When we leave Florida, we will be heading west through Texas and onto Albuquerque. At that point we will be heading north. The most direct route is through Denver going to Sweet Grass, MT. I am also considering an optional route going through Salt Lake City. Has anyone taken this route. Opinions. How much extra mountain driving would I be giving myself?

I have done both routs I prefer Denver. I do not like the salt lake route. With that said the Salt flats are pretty impressive. Other than that both routs have their mountains. My preference is through Denver. I pull a 24ft FW.

If you want to avoid mountains go further north, cross the Mississippi in Iowa (avoiding St Louis) and west from there missing most mountainous areas all together until northern WY or western MT. If you go thru the Black Hills you'll see a few big hills.This involves a lot of Interstate hopping in the midsection of the country--I75-I64->I-65-I-74 to Iowa. But it's flat. You can get on I-80 and stay there or hop up to I-90 which runs you right thru MT. We've taken that route a number of times whenever we are going to the northern tier.

I'd take Denver over Salt Lake City any day.

agesilaus wrote:If you want to avoid mountains go further north, cross the Mississippi in Iowa (avoiding St Louis) and west from there missing most mountainous areas all together until northern WY or western MT. But,, where would you get great green chili salsa if you don't go thru Albuquerque?

My personal preference going north from Albuquerque is US 285, not I-25. You will cross Poncha Pass, Trout Creek Pass, and Kenosha Pass, all easy with an RV. In Denver, take C-470 to I-70, to I-76, to I-25, which takes you around the northwest side of the city. Dakota Ridge RV Park is just off C-470, if you need an overnight stop. Or you could stay at Bear Creek Lake Park (look up "City of Lakewood Parks and Rec"), which is right at the interchange of US 285 and C-470. Then you would be close enough to have dinner at the Morrison Inn (Mexican) or The Fort (for buffalo or elk steak).

Optional routes | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

obgraham
Explorer
Apr 06, 2018
I'd take Denver over Salt Lake City any day.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Apr 06, 2018
If you want to avoid mountains go further north, cross the Mississippi in Iowa (avoiding St Louis) and west from there missing most mountainous areas all together until northern WY or western MT. If you go thru the Black Hills you'll see a few big hills.

This involves a lot of Interstate hopping in the midsection of the country--I75-I64->I-65-I-74 to Iowa. But it's flat. You can get on I-80 and stay there or hop up to I-90 which runs you right thru MT. We've taken that route a number of times whenever we are going to the northern tier.
diazr2
Explorer
Apr 06, 2018
I have done both routs I prefer Denver. I do not like the salt lake route. With that said the Salt flats are pretty impressive. Other than that both routs have their mountains. My preference is through Denver. I pull a 24ft FW.

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Optional routes

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