Assist with a drive from Phoenix up to CO. (Durango: to rent, live)

[Countryfreak]

Originally Posted by KSinmyrearviewmirror

FYI: the end of June coincides with wheat harvest across KS, with custom harvesters headed N into NE. Not a problem on Interstate, but you can get behind trucks hauling grain to storage silos in towns on 2-lane highways.

An acquaintance, Ted Cable, has written a guide to I-70. I've bought the wife a copy, but haven't read it myself:

https://www.amazon.com/Driving-acros.../dp/0700612602

Along I-70, it should be made a point to stop in Lucas, KS, to see the Garden of Eden.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHFHK6sN85I

I've driven across NE, Scottsbluff => Lincoln, @ night, in a Blizzard. Can't rec that. We've taken in the sand hill crane migration along the Platte. Have been to https://www.nps.gov/home/index.htm Homestead Nat'l. Historic Park &
https://www.mindennebraska.org/201/Pioneer-Village, the latter was not our cup of tea.

LOL. I like that user name. Now I want to sing the old Mac Davis song. I'm only going to do a short section of 70 then move up to 80. I live in the middle of farm country in VA and if you do not like getting behind all the farm equipment on 2 lane roads then you definitely don't want to be in my area. Thanks for the info.

[waltcolorado]

Another option that wont involve a lot of walking.. It does not involve Pagosa Sprngs, dont know if that is important.

Durango - Silverton - Ouray - Ridgway - Montrose - Delta. At Delta, take 92/ 133 through Panoia to Carbondale

If you get in a hurry, hit I70 at Glenwood Springs. Nice drive through Glenwood canyon, Vail, etc. But if not in a hurry, take 82 to Aspen.

82 continues from Aspen to Twin lakes but slight caution.. This road is closed October to May and its a curvy, sometimes narrow but really scenic road over the continental divide. I probably would avoid the road from Aspen to Twin lakes on a weekend.

From Twin Lakes, head North on 24 through Leadville to I70

[Countryfreak]

Originally Posted by hikernut

I hadn't noticed your comment about a walking disability. In that case Desert View is probably not a good choice. There are a few other viewpoints west of there which have much shorter walks. You'll be there early enough to beat the crowds, I'd think.

I can walk just not for a long time and walking/running was part of my career for nearly 40 years. Now, not so much. Would Desert View still be a good stop for views and some pics or is walking some distance still necessary? I am rethinking staying closer to Flagstaff and areas for an extra day then riding over to Pagosa the next. Meaning I may have more time to see things. The AZ/CO area is just drawing me more than the rest of my ride back east.

[Countryfreak]

Originally Posted by waltcolorado

Another option that wont involve a lot of walking.. It does not involve Pagosa Sprngs, dont know if that is important.

Durango - Silverton - Ouray - Ridgway - Montrose - Delta. At Delta, take 92/ 133 through Panoia to Carbondale

If you get in a hurry, hit I70 at Glenwood Springs. Nice drive through Glenwood canyon, Vail, etc. But if not in a hurry, take 82 to Aspen.

82 continues from Aspen to Twin lakes but slight caution.. This road is closed October to May and its a curvy, sometimes narrow but really scenic road over the continental divide. I probably would avoid the road from Aspen to Twin lakes on a weekend.

From Twin Lakes, head North on 24 through Leadville to I70

Thanks WaltColorado. So wish I could stay in that region for a week then teleport home back to VA when it is time.

[hikernut]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

I can walk just not for a long time and walking/running was part of my career for nearly 40 years. Now, not so much. Would Desert View still be a good stop for views and some pics or is walking some distance still necessary?

The walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint at Desert View looks like about 1/4 mile on Google Maps. There are a few other viewpoints just west of there where you can park very close to good views. Desert View has the watchtower, which is kind of cool. But if you just want some good views of the canyon all of the viewpoints are great.

[Countryfreak]

Originally Posted by hikernut

The walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint at Desert View looks like about 1/4 mile on Google Maps. There are a few other viewpoints just west of there where you can park very close to good views. Desert View has the watchtower, which is kind of cool. But if you just want some good views of the canyon all of the viewpoints are great.

