NJ to Colorado Springs CO.

[Jbrie69]

This is my first big trip from Hamilton,NJ to Colorado Springs,CO. I Wasn't Shure to take Rt80 or Rt70, I'll be traveling with my wife and 2 teenage daughters mid July and was concerned with traffic on 70 and mountains but would like scenic, we are new to Class A and took a few 300 mile trips in our new to us 30' '98 Bounder,any help with a route would be appreciated.

[Chickadee]

Jbrie69:

G'morning. Well,.....if we were to make the run you're planning, we'd hop on I-70 and get over to Colorado without much delay since we'd want to spend the majority of our vacation time there. Not to deminish the "scenery" over your way, but, on either I-80 or I-70 there is just not much in the way of scenery until ya are approaching Colorado Springs (or Denver) and the rockies,....then.....it's fabulous.

You'll likely not encounter any worries about "mountains" (ie., mountain driving) the whole way unless you continue West from Colorado Springs. You didn't mention whether you'll be towing another vehicle, but we'd sure recommend it if not. Parking your rig in Colorado Springs, then touring into the mountains with a tow vehicle might be the way to go.

Have a great trip.

Steve & Lynette

[skigramp]

The only "mountains" that you will encounter on your trip will be in PA and WV ... and the people from out west consider them to be "hills"

The rest of the trip you will be travelling through the "bread basket" of this great country ... you will pass miles of fields of wheat, corn, and oats ... pastures with beef and dairy cattle ... that is where your bread, cheerios, prime rib, cheese, cornbread is grown ... it is not scenic in the photogenic sense ... but it pretty awesome to understand how the farmers and ranchers feed the people of the this (and other) country.

If you do not have a toad ... I suggest you rent a car when you arrive in Colorado Springs to do some touring ... Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge, Air Force Academy, Buena Vista area (14,000 ft peaks)

[skigramp]

I also forgot to mention that the I-70 route avoids the Chicago area which usually has heavy traffic, tolls, and construction (at least 2 of the 3)

This route takes you through St. Louis ... home of the Gateway arch and the wonderful museum of the Lewis and Clark expediton ...

[Jbrie69]

Thanks for the help,I'm going to try 70 to get there and if I don't like it I'll take 80 back. Half the fun in an RV is the journey.

[RVThere]

Jbrie69:

Once you get around Philly, take the PA Turnpike to I-70 and you'll have clear sailing!

If you have time, stop by the Gateway Arch and take the ride to the top. You will also pass Royals and Arrowhead stadiums in KC. After that, it's pretty desolate through Kansas, just watch for crosswinds.

I80 does not have much more to offer.

[High Plains]

If you do take 70 when you get to Limon, CO exit and take Hwy 24 to Colorado Springs it shortens your trip a lot and is a very easy road. PM me if you have any questions about the area, campgrounds etc.

[skigramp]

The Eisenhower Presidential Library is in Abilene, KS ... just off I-70

Eisenhower Library

I missed it ... and regret it ... I have been told it is one of the better presidential libraries ...

The Harry Truman presidential Library and family home are in Independence, MO ... it is amazing to see how simply Harry lived ... his coat is still hanging on the hook where he always hung it ...

Truman Library

[cutrell01]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jbrie69 This is my first big trip from Hamilton,NJ to Colorado Springs,CO. I Wasn't Shure to take Rt80 or Rt70, I'll be traveling with my wife and 2 teenage daughters mid July and was concerned with traffic on 70 and mountains but would like scenic, we are new to Class A and took a few 300 mile trips in our new to us 30' '98 Bounder,any help with a route would be appreciated.

I70 is your best bet. And, at Limon, Colorado take 24 to Colorado Springs unless you want to go thru Denver. At Limon there is a Pilot/Flying J truck stop that has good RV lanes with diesel, gas, water, LP gas, etc. Stopped there 2-3 years ago and it was a brand new station then. Going across Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and eastern Colorado will be fairly flat easy traveling. Might be windy in Kansas and Colorado. Several nice campgrounds around Colorado Springs if that is your finally destination west.

[4Knights]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skigramp The Eisenhower Presidential Library is in Abilene, KS ... just off I-70 Eisenhower Library I missed it ... and regret it ... I have been told it is one of the better presidential libraries ... The Harry Truman presidential Library and family home are in Independence, MO ... it is amazing to see how simply Harry lived ... his coat is still hanging on the hook where he always hung it ... Truman Library

Don't forget to stop at Fort Riley and visit this historic old post. Right off I70 past manhattan kansas. Custer was here the 9th & 10th Cavalry two nice museums www.riley.army.mil

[4Fun]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVThere Jbrie69: Once you get around Philly, take the PA Turnpike to I-70 and you'll have clear sailing! If you have time, stop by the Gateway Arch and take the ride to the top. You will also pass Royals and Arrowhead stadiums in KC. After that, it's pretty desolate through Kansas, just watch for crosswinds. I80 does not have much more to offer.

Ditto -- we drove to KC, MO from Southeastern PA via I-70 and it is smooth sailing and a straight shot.

[Jbrie69]

Thanks everyone for your great reply's. I was thinking route 80 to avoid the heat but looking at the weather maps today it looks like we’ll hit it either way and also every one suggests route 70.
Is there any places I should avoid at any certain time of day? We are leaving Thursday night or Friday morning.

[jojolima]

I would drive I70 all the way through Columbus, Ohio. I would avoid that area between 7 AM and 9 AM and also during the afternoon rush traffic. It is good road and not difficult, but it does get very busy at times. Do NOT take the bypass around Columbus. Adds miles and has more rush traffic than I 70.

[Jbrie69]

We are on the road PA was one lane construction a little of a pain but we did it at night, we are in Ohio now and will avoid the bypass, thanks for all the replys.