PA to Mesa Verde.

AGC wrote:

I would love to take some of the suggested routes (i.e. RT36, RT50, etc.),

especially if it has a more scenic drive but

I don't have a lot of time off so was hoping to take the most

direct/fastest route.

We have 2.5 weeks off and

plan to stop in
Colorado,
Utah,
Grand Canyon and
Las Vegas, with very limited time off I figured driving via interstate would be faster than state roads.

Busskipper wrote:


MAP

Living just south of you in Annapolis and having 4 Granddaughter's in Colorado this is the Route I'd advise. Faster - Gets' you on RT 36 so as to not be so boring - then will deliver you to Buena Vista - Montrose - Ouray - Telluride then Mesa Verde.

Easy enough - only one real Pass - Monarch - gets you into some of the Beauty of Colorado before delivering you to Mesa Verde.

Give it a look and it should compare well to most of the other route you will receive.

MAP

Best of Luck, if this works we can fill in a lot of the Blanks as you travel.

IMHO, this would be the MOST DIRECT and FASTEST.

I have driven out West on I-80 - I-70 - I-40 - I-10 and this is the Fastest most enjoyable drive to Colorado Period.......

Understand you will not drive that C at 75 and enjoy the drive - Most of RT 36 is 4 lanes high Speed - highway - it is Directer/Straighter than the I's so will save time with the shorter trip, Fewer Cities, will save time, Fewer trucks, will save time.

If you look at the Map I run a diagonal down to I-70 At Norton, before you get into Colorado. Then getting off at Limon and Taking RT 24 to Colorado Springs.

Then I offered you the Chance to Cool Off in Colorado before getting into the Heat of Mesa Verde.

I would also Suggest leaving MVNP to Monument Valley then to the North Rim - Less crowded - Cooler than the South rim.

I'd also suggest you save Vegas for a Winter Weekend - JUST TOO HOT. Usually in the winter you will find a special with flights and a room for less that you will pay in gas and RV site to get there. (Well that might be a slight exaggeration. . :W )

So after Zion I Run to get back into the Mountains and the Cool Crisp Nights.

Just a suggestion from someone who has done what you are trying and wished someone advised him not to.

JMHO,

Last thought - Have that C packed and ready so you can get off the Island and into PA that first Afternoon/Night - that 4-6 hours will make the whole drive out easier. So much easier to make that drive when it is just 2-300 miles shorter.

Best of Luck,