December Drive
Hi my husband and I are looking to drive from Washington D.C to Denver in mid December, we have 4 days to do the trip in and wanted some advice on routes etc, We were looking at taking the I-70 but have just been reading about bad weather around this time. Would this be possible or are we being crazy? We are from Ireland so don't know what the weather/ road conditions would be like.Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
1
It is around 400+ miles a day. A bit high even with an early enough start each day if you are OK with that. It isn't going to be much sightseeing, regardless of good or bad weather. I don't think you are crazy no. But not really a pleasure trip, more of a 'get there in a reasonable time and feeling quite tired at the end of it' chore.2
You are not crazy but you should be careful. It all depends on weather and you would be wise to keep an eye on it before setting out and while you're on your trip. So far, it's been an easy winter for most of the country with temperatures hovering about 20 degrees F above normal. If this continues, you will have a pretty easy drive. I-70 is a good choice but I'm not sure if it's worth taking a different route to avoid a storm. If you do encounter some snow, you would be better off hunkering down in a motel until the storm blows by in a day or so. Our storms tend to sweep across the country fairly quickly and there's usually plenty of warning.3
Fly or take your time and don't kill yourself on the road keeping to the time pressure.It is only an educated guess what the weather will be.
Here is a good visual for you to use: http://radar.weather.gov/Conus/full_lite_loop.php
Other advice is perfect. The interstates are open 98% of the time and are plowed faithfully.
5
The current weather report for northern New Mexico/southern Colorado is for 13F degrees at night next Sunday and Monday, with daytime temperatures in the low 30sF degrees. The storm may reach further north in Colorado, such as the Denver area. Be sure to have chains for the rear tires in case of icy conditions.6
I assume you will rent a car. A front wheel drive handles better in snow, and do not bother with a 4X4 they only make you FEEL safer. A rental may not allow chains, better check first. And as I always advise, buy a bag of kitty litter; it may help with traction if it gets slippy slidey on the road. There is a bad streatch of I-70 between say the Kansas border and Limon CO. if the wind is blowing and it is snowing, sometimes results in a "white-out" (snow being blown sideways) and you loose your sense of direction. If so best to exit the road and find a motel for a day or so.On the plus side December is a low snow month.