Sounds good and thanks.

[Sunbiz1]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

The plan is to head to Colorado Springs and start on 70 but I'll make way NE up to 80. I've driven 70 so now want to try 80 for a bit. I realize it is mostly open flat farm land which I am okay with. Just want a different scenery.

I did a similar drive recently, from Co Springs to Chicago.
From Limon took I-70 east, but not for long; right after crossing the border I went north through Colby, KS.
20 miles further north is highway 36, known as the Pony Express highway; roughly 400 miles of zero traffic and few gas stations all the way into Missouri. There are a number of parks with historical facts and such along the way. It's a rare glimpse into what rural America still is, and farmers everywhere on tractors; who always wave hello as though you were their neighbor.

Then if you still wish to use I-80, U.S. 35 north to I-80 in Iowa.
And if possible, checkout Canon city area; really liked that town. As suggested by others I came through Royal Gorge, all the way from Ouray over Monarch Pass.

[Countryfreak]

Originally Posted by Sunbiz1

I did a similar drive recently, from Co Springs to Chicago.
From Limon took I-70 east, but not for long; right after crossing the border I went north through Colby, KS.
20 miles further north is highway 36, known as the Pony Express highway; roughly 400 miles of zero traffic and few gas stations all the way into Missouri. There are a number of parks with historical facts and such along the way. It's a rare glimpse into what rural America still is, and farmers everywhere on tractors; who always wave hello as though you were their neighbor.

Then if you still wish to use I-80, U.S. 35 north to I-80 in Iowa.
And if possible, checkout Canon city area; really liked that town. As suggested by others I came through Royal Gorge, all the way from Ouray over Monarch Pass.

I do plan on seeing Canon City based on recs on here. I also saw 36 and wondered about it. I saw 34 as well which is a little north and mostly parallels 36 as well. Will need some places for stops for food and moving these legs a little and it seems both have these. Thanks as well.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

Thanks Stealth. Lot's of good info. If money was no issue then it would be easier to stay out longer and see more but life will await me. ....

This route can done in a long day from PHX to Pagosa. (No significant delay to your current trip)

• Cottonwood,
• *Jerome (Optional for sunrise)
• #Sedona,
• Flagstaff
• #Monument Valley (can See from car)
• *Natural Bridges (very small park, short hikes - really scenic road between Monument Valley and Natural Bridges) There were less than 20 guests at Natural Bridges on the same day there were capacity crowds at Arches.
• *Bear's Ears (Nat Mon) Regional vista views
• *Four Corners (or direct backroads to Cortez) - but tough to miss Arches (Really a nice park to view via car) and Canyonlands (pretty huge park, with a few vistas across the street from Arches) while you are so close.
• *Mesa Verde (significant hiking involved, best view for mobility impaired is via National Parks documentary) https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-nat...rks/mesa-verde
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu4XQZVtSo0
• #Durango
• #Pagosa...

Hit the #items (very little trip delay, worth the sights via car)

Decide on available time frame (enroute) for * items.

The side trips along I-70 and I-80 can be done in 5 min, or 4 hrs, depending on your daylight and need for an occasional break. I really like the Windmill State wayside in NE (it is at a I-80- rest stop) Exit 285

UNL Dairy Store is a 10 min detour (during operating hours), https://dairystore.unl.edu/ but you can swing right by the state capital on your way to UNL (Short cut from west Lincoln since I-80 goes around to the north) and see a '7 wonders of Nebraska!' (If you don't have time for the free tour, probably on YouTube)..
Nebraska Virtual Capitol

Enjoy the trip, yes, mowing calls (even today). We have (12) rural properties spread across USA and they can be 'needy', but gives me a chance to travel (for free). Each has a bunkhouse / cabin and a shop for me to stay when I happen to be in the area. Gonna be a heck of an estate sale(s) tractors, dozers, mowers, machine shops, welders, vintage motorcycles, and $35 cars that run on free fuel.

[KSinmyrearviewmirror]

https://www.city-data.com/forum/kans...-36-nw-ks.html