Easiest route Denver to Seattle

[NWGetaways]

I-25 to I-90, or I-80 to Salt Lake and then I-84?

I'm doing a solo run to Denver and then towing my new (to me) 22FB back to Seattle area. Not sightseeing, just looking for the easiest, flattest route. I think it's I-25/I-90.

I tried googling around but I haven't found a source that shows mountain passes on interstates.

Thanks!

[mojo]

I-80/84 is the path of least resistance.

[jmcarter]

I'd only add that you'll save time picking up Hwy 30 outside of Little America. Cabbage Hill going into Pendelton is particularly treacherous when freezing temps and fog...and of course people going way too fast for those conditions.

[aftermath]

I have driven the I-25/I-90 route and it is pretty good all the way. The pass at Butte is rather steep but is in good shape and not real scary. After that is Lookout pass in Montana, not as high but has a steep runup from the East. A couple of months ago it was under construction but I think they are done with it. In Idaho you will have to go over Fourth of July Pass and it is rather easy. Your toughest challenge just might be the pull from the Columbia up Vantage Hill but I am sure you have done this before.

I have also driven the I-84/80 route but only from Salt Lake City. I don't have any experience with the passes between there and Denver. The hill coming down into Pendleton is a big one very similar to the Clarkston Grade if you have ever been on that. If the weather is clear it isn't a problem. Just gear down and go slow. Very beautiful country to see.

We picked up our trailer in Boise and stayed a night in LaGrande. If you are coming from Denver the KOA in Billings is nice and is the original one in the entire chain. At this time of the year, a lot of campgrounds are closing so you might want to call ahead if you are looking for a place like that for the night. Good luck and have fun.

Dick

[OTRA15]

The 80/84 route seems safer to count on at this time of year IMO. I-90 gets you north into country with earlier snowfall, doesn't it? If you are sticking to Interstate highways, the issue of high passes should not really be much of a factor for capable tow vehicles. What time of year are you going, soon?

Have a great trip!

[NWGetaways]

I'm leaving tomorrow. Thanks everyone!

I have driven I-90 many times, but not I-25 through Wyoming. Likewise I-84 to Salt Lake but not Salt Lake to Denver.

I think I might just do both. Go I-90/25 solo from Seattle and then I-80/84 coming back full. YOLO!

[OTRA15]

Sounds like a good plan.

YOLO indeed.

OTRA!

[On The Road Again!]

Thanks Willie for a great song . . .

[tjdonahoe]

Either way the weather is nice, wheatland usually has wind,good drive either way, with truck stops along the way....

[Seabloom]

Just a note that I learned this summer. If you use google earth and create a route, you can right click on your route and it will show you the elevation profile (grades incline or decline). I was going to take my AS up to crater lake and was looking for the best route.

[OTRA15]

Good suggestion -- Google Maps shows a topo map image if you toggle on Terrain in the Menu options in the upper left sidebar, complete with elevation contours.

[Thiatt55]

The Freeway

[phann]

The InRoute ap also provides a graph of elevations along the section of your route that is visible on the screen.

[kpetchulat]

Traveled 80 from Salt Lake to Omaha....had construction along the way but cannot remember exactly where. Traffic moved fine but still construction.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by NWGetaways

I'm leaving tomorrow. Thanks everyone!

I have driven I-90 many times, but not I-25 through Wyoming. Likewise I-84 to Salt Lake but not Salt Lake to Denver.

I think I might just do both. Go I-90/25 solo from Seattle and then I-80/84 coming back full. YOLO!

I see from your new thread that you are back with the 22FB! Curious what route you took and what the weather was like.

Good luck lowering that dinette table!

Peter

[NWGetaways]

I did the loop. Down through Idaho and Wyoming, and then back through Wyoming to I-90.

For just burning miles I-80/I-25 is an easier drive, but it's not very scenic. North on I-25 to I-90 and then west was a more interesting drive for me. But I made the round trip in six days, so I didn't do much sightseeing.