road altitudes
as our old RV (and us) don't like crossing mountains... what is the lowest altitude going from the west coast to the east coast across the mountains. i was told that I10 is flat but elpaso is 4000 f...
Forum Discussion
El Paso is on the Rio Grande River, which flows from southern Colorado south to the border, and then SE to the Gulf. So it has to be lower than anything upstream. Considering that Denver is 5000' (mile high city), and much of Wyoming is in the 7-8000' level, it is hard to think of anything that could be lower than El Paso.
Now the actual continental divide on I10 is further west, but the grades are gentle.
As for US2 in the north, the continental divide is Marias Pass just south of Glacier Nat. park. On Google Maps (Terrain mode) I see it is about 5200'. This is the lowest pass in the northern USA Rockies. Stevens Pass in Washington is in the Cascade Mtns, and is about 4200'. I90 Snoqualamie Pass is lower, and I84 through the Columbia River Gorge is a near sealevel route through the Cascades.
But important distinction for the OP should be, is it altitude or grades that are a problem. Pre fuel injection gas motors do loose power with altitude, though retuning can improve performance. More modern ones with fuel injectors and computer controls can compensate for the lower air density, so the effect is not so noticeable.
But apparently some humans do have problems breathing at high altitudes. Everyone gets short of breath at 10,000', but for a few 5000' may pose problems. But those individuals should be aware that airplane cabin pressure might be as low as 6000-8000' equivalent. So a person who has problems living in Denver, would also have problems flying almost anywhere.
Grades are a different matter. And as long as an RV stays on freeways, it shouldn't have problems with any cross country route. But overall I'd rank I10 as easiest, followed by I8 (some grades in Calif), I40, I80/I84, I80, I90, with I70 as most strenuous (west of Denver).
I see the OP flies the Canadian flag. Kicking Horse Pass on the AB/BC border is 5300', with Calgary aroung 3500'. Crowsnest Pass (Hwy3) is lower at 4300', with barely noticeable grades. 16 through Jasper does not get above 4000' (1200m).
Now the actual continental divide on I10 is further west, but the grades are gentle.
As for US2 in the north, the continental divide is Marias Pass just south of Glacier Nat. park. On Google Maps (Terrain mode) I see it is about 5200'. This is the lowest pass in the northern USA Rockies. Stevens Pass in Washington is in the Cascade Mtns, and is about 4200'. I90 Snoqualamie Pass is lower, and I84 through the Columbia River Gorge is a near sealevel route through the Cascades.
But important distinction for the OP should be, is it altitude or grades that are a problem. Pre fuel injection gas motors do loose power with altitude, though retuning can improve performance. More modern ones with fuel injectors and computer controls can compensate for the lower air density, so the effect is not so noticeable.
But apparently some humans do have problems breathing at high altitudes. Everyone gets short of breath at 10,000', but for a few 5000' may pose problems. But those individuals should be aware that airplane cabin pressure might be as low as 6000-8000' equivalent. So a person who has problems living in Denver, would also have problems flying almost anywhere.
Grades are a different matter. And as long as an RV stays on freeways, it shouldn't have problems with any cross country route. But overall I'd rank I10 as easiest, followed by I8 (some grades in Calif), I40, I80/I84, I80, I90, with I70 as most strenuous (west of Denver).
I see the OP flies the Canadian flag. Kicking Horse Pass on the AB/BC border is 5300', with Calgary aroung 3500'. Crowsnest Pass (Hwy3) is lower at 4300', with barely noticeable grades. 16 through Jasper does not get above 4000' (1200m).
