to Denver (it if only one time for you then maybe not so bad and approaching Denver is enlightenment)--density of trucking is a big factor. Having said that, I-80 via Chicago is 1,936 and I-70 is 2,000 miles per Google, so 70 miles more is a no brainer and probably washes easily on tolls vs. additional gasoline, maybe even a net savings. And not the worries of a flat tire or misalignment from the numerous road hazards on the Chicago.

Going West from Maryland makes I-70 the no-brainer speed run option. But, I usually detour SW at St Louis to Springfield/Joplin, MO, and then head out onto the US highways via Wichita, Dodge City, KS and fork from there. You could easily hook up with US-160 via La Junta & Durango, CO, visit Mesa Verde NP, and approach Arches NP from the South. It depends upon the circle you wish to visit in Utah/Four Corners region.

P.S. It is kinda nice to be thinking about Road Trips again after putting most everything on hold for a year!