I-70 from Denver, CO to Moab, UT

Easy drive. We take I70 west through the mountains probably a dozen times per year. Nothing to worry about.

There is a Walmart in Wheat Ridge off I70 and Youngfield, probably 15 miles closer than Evergreen. Only reason I mention it is there is a grocery store, liquor store, and a couple restaurants all in walking distance. There are always RVs parked in the lot. Might be a better option.

Last thing, is I would avoid I70 west past Denver on a Friday afternoon/evening, and don't come back east on a Sunday night. Way too much traffic during those times.

First hour out of Denver is almost all uphill going from Denver at about 5500' up to the tunnel at what must be around 10,000'. The last few miles to the tunnel are the real killers. Thin air & deceptively steep grade makes you think something is wrong with your engine.

The Vail pass is a piece of cake after Loveland pass but the grade going up past Copper Mtn is pretty steep too.

Don't try to be the fastest goat up the hill & don't be the fastest one down the hill either. They have runaway ramps on the side for a reason. Don't be needing one.

Just west of Denver there is a section of 70 called Floyed Hill. Nasty. Avoid it by taking the easier grade & much more scenic route through Golden & up Clear Creek Canyon. It will dump you back on 70 a little east of Idaho Springs. Lots of twists & turns but well worth it for the scenery.

When you get closer to Moab, take scenic Hwy 128 down to Hwy 191, rather than driving I-70 all the way to Hwy 191. Hwy 128 goes along the Colorado River.

Good summary by naturist. We lived in CO and did the route many times.

I would not worry about the road - it is interstate and grades limited (supposedly) to 6%; I think that is about right. And wide and all that. But you will be climbing to 11,000 feet a couple of times and I am wondering about your class C engine capabilities.

If it is gas you lose about 4% of the power with each 1000 foot elevation - that is what I have heard many times although I cannot document it. I will tell you we drove a rented class C, no toad, west from Denver many years ago (before we true rv'ers and understood mountain driving) and I actually stopped west of Denver to check and see if we had brakes that locked up and the engine was coming to near standstill!

You might have to disconnect the Fusion and drive it separately on occasion.

Also, not sure when you would be going to weather is definitely a factor.

naturist wrote:
Uh, yep, I-70 between Denver and Moab contains some mountainous terrain. Highway crests about 11,000 feet a couple times. Some 6% grades. I see you are from the midwestern plains, so expect it to be an adventure. Make sure your brakes are in good shape, and be sure to downshift and use engine braking as much as possible. Pay attention to what the 18 wheelers do.

I've done that route, it is absolutely beautiful, you will love it. Don't forget to stop several places along the way to soak up the views.

Ditto good brakes and low gear don't be in a hurry there long steep hills to climb and go down

Uh, yep, I-70 between Denver and Moab contains some mountainous terrain. Highway crests about 11,000 feet a couple times. Some 6% grades. I see you are from the midwestern plains, so expect it to be an adventure. Make sure your brakes are in good shape, and be sure to downshift and use engine braking as much as possible. Pay attention to what the 18 wheelers do.

I've done that route, it is absolutely beautiful, you will love it. Don't forget to stop several places along the way to soak up the views.