Hi all -- I'm moving from SF to Boston for school, and am excited to make the cross-country drive into a fun road-trip. We're going to spend some time with family in Colorado, so I've split the trip into two segments - SF to Denver and Denver to Boston. I would love suggestions on routing or fun activities along the way - we love outdoor activities. I'll have all my possessions in my 2000 Chrysler (so safety tips are appreciated, although nothing I own is worth much) and we'll be staying at hotels along the way.

SF to Silverthorne, CO - expected time: 3 days, 2 nights

Options:

1) I-80 through Reno and SLC, drop down to I-70 into Colorado.

2) Break off at Reno to US-50 (the loneliest road) across NV and UT - is this road worth it for the scenery, or should I avoid since there's a fair deal of elevation change and lack of services?

3) Drive South to Las Vegas, then take I-15 across NV and Utah (with a stop at one of UT's national parks), then I-70 into Colorado.

Denver, CO to Boston - expected time: 4 days, 3 nights

Any thoughts on whether we should take I-80 or I-70 -- I have been to Chicago before, so that's not a huge draw.


Thanks for all advice!