Cross Country Road Trip

[MStudt]

We're taking a cross country road trip from 12/23-1/3 in the 4runner. Heading from St. Louis out the Newport OR, and back. Here's what I've come up with for the drive out. Going to be heading through Colorado, and Utah. We plan on stopping at Zion and Red Cliffs. We'll go through Vegas, and up through Death Valley. Taking 395 up to the Carson City/Tahoe area before cutting across California to Redwoods National Park. From there we'll take 101 up the coast to Newport.

Does anybody see any issues with this route?

Google Map's

 

[cashmoney]

To dang long to be in a vehicle. Otherwise it looks like a fun time.

 

[MtnT4R]

Be ready for storms and road closures between Denver and Glenwood Springs in CO. Too many people drive that I-70 with 2WD and bad tires. One good wreck and the passes can be closed for hours. Highly recommend bringing blankets and extra food/water, and fill up in Denver before you start to climb into the mountains.

 

[02SE]

Weather could be an issue in Utah and the Sierra's, too.

 

[MStudt]

Be ready for storms and road closures between Denver and Glenwood Springs in CO. Too many people drive that I-70 with 2WD and bad tires. One good wreck and the passes can be closed for hours. Highly recommend bringing blankets and extra food/water, and fill up in Denver before you start to climb into the mountains.

We're always prepared for things like that. A couple 0* bags, and our down backpacking gear should be good.

Weather could be an issue in Utah and the Sierra's, too.

Yeah, I'm wondering about the route around the Sierra area. I'm going to come up with a backup plan for that section.

 

[teedubyaw]

I'm jealous.

 

[THatfield]

please have you or your wife do a blog/journal. Would love to follow along and live vicariously through your adventure!

 

[Davy180]

Sounds fun, have a great trip!

I was thinking about take a vacation and doing that in the spring.

 

[MStudt]

please have you or your wife do a blog/journal. Would love to follow along and live vicariously through your adventure!

Don't worry she will. She's been trying to keep up on ours, but we haven't done any exciting lately. Here's the blog. Still working on updating some things.

 

[AKmoney]

There were "biblical" thunderstorms in Death Valley National Park a month ago. Many roads were washed out due to flash floods. Be sure to check road conditions there before proceeding.

 

[MyHigh]

The only issue I see is I'm not doing it!!

 

[GX4SEVEND]

The only issue I see is I'm not doing it!!

Because you're already in oregon lol :cheers:

 

[MStudt]

There were "biblical" thunderstorms in Death Valley National Park a month ago. Many roads were washed out due to flash floods. Be sure to check road conditions there before proceeding.

Already checked into that. Pretty sure the route we're was not affect by the flooding.

 

[AudiTech]

Just an FYI

No More Free Passes: CDOT To Enforce ?Traction Law? On I-70 For All Vehicles « CBS Denver

 

[LittleCaesar]

Take plenty of pics and post them up.

Not taking a different route back?

Just make sure your tires are in great condition.

 

[MStudt]

Take plenty of pics and post them up.

Not taking a different route back?

Just make sure your tires are in great condition.

I don't know about the route back yet. I think we'll head through Washington, Idaho, Montana, and then back through Colorado.

My tires have about 75% tread left on them right now.

 

[Zonie Taco]

Why not a more southern route through New Mexico/Arizona/Southern California and then head up the 1 through Big Sur all the way up to Oregon? You will get some dirt road opportunities and the Deserts are awesome this time of year. Also you'd avoid any road closures (It's an El Nino year= big snow storms).

 

[MStudt]

Why not a more southern route through New Mexico/Arizona/Southern California and then head up the 1 through Big Sur all the way up to Oregon? You will get some dirt road opportunities and the Deserts are awesome this time of year. Also you'd avoid any road closures (It's an El Nino year= big snow storms).

That's the other option I have in mind. Would go through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and up California.

Google Map's

 

[MStudt]

Maybe this for the return trip?

Google Map's

 

[LittleCaesar]

I'd opt for the second route in Spring, Summer or Fall. Given this is a winter vacation I'd choose the first route unless you don't mind possibly driving in a blizzard, which I hate doing.