coming to Denver from So CaL

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Jun 27, 2006

Hi, I will be driving from so Cal to Denver in about a month, in a 24 ft. rental truck. Can anyone advise me on the best way to go? I know I-70 would be quicker through the rockies, but are the roads treacherous? SHould I opt for dring through Albuquerque and then up the I-25 to Denver? Thanks...

Try going through Vegas to Salt Lake City, and then on I-70 to Laramie or Cheyenne and south. We've travelled all those roads. You don't need the scenic route this trip. I-80 has more high passes, but all those are good highways, including the one through Albuquerque.

Driving a rental truck will take 2-3 days (or more). Safe driving!

mingez · Jun 28, 2006

Hi, I will be driving from so Cal to Denver in about a month, in a 24 ft. rental truck. Can anyone advise me on the best way to go? I know I-70 would be quicker through the rockies, but are the roads treacherous? SHould I opt for dring through Albuquerque and then up the I-25 to Denver? Thanks...

No, not treacherous. Thousands of semi's traverse that route everyday. There are some relatively steep grades, but remember it is after all a 4 lane freeway.

But one advantage of going thru Albuquerque is the New Mexican food. OH MY GOD it's so good. Aside from that, you'd needlessly be adding several hours to your trip.

Have fun, that's a beautiful drive.

mingez · Jun 28, 2006

then on I-70 to Laramie or Cheyenne and south.

Cheyenne? There's no reason to go north to Wyoming, and then south to Denver, unless you want to explore Wyoming. But that takes you WAY out of the way.

marshalbc77 · Jun 29, 2006

Hi Hannahrn,

My family and I took I-70 better scenic route and a lot faster!! I'm too from So.Cali thinking of relocating to Northern Colorado. Coming back home we took I-25 South to 40West this was the longest boring drive and it's a lot longer. I recommend the I-70 through Nevada/Utah. Good Luck to you!!!

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Jun 29, 2006

Cheyenne? There's no reason to go north to Wyoming, and then south to Denver, unless you want to explore Wyoming. But that takes you WAY out of the way.

mingez, I prefer to drive I-80, but I think the passes would be a lot slower driving a rental truck on that route. When we moved to SoCal, our truck, towing a car, went verrry slowly up those hills!

If Hannah ever comes back to visit, she should check out the alternative routes.

michellemybelle · Jul 3, 2006

Haha--funny you mention this drive! I go to school in Denver, live there for the school year, and drive back home for summer. The drive is horrible. We drive straight 1-70 from 1-15 (Las Vegas), the whole trip takes at least 15 hours, but usually ends up around 19-20. IMHO, driving I-70 is faster, and the road through the Rockies is not that bad, as I have seen many truck drivers drive it! But, I wouldn't dare drive it during the winter, as many portions are closed due to bad weather.

Good Luck!

Michelle

PS I am already dreading the drive in August!

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

Haha--funny you mention this drive! I go to school in Denver, live there for the school year, and drive back home for summer. The drive is horrible. We drive straight 1-70 from 1-15 (Las Vegas), the whole trip takes at least 15 hours, but usually ends up around 19-20. IMHO, driving I-70 is faster, and the road through the Rockies is not that bad, as I have seen many truck drivers drive it! But, I wouldn't dare drive it during the winter, as many portions are closed due to bad weather.
Good Luck!
Michelle
PS I am already dreading the drive in August!

Michelle, try making it 2 days instead. It's worth stopping somewhere between St. George and Salt Lake City, and finding a motel. My AAA books get very well used! I've driven from socal to Oregon in one day, 16 hours, and find it's not worth being THAT exhausted.

Safe driving in August!

michellemybelle · Jul 4, 2006

Yes that is a great idea! I usually suggest that to my parents, but as they are avid gamblers, we stay the night in Vegas. I have driven to Denver straight through, and it is really horrible.

Michelle :)