Chicago to Cedar City, UT - route 70 or 80?

[USMCTruckerE5]

Looking to make a trip from Chicago to Cedar City, UT. Looking at the maps, can come across and stay on 70 through Denver or split off onto 80 and go north around through Salt Lake City-

Thoughts? Which is flatter? Mile diff only about 80 mile, time about 1 hour, but looking for thoughts on the drive.

[Puddles]

My experience on I 80 going west... semi's nose to tail going 80 MPH.

[USMCTruckerE5]

Many thanks for the info!

[Thom02099]

Highest point on I-80 is between Cheyenne and Laramie WY, at ~9600 feet and going westbound the climb is barely noticeable, it's that gradual. There's a decline into Laramie for about 7 miles, but it is not difficult at all. This is the highest point on the entire length of I-80.

I-70 gives you 3 climbs. The first is a long climb out of Denver up and over Floyd Hill and an impressive decline into Idaho Springs area. The 2nd is the climb from Silver Plume to the Johnson-Eisenhower Tunnels which tops out at over 11,000 feet and then a long downhill into Silverthorne. And then there is the climb up and over Vail Pass which also tops out at over 11,000 feet. These are the highest points on the entire length of I-70.

For easiest crossing, I-80 wins. For stunning views and vistas, can't beat I-70.

[richclover]

USMCTruckerE5 wrote:
Looking to make a trip from Chicago to Cedar City, UT. Looking at the maps, can come across and stay on 70 through Denver or split off onto 80 and go north around through Salt Lake City-

Thoughts? Which is flatter? Mile diff only about 80 mile, time about 1 hour, but looking for thoughts on the drive.

I-80 across WY to Park City, UT, then south to Heber City, Provo Canyon through Provo to join I-15. Phillips RV park in Evanston, WY, is an okay overnight, Cedar City the next day. Drive through Provo after 9 AM.

Happy Trails!

[bucky]

flattestroute.com is a good tool.

[USMCTruckerE5]

Thanks all!

[Dick_B]

I can't seem to find mine but Mountain Directory West may be helpful.

[AJR]

I80 is an easy drive. In fact a bit boring until you get into the mountains. I recall only one really long but not steep grade.

Just east of Salt Lake City. Off of I80 is Jordanelle State Park. A nice scenic park with boating & fishing. From there to Cedar City via I15 out of Salt Lake City is less than a day’s drive.

[cbshoestring]

First....I-26 from 80 down to 70 is a miserable, bumpy road.

Second...Check out a topographical map.
I-70 goes up and over. I-80 runs above the major peaks. This means the grades are steeper on 70. Whereas 80 tends to have longer, gradual climbs.

Once you hit Utah. 15 is a nice ride through the valley.

Either way.....watch the winds.

It snowed my last time...80 was closed and Denver got snow for graduation....yeah MAY.

[CA_Traveler]

The Eisenhower tunnel out of Denver is 11,000' if that's a concern.

[JRscooby]

Might want to try again on destination. As for flat, I 80 wins. Think Nebraska highway is in better shape.
If you prefer to take a different route coming and going, I avoid east bound Kansas.