Leaving end of June and driving from treasure coast area to Mesa Verde. Want to drive as much as possible on the front end to maximize our time out west. What is the simplest route to travel, I-10 or was thinking of going up to Memphis and across on 40. Any other routes recommended? We are traveling in a 35'motorhome and towing a car. We have 20 days, are driving one way and flying home...have 2 kids ages 14 and 11.Much thanks in advance. Also,how much time should we allow to get there without killing ourselves in driving, driving, driving...

I-10 to I-25 in New Mexico then at Alburquerque get on US 285N to US 160W in Colorado. Follow that west to Mesa Verde. When were were pushing hard at the front end we'd usually end up east of Houston on day one (starting from Gainesville area) Then day would put us west of San Antonio and Day three in New Mexico. Those were long days on the road, start at 8 AM at the latest and drive to 8-9 PM. Minimize stops for anything other than fuel.On one trip when we had reservations in Yosemite (which are very hard to get) we were delayed starting for two days. We really pushed hard and were in Yosemite by midday on day 4.

I-75 to I-10 to Mobile. US-98 to US-49 to I-20. Get around/thru Dallas and take US-287 to I-40. I-40 to I-25 to US-550 to US-160 to Mesa Verde. 2095 miles.We have driven all of this route although not all in one trip and never trying to make the best time.

I-10. Suggestion: last time I did that, around New Orleans I got on I-12. Kind of a bypass that ends with I-10. Better road than I-10.

jerseyjim wrote:I-10. Suggestion: last time I did that, around New Orleans I got on I-12. Kind of a bypass that ends with I-10. Better road than I-10.That's true, I never drive thru New Orleans. As for traveltrailer's route, that is the way we would go but I gave you the other route since it has fewer road changes.

firefly925 wrote:Leaving end of June and driving from treasure coast area to Mesa Verde. Want to drive as much as possible on the front end to maximize our time out west. What is the simplest route to travel, I-10 or was thinking of going up to Memphis and across on 40. Any other routes recommended? We are traveling in a 35'motorhome and towing a car. We have 20 days, are driving one way and flying home...have 2 kids ages 14 and 11.Much thanks in advance. Also,how much time should we allow to get there without killing ourselves in driving, driving, driving...Look over this route - slips by many of the big cities - uses a few non Interstate roads - lets you come into Colorado on Rt 160.Option for Destin to Cortez.Texarkana will allow you to Miss Dallas on through Paris, TX - then to Amarillo then up to Walsenburg, taking Rt 160 across some beautiful country to Mesa Verde.I would try to start early - possibly right after work for your first day - adding that 4-5 hours (possibly just sliding into a Wall*Mart for that first night) will make a big difference on the total drive, making it "Possible" to get there in "4" more good driving days. (My total drive is 1600 miles so if you get 200 miles in then 350 a day will get you there in 4, easy days)Where are you flying out from?Is Mesa Verde the Only Destination?This route will get you close to Sand Dunes NP - Pagosa Springs - Durango - Silverton and the Silverton RR - San Juan's, So you might be able to explore a few of the other sites, as you drive to Mesa Verde. If your plan is to Head towards Denver to Fly out, then you will have a variety of options for that drive, we'll wait for more info before we go into that.Get back to us for more info, Best of Luck,On Edit-Sorry left out the 500 miles to get to the Pan Handle of Florida - So it may be Drive - Drive - Drive, but the route is still good once you leave florida.

Easiest Route from FL to Mesa Verde | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

jerseyjim
Explorer
Feb 25, 2017
I-10. Suggestion: last time I did that, around New Orleans I got on I-12. Kind of a bypass that ends with I-10. Better road than I-10.
trailertraveler
Explorer
Feb 25, 2017
I-75 to I-10 to Mobile. US-98 to US-49 to I-20. Get around/thru Dallas and take US-287 to I-40. I-40 to I-25 to US-550 to US-160 to Mesa Verde. 2095 miles.

We have driven all of this route although not all in one trip and never trying to make the best time.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Feb 25, 2017
I-10 to I-25 in New Mexico then at Alburquerque get on US 285N to US 160W in Colorado. Follow that west to Mesa Verde.

When were were pushing hard at the front end we'd usually end up east of Houston on day one (starting from Gainesville area) Then day would put us west of San Antonio and Day three in New Mexico. Those were long days on the road, start at 8 AM at the latest and drive to 8-9 PM. Minimize stops for anything other than fuel.

On one trip when we had reservations in Yosemite (which are very hard to get) we were delayed starting for two days. We really pushed hard and were in Yosemite by midday on day 4.

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Easiest Route from FL to Mesa Verde

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