Cross country trip...fears...

[ZeeBabar]

I honestly don't think you have anything to be concerned about other than those same things in your home town. Just use common sense as to where you stay and if you get a feeling some place doesn't feel quite right, use your gut instinct and move along. Everywhere is someones hometown with good honest people and you often have to go out your way to roll into the 'wrong side of town'. If you decide to take this trip and put your concerns to one side it's time to start looking at maps and do some research as to what interests you along the way and start mapping them out, this will help determine the route(s) and work out where to stay overnight. I would look at a different route each way to see new things, heading further south to I40 would also be an option, route 66 towns, Grand canyon, Monument valley etc etc. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and road conditions and be open to change, but given the option I would certainly choose I-70 for the scenery. The more days you have te more you can do with them so once you have outlined your plansd we can certainly make further suggestions and offer 'tweaks' to your plan where(if)needed.

Thanks! I plan on starting out this Monday. Unfortunately, weather turns a bit colder in the Nebraska, Wyoming route with cloudy weather.

I am, at this time, leaning to going on I-70 or Rte 66.will return via I-40.

[AZBuck]

Just for the record, there is NO US-66 anymore. It was decommissioned in 1985. That was because most of it had been physically replaced by I-55, I-44 and I-40. In those few places where the old roadway was left and just bypassed by Interstates, especially I-40, US-66 was simply renumbered as a state highway, e.g. OK-66, AZ-66, etc.

Following "Rte 66" will require some serious navigation, both in preparation and execution. The longest continuous stretch of the old roadway that was US-66 is now AZ-66 between Kingman and Seligman through Hackberry and Peach Springs. This stretch would also be the easiest to follow, since it's the only decent road through the area. It is also the stretch of road that was the visual inspiration for animated movie Cars with Peach Springs becoming Radiator Springs, etc.

The other factor with 'Route 66' is that it is closest to I-40 (see above) and nowhere near I-70 except where they (used to) cross in the St. Louis area, so it makes far more sense to get a taste of the old 'Mother Road' when following I-40 rather than I-70.

AZBuck

[ZeeBabar]

I am planning a trip, posted earlier, from St. Louis to San Francisco. I don’t mind doing it in 4-5 days. I just want as scenic a route as possible this time of year without being unsafe for a rear wheel drive car.

Going on I-70, Plan is to head to Hayes, KS or nearby for the first night. However, for the next 2-3 days, I need help. Leaving Hayes, KS, I want to do the most scenic drive through to Salt Lake with a night ot two on the way.

Is it best to stay on I-70 to Denver or is there a nicer route. I have been to the Rocky Mountain National Park but are there others? Your suggestions are appreciated.

Moderator Note: PLEASE DO NOT CREATE NEW THREADS -- KEEP ALL OF YOUR NEW QUESTIONS IN THIS SAME THREAD.

[glc]

If I-70 doesn't have weather issues, take it to Green River UT, then US-191 to US-6 to I-15.

875 miles, can be done in 2 days, suggest overnight in Beaver Creek (440 miles from Hays, 1 hotel, under $100), Eagle (460 miles from Hays, 1 hotel, over $100) or Glenwood Springs (500 miles from Hays, 3 hotels, 2 under $100, 1 over $100).

[ZeeBabar]

If I-70 doesn't have weather issues, take it to Green River UT, then US-191 to US-6 to I-15.

875 miles, can be done in 2 days, suggest overnight in Beaver Creek (440 miles from Hays, 1 hotel, under $100), Eagle (460 miles from Hays, 1 hotel, over $100) or Glenwood Springs (500 miles from Hays, 3 hotels, 2 under $100, 1 over $100).

Thanks. I could go from Hayes, Ks to Green River, UT via I-70 or through US 50. Is I-70 preferable?

[Mark Sedenquist]

Thanks. I could go from Hayes, Ks to Green River, UT via I-70 or through US 50. Is I-70 preferable?

Well... I-70 is one of my favorite highways in the USA?:

The San Rafael Swell

And, if you have the correct vehicle: Off-road along the I-70

Mark

[glc]

Green River is just before you enter the San Rafael Swell.

If you want to take US-50, this is how I'd do it, assuming you have time on your hands.

Take I-70 to Limon CO, then US-24 to Colorado Springs. Continue on US-24 to US-285 to Poncha Springs. Then take US-50 to Grand Junction to rejoin I-70. This is about 910 miles from Hays to SLC. I would do 2 overnights - one in Colorado Springs and one in Green River.

[ZeeBabar]

Green River is just before you enter the San Rafael Swell.

If you want to take US-50, this is how I'd do it, assuming you have time on your hands.

Take I-70 to Limon CO, then US-24 to Colorado Springs. Continue on US-24 to US-285 to Poncha Springs. Then take US-50 to Grand Junction to rejoin I-70. This is about 910 miles from Hays to SLC. I would do 2 overnights - one in Colorado Springs and one in Green River.

This sound good. Thanks. Another question, if I go from Green River, UT to Arches National Park, what other National Parks in Utah are worth going to and in order, if I drive..

[glc]

There's the "Big 5". Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. How many days *DO* you have to spare? This could easily take a whole week.

[travelingman]

Well... I-70 is one of my favorite highways in the USA?:

The San Rafael Swell

And, if you have the correct vehicle: Off-road along the I-70

Mark

I agree. The natural scenery of the SWELL is breathtaking. You can actually got off I-70 at one of the Ranch Exits and explore the gravel and dirt backroads where you might not see another

A safety tip. At our ages, fatigue can fall upon us much sooner than when we were many years younger. The susceptibility to fatigue will increase every day you drive, so be careful out there!

Also, plan for the worst and pack MUCH warmer than needed to handle any emergencies.