Northeast to California

[Johnny]

This isn't until next year, but it's in the planning stages. My sister lives in Rickmond, CA (near Oakland), and I'm considering a trip out. I'll be taking the highways...the plan is I-84 into PA, I-80 to Cleveland, south to I-74 to avoid the high tolls on the Ohio Turnpike & Indiana Tollway, as well as dodging Chicago. Other than that...uhh, help? What's the best route from there?

[GaryKD]

Hi Johnny,
I understand your concern about the tools. However, you'll spend some $s in additional fuel costs double backing to I80. It comes down to personal preference. If you're not interested in anything, but getting to Oakland, consider staying on I80 and paying the tolls. Time your passing through Chicago to avoid the rush times and you should be fine.

If you want to see some sights along the way, That will dictate where you'll double back to get to I80. An example might be a stop at Rocky Mountain National Park. Pick up I70 in Columbus, Ohio and take it to Denver. Go North on I25 to Rt 34. Rt 34 West into RMNP. After your visit, take RT 40 over to Salt Lake City and pick up I80 there.

[skigramp]

Johnny ...

There are lots of things to see in the Midwest, Midlands, and West

St. Louis --> Gateway Arch & Museum,
South Dakota --> Black Hills and Badlands,
Wyoming --> Yellowstone Park and Tetons,
Idaho --> Snake River Boat Rides,
Colorado --> Rocky Moundtain National Park,
Utah --> Arches, Zion, Capital Reef, and Bryce Canyon National Park,
Arizona --> Grand Canyon and Sonora Desert,
Oregon --> Mulholland Falls,
California --> Kings Canyon, Yosemite, Sequoia, Redwoods, Sonoma wineries, Big Sur,

You can't see them all .. but choosing a route which lets you see some of them is way more important than avoiding an hour or so of heavy traffic in Chicago ... at least in my way of thinking ...

[MonacoMama]

I would think time of year would also dictate which roads to travel on...BTW.. You can always go to the wineries while visiting your sister if you choose to... they are close enough!
Enjoy your visit!

MM
PS...I was born in Richmond..and grew up near there....