Best Route LA to Denver

Hey all you experienced drivers!

I have a refrigerated load going from LA to Denver coming up this week. The load is pretty light for a reefer load (30k lbs). I’ve seen a lot of warnings about taking I-70 through Colorado, but it seems that most of these warnings are for every time of the year outside of summer.

I do have some experience driving on grades, although I’m sure it doesn’t compare to Colorado. I’ve driven I-68 through Cumberland, MD at 80k lbs many times. I drove with my trainer west on I-70 in Colorado last year at 60k lbs gross, but I only drove a few miles west of Denver before my trainer took over and drove us to I-15.

So my question is, what is my best route to get from LA to Denver given the weight of my load and the time of year? Is the direct route on I-70 best? Should I take I-80 through Wyoming and then drop down on I-25? Or am I better off going I-40 to I-25?

 

Awesome, thanks for the insight!

 

Thank you! As of right now, the forecast seems good on the day(s) I would be passing through. I know how that can change though

 

That’s what I’ve heard. It seems at this time of year the general consensus is to take I-70. I think I’ll give it a shot

 

Truck and trailer just recently received inspections and had all issues corrected. So as far as I know, they should be in good shape. And yes, most definitely will be doing a thorough pre-trip!