Southwest PA to Santa Cruz, CA

CA Traveler, thanks for the routing. Plans are also to take my very elderly handicapped parents who want to see for themselves what their grandson and wife are living like before they cash out(their wording), they have NO desire to fly.

cbshoestring, weather is always a concern of mine, especially going cross country. In mid May 2014 we hit snow nearing the Eisenhower Tunnel heading west on I-70, not much going up to the tunnel, but the next couple of miles going down the mountain after getting thru the tunnels was a white knuckler.

Thanks for all of the replies.

purplekeenah wrote:
I hear you on the tolls.......many times I've used I-70 to Indy, I-74 to Quad Cities to hit I-80. Weather definitely a concern out west on I-80, but what route would you take coming out of Arizona into California and up to Santa Cruz?

Can't help you that far west, never been past New Mexico.

Just thought a southern route might be cheaper, and a bit less weather-worry this time of year. Changing weather crossed my mind because I live only miles from you... 70 degree weather earlier this week... looking out the window at snow---30ish degrees.

If it's just a Santa Cruz visit then fly into San Jose.

Weather and tolls aside 80 is the most direct route. In the bay area take 680/280/880/17 to SC.

Check 40 for weather, 40/58/99/46/5/152 do not take 152 past 101/101 south/129/1.

Or 20/10/210/5 then follow above.

Be prepared for mountain driving unlike the east, this is a heads up for others. Be sure A/C's work, heater works, engine and tranny cooling, tires and brakes are all in good condition.

I hear you on the tolls.......many times I've used I-70 to Indy, I-74 to Quad Cities to hit I-80. Weather definitely a concern out west on I-80, but what route would you take coming out of Arizona into California and up to Santa Cruz?

purplekeenah wrote:
We've traveled out west as far as Salt Lake City on I-80, and Laughlin, NV taking a southern route on I-40. Our kids moved to the Santa Cruz, CA area, what is my best travel route for the second week of April?

Your and Mine might be different but for me I-70 to Indy to Hannibal to Rt 36 to Golden to I-15 to Vegas to Santa Cruz.

I'd tend to get lost a while in Colorado and Utah - even if you do not - spend time and at least to drive by the sights it will make for a more interesting trip.

BOL,

The direct route I-80, includes many tolls across Pa, OH, IN, etc... Plus, Look out your window GREENSBURG...weather in early April can be iffy.

I would be tempted to jump on I-70 in your back yard, over to Columbus, then down thru Cincy, Lousville, Nashville and take I-40 across. You could stay on I-70, but eventually you run out of road and would need to take 50 to Reno or drop down thru Vegas (or I guess go back north to I-90). Middle of the country can still be very iffy for weather, and I don't know anyone that calls I-70 a good route for crossing the country.

April is still Early in my book... High winds, sleet/snow, or just plain ol' spring rain...would make me want to take the southern most route.

Plus, did I mention TOLLS. It will cost you over $10.00 just to go from Irwin to Cranberry. What is that...35 miles?