Vancouver (BC) to Las Vegas

[PNW Judy]

I've done route # 2 before, so it would be familiar; however I did it in June, and I am afraid it will be much colder at this time of year around Yakima/the mountain pass areas of southern WA?

Well, if you've done it already, I would say take a new route this trip. I just checked the WA-DOT website for traffic and pass conditions and didn't see any problem with Snoqualmie Pass (I-90) or through Yakima, but the weather can change quickly in the winter.

In fact, we recommend that people check the weather/road reports right before they leave when traveling in the winter to be sure things are OK and adjust their route, if needed.

I suggest you bookmark the state's DOT websites and check them as well. In Washington state, you can also get road conditions via phone by simply calling 511.

Here's the link for Oregon's road conditions. You can also call 511 in Oregon to get info over the phone.

Many states have that feature but, unfortunately, not all of them.

#1 was something I was considering. Have you done that route before? I see that towns are pretty scarce that way, but I have a diesel car so I am not too worried about fuel...just being lonesome! :)

I've done it and I don't have a diesel car. But finding fuel when needed was never a problem. When I'm driving in areas like that, I'll fill even if I still have half-a-tank because of not knowing for sure how long I'll need to drive. Anyway, I usually get just over 400 miles per tank (small tank). If you can go farther than that, and I'm sure you can, you'll be fine. And...well, I like the lonesome!

#3 through Bend is kinda what I thought about #2 - doesn't it get cold in the pass or no?

Yes, it can. So check the sources I gave you.

I definitely think I will do one of those choices on the way and AZBuck's route the other way. And I do intend to stick around - this is a great place to share ideas!

This route has just as much potential to have some snow/ice at this time as year as any of the routes I gave you. I just recently read that the mountains near SLC, especially in the Provo area (if I remember right) and you'll be driving right through there, get the second highest amount of snow annually second only to Mt. Rainier. (this is in the US anyway.)

And even if you went down I-5 and cut across at Bakersfield, you'd have to go through passes in southern Oregon/northern CAlifornia, particularly the Siskiyou Pass.

In other words, no matter what route you take, you will want to check road/weather conditions each morning before you leave to see if you need to make adjustments. But I'm sure you'll be fine. Just use good common sense.