My son will be driving west (Chicago to LA) next week, and I'm trying to help him plan a route. Through Denver is the shortest and easiest, but what's the weather like on the way (I -80 and I70)? Should he go the longer southern route?
Anyone around who can give weather recommendations on the trip over the Rockies? Everything's melting around here, but how about in the West?
Alicia
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I made a similar trip in December, mumble years ago, and it was a toss up which way was better. Both can get nasty storms.
I took the northern route, I80, and only had one bit of trouble with ice. That year the southern route had more snow.
Not very useful for your son, I'm afraid. I suggest you try to figure out if the wettest storm is coming from the north or from the southwest, and have him avoid it if possible.
I live in Alberta, near the Rockies. There is a lot of snow on the ground and more is currently falling. The mountains will be worse.
He ought to take the old Route 66 -- 55 south to 40, then across through Amarillo and Flagstaff. It gets him south of the weather faster, and it's a much prettier drive.
He probably won't like local radio down there, though. Tell him to plan for that. I think I packed about 200 CDs for the car when I made that drive.
T
I wonder if he still has CDs. Bet he's just got an Mp3 player.
Music is a necessity on those long, long western highways.
A
I live in Denver. I'd recommend I-70 over I-80, just because there are a lot more places to stop if needed due to bad weather. And because there are so many towns along the I-70 corridor, there are a lot of snowplows running when needed.
Looking at the next couple weeks, we've got nice weather in the forecast down here, which means the mountains might not be too bad. If your son has reasonably good experience driving in snow, he shouldn't have any issues getting through the mountains.
Email me if you need anything more specific.
He just has the regular all-weather tires, Ian, and this is an older car, so no anti-lock brake and all that stuff. But he learned to drive in the north, so he's not unfamiliar with snow. But you know, driving in snow in Illinois isn't exactly like driving in snow in the Rockies!
Alicia
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