Phoenix to Vegas -then Vegas to Grand Forks, ND

[Travellingannie]

Hi all, Am new to this so hoping for some advice and help. Am flying in to Phoenix last week of May for 3 nights, then heading to Vegas fro 2 nights and then driving up north to Grand Forks to visit some relatives for a week. Am concerned about the route from Vegas to Grand Forks. Is it possible that some roads would still be closed with snow around then or should it be cleared by then. All suggestions welcome. Also we are not interested in large cities, prefer smaller out of the way places. We plan on stopping for a few days at the bad lands/Mt. Rushmore. Should add that we have about a week for the drive up.

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

In late May it would be extremely unlikely to see any winter weather issues on the Interstates anywhere in the country.

Keep in mind, if you drive directly from Vegas to Grand Forks, it would take you at least 3 days, so if you spend "a few" days in South Dakota, you won't have a ton of time left, but there are no shortage of things you could stop and see. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Rocky Mountain National Parks are all very close to the direct path. There are also other parks, like Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Mesa Verde, that aren't on the direct path, but could be worked into your plans.

[Travellingannie]

Has anyone had any problems with Altitude sickness traveling from Vegas to Salt Lake City and over to Casper.


Moderator Note: Please keep all questions about this trip in the same thread.

[Midwest Michael]

I'm sure, at some point, someone has had altitude problems on this trip. Of course, these roads are traveled by thousands of people every day, and very few ever have any issues.

I-80 is at an elevation between 6,500 and 8,000 feet for nearly all of the trip across Wyoming. For comparison sake, that's about the same air pressure as you'll find in an airplane at cruising altitude. If those elevations are a problem for you, then you may have to seek other options - although your other choices would be very limited, as nearly all cross country routes go up to those elevations.