Delaware to GC. What should I know before I go?

If time allows, take old ROUTE 66 through Missouri and Oklahoma. It parallels the Interstate, and there are a lot more places to see. And traffic is a lot better.

With a drive this long there isn't a 'best'. Mapping programs give you the shortest, or the fastest - based on assumptions about speed on various segments. Generally freeways are given the highest speed, so the route will be dominated by that kind of driving.

Try putting in some intermediate destinations, an see how that affects distance and time. Also think in terms of segments. For example if Oklahoma City is your first major destination, you could just as easily take I70 across Ohio and Indiana, as I40 further south.

I40 from OK to Arizona is a logical choice, since there aren't a lot of alternatives. But even there you can vary the route.

Don't forget to stop at the "Big Texan" in Amarillo and take the "Steak Challenge".

"Best route" is subjective based on your preferrences. We prefer the U.S. highways to the interstate. West of St. Louis; US-50,54,56,&400 would take you West and hook back into I-40. There are palces like Dodge City, the underground city in Ellinwood, Dorthy's House in Liberal, KS and Tucumcari to see along the way.

If you do go to Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon is worth a visit.

If you have the time in the Flagstaff area there is Sunset Crater National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, and Walnut Canyon National Monument. Lots lots more not too far south in the Sedona/Camp Verde area.

Thanks for replies. Just for clarification, the cities mentioned in my opening post were just to outline the route. We have no reason to stop in any of them, unless there is something we should really stop to see. Our first destination is the Grand Canyon; checking in to the campground on the 6th. Only other planned stop is Co. Springs on the 11th. After that, ???

Durango and Silverton Colorado and Taos New Mexico.

Don't miss the Durango&Silverton Railroad, Mesa Verda, and a great meal at 'The Big Texan" in Amarillo. Take US & State routes when your not in a hurry. That's where you see the real USA. Have a great Adventure!

'

Most of the natural beauty will be on the route from GC to CS.

Once you've crossed the eastern mountains, the drive is mostly flat till you get to New Mexico. Even then I40 crosses the continental divide on a broad upland. The Flagstaff area is the highest you'll get on the freeway coming west.

And going the other direction, the terrain is flat as you head east from CS.

In the flat parts the scenic stuff is mostly man made (e.g. old tourist stuff on historic US66) and around river crossings.

Bill S. wrote:
First trip ever, to G.C. and Colorado Springs. S&T mapped out a route along I-70 I-40; Columbus - St Louis - Springfield - Oklahoma City - Amarillo - Albequerque - Williams - GC.

Is this the best route, and are there any concerns I should be aware of? Once we leave GC, we will be going to Colorado Springs.

We'd like to see more of the natural beauty of the area, but won't have time to go further west of the GC and still make C.S. by the date we need to, so any suggestions of where to go after leaving Colorado would be great.

Oh, we will be driving the 36' diesel with a Jeep Cherokee in tow.

Couple of important questions; How much time are you allowing? Who are the travelers, any kids or just you or you and the DW? Would you like to get that 4X4 out off the road? or would you like to just drive by? Or is the trip just to see the Grand Canyon and Colorado Springs?

Bill S. wrote:
Thanks for replies. Just for clarification, the cities mentioned in my opening post were just to outline the route. We have no reason to stop in any of them, unless there is something we should really stop to see. Our first destination is the Grand Canyon; checking in to the campground on the 6th. Only other planned stop is Co. Springs on the 11th. After that, ???

I'm going to make a couple of assumptions -- you are already on the road and the GC is in your sights? if that is the case let me comment on the exit of the GC to CS -- Follow Rt 64 out of the GC heading East to Page or Monument Valley to Beautiful spots Try to catch Mexican Hat then head to Telluride in the San Juan's to Ouray then maybe Silverton on to Gunnison/Crested Butte maybe Lake City -- over to Buena Vista then Rt 24 into the Springs -- after being in the San Juan's and along the Arkansas River the Springs will have very limited star power unless you are visiting someone their. (JMHO)

When leaving CS just head out Rt 24 to Limon then catch I-70 back home -- often I'll head up Kansas Rt24 to Rt 36 this will allow me to get off the Interstate and pass through Hannibal and the Mississippi River before joining back up (I-72 & I-74 ) with I-70 in Indianapolis.

If we knew more of your actual plans we could be of more help-sounds like you have a great trip worked out -- Hard to leave Delaware this time of year -- IMHO Spring along with the Fall are the best times to be at the Beach.

If I can be of any help let me know -- have a great trip.

BOL,

Again, thanks for the ideas. Busskipper, to answer some of your questions, we are not on the road yet. This will be a June trip, so this is the planning stage. It would be just the DW and me. Reservations already at Grand Canyon RV Park, and Co Springs (Freightliner Rally). Other than that, we're open to suggestions. Sent you a pm with more details, so this doesn't get too wordy.

If we had time to take the 4WD Jeep off the main roads to visit out of the way places, I am all about doing that; especially in Colorado, but really anywhere. I lived in Colorado for a year (Denver/Colorado Springs) a looong time ago, when I was in the Air Force. Beautiful country.