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BigMac's avatar
BigMac
Explorer
Jan 25, 2015

Vernal, UT to Laramie, WY via US-40E thru Steamboat Springs

We will be traveling from Vernal, UT to Curt Gowdy SP between Laramie and Cheyenne, WY late August, and MS Streets and Trips recommended to take US-191 from Vernal up to I-80 and then east to our destination. US-191 has a pretty steep climb on the way to I-80, but I've been told by people on the forum that it's very doable. I just went to the Good Sam trip planning site, and it recommended taking US-40 east out of Vernal thru Steamboat Springs, CO and Rabbit Ears Pass, and then head NE on CO-14 / 125 / 127 to eventually connect with I-80E near Laramie. Sure is a lot shorter route than heading north on 191. Can anyone comment on the roads recommended by Good Sam? I saw that the downslope on US-40 thru Rabbit Ears Pass is a 5-6% grade, just wondering how the road is and any concern areas. Thanks
Roads and Routes
  • BigMac's avatar
    BigMac
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2015
    Great feedback. Thanks! This is the beginning of our homeward segment to a 5-week western swing that begins on a more northerly westward heading thru SD, WY and ID then down to southern reaches in UT before heading back east via Cheyenne and then up into NE (Scotts Bluff NM, Chimney Rock, etc.) before finally making our way back to Cincinnati. It’ll be a great trip and drive. Can’t wait for the start. Thanks.
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2015
    I'd take US 40 to Steamboat Springs as several others have suggested, a much nicer route and traffic is light. Stop at Dinosaur NP (NM?) over in CO if you hadn't already been there on your visit in Vernal. Steamboat is a nice town, the route in WY on I-80 is pretty boring and really not any faster.
  • 4runnerguy's avatar
    4runnerguy
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2015
    The grade up out of Steamboat Springs has a passing lane on the steeper grades most of the way, so even if you're slow, it's easy for people to get around you. You turn onto CO 14 near the top of Muddy Pass, so you won't be on the downgrade on US 40. CO 14 drops gently into Walden. The roads through here are rolling through a high, sparsely populated intermontane valley dotted with cattle ranches. The climb out of CO into WY and down into Laramie is on a two lane, lightly travelled road. A few services in Walden, but otherwise pretty lonely on this route. I've been on I-80 so many times, I'd choose the route through Steamboat Spgs. for the scenery.
  • Busskipper's avatar
    Busskipper
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2015
    You are out West to see it, Right?

    Vernal through Steamboat is a Beautiful drive that I think I've takes 5-6 times loved it each time. Loved it even more when popped into a few (most) of the Great Colorado State Parks along the way.

    IMHO it;s a no brainer - See the West while in the West.

    BOL,
  • IDman's avatar
    IDman
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2015
    My vote goes to N. of Vernal to I-80, as then you will make better time and I guarantee you a tail wind when you are on I-80. The view will be semis, high desert, antelope, and a few elk.

    Going the other way, east of Vernal, will give you a much more scenic drive BUT will be slower because of curves, climbs, and other RVs.

    Both drives will be enjoyable for their own virtues.

    Have fun!

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