DS driving to California! Need directions!

[Kitty 34]

Long story but my college DS agreed (last minute of course) to drive a friend out to California (tomorrow) so she is not driving alone. Her parents are flying him back to Michigan so that part is fine.

I'm concerned on what would be the BEST route for him to take especially once he gets out into Colorado? 70 looks like it goes right thru the mountains or should he take 25 down to 40?

Need some western expertise here!!!

Oops, almost forgot.......how long will it take if they drive 10-12 hrs a day?

 

[Cinders]

Which part of California? If the southern part loooooong ago when we drove to CA we took 70 out of Indy to 44 in St Louis to 40 in OK. If they need to go closer to San Fran I'd suggest 80. My parents are in California now and figured it would take them 4 days to drive home to the Ft Wayne area of IN.

 

[Kitty 34]

Thanks Cinders. They will be driving to LA. I suggested your route (70 to 44, etc) but I guess she has an Aunt they will be spending the night at, in Durango, CO. Looking at the map, I notice Durango is pretty much right between 70 and 40.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just wishing them a good, safe trip, Kitty!!!!

 

[Mishetta]

When I moved to CA back in 1985, we took the "Northern Route" vs. the "Southern Route" from Michigan (but couldn't tell you which highways we took, as I just followed a friend of mine who drove ahead of me with map) & we drove for 4 days from 8am to 8pm. It was the best experience of my entire life & I hope someday to take my children on that type of road trip. What a great experience that will be for your DS. Just to even see the changes in the color of the dirt as you drive thru each State. Just amazing! I remember I was in such "awe" as we drove thru a small part of Utah, I thought it was like being in heaven, it was so beautiful! Sorry.....got caught up in my memories!

Praying for a safe & uneventful trip for your DS & friend. Also peace for parents who will be worried about them!

 

[Boots]

Tell him to be safe and to be careful. I have never been to California so I can't help you out. Your DS sounds like my DS. Always the knight in shining armor!!!! How good of a friend is this??? It isn't a "serious" one is it?

 

[mamajoan]

I have done the Northern and Southern Routes from Illinois to California.. all depends on where he is headed. Both are fairly simple driving.. Interstate 80 west to Interstate 5 south! How simple is that for the Northern Route. That way he can stop in Reno!

It is a long haul either way. I drove from Joliet, Illinois to San Jose by myself in a big old UHaul truck 9 years ago. It took me 3.5 days. DH and I have driven straight thru from St. Louis to 29 Palms, Ca in approx 36 hours .. but we were young and foolish long ago!

If he wants to do the 44 to the 40 west route it is fairly simple too...
check it all out on mapquest. com

Hope he has a safe trip!

 

[Kitty 34]

Thank you all for the well wishes!! Yes.....a little bit nervous Mom here but what an opportunity, like Mishetta said!!! They think they will be arriving in LA ,Sunday, some time, having left last night. (Wed) Hope so.

And Ellen......who knows how "serious" they will become on this road trip!!! They either will be serious or at each others' throats!!!! LOL


He did promise to call each evening and let me know where they are.......he told me to pretend they're doing the Amazing Race!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

The interstate is the best way through the mountains. I love that route. It is a double decker highway in some spots. It is also the easiest mountain road you will ever be on. A BEAUTIFUL trip! I last did it 3 years ago.

 

[Pop Daddy]

go to Nevada and make a left

 

[jsmith]

Best and quickest would be 70 to 15 . But Durango is miles (literally) from any interstate- Best route there would be 70 to Denver, 25 to Walsenburg, US 160 to Durango, US 550 to Shiprock, US 64 to Gallup and then onto I40. It will be a time consuming but really beautiful drive!

 

[Kitty 34]

Jsmith, my DS is suppose to call tonight so I will tell him your way to Durango. Thanks.


And Pop Daddy......thanks for the Nevada directions!!!

 

[nativetxn]

First you go to Indy and hang a right then drive west