Which way through Colorado--Int. 70 or Hwy 50?

[imported_Kevin]

So which way is better through Colorado? I have 14 days to make a 4800 mile loop from Sacramento to Illinois to Lake Superior and back to Sacramento. I am debating whether to use Hwy 50 or I-70 when I cross Colorado heading East. Which is better for scenic viewpoints? I assume the interstate is faster--is it faster enough to merit taking it instead of 50?

But both are spectacular drives. The two roads are different in major ways west of I-25 -- east of I-25, not much difference in scenery although there's more to do on the Plains closer to US50 than I-70.

(Sorry -- I wrote this as if you were driving westbound, just reverse everything order-wise!)

From what I remember about each, I-70 is greener and is perhaps more characteristic of what people think of when they think "Rocky Mountains," at least between Denver and Glenwood Springs (west of that, it dries out a lot and the trees get thinner). I especially like the town of Georgetown and it's famous railroad "loop."

On US50, you'd follow the Arkansas River for quite a distance, and cross the state's middle high desert country around Gunnison, all punctuated by a snow-covered mountain range or two (or three). If you make a side trip to Colorado Spgs, be sure to take the drive up Pike's Peak -- you end up above tree line with a great view!

Two-lane roads in Colorado are slow-going for a couple of reasons -- steeper grades and tighter curves limit your speed, as well as slowing for the frequent town or village. If you're really in a hurry, best stick to I-70, but if you can spare a little time -- you can't beat two-lane blacktop! Bob

Both indeed are speactacular drives, and route 50 is indeed slower. I-70 on the west side of the Rockies is perhaps the most beautiful interstate I've been on...you go down a long canyon and the freeway is built right on the inside of the canyon.

[imported_Kevin]

Looks like I'll take the interstate. I don't have a massive amount of time to waste, and if I-70 is that spectacular, it will do quite nicely. Although I do plan to take a detour to go over Loveland Pass.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Loveland Pass is kept open as much as possible, because of the haz mat truck route -- but it is likely to be a slooooowwww drive (albeit gorgeous)!

Mark

[imported_Kevin]

But it's not a very long detour, a mountain pass at 11,992 feet of altitude is surely too cool to be missed, and a road trip without any detours at all is a poor one indeed.

One of the most spectacular photos I've ever taken was on that road! I think it was from way above the tunnel on the east side, looking down toward the tunnel entrance. Neat road!

[imported_Tom]

Is there a parking area at the top of that pass, similar to the ones at Berthoud Pass, Muddy Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass (all on US 40)?

and sometimes I don't...

I KNOW there are pull-outs where you can stop to take photos (because I did), but I am not certain they are at the point of the pass, or before. I'd bet there is one at the top, though.

[imported_Kevin]

Other stops along my trip will include Springfield, IL (Lincoln's home and burial place), Lake Superior along the shore of Michigan's U.P., Mt. Rushmore, and Yellowstone Nat'l Park.