California to Denver, I-70 or I-40?

Son, if you're dead it won't matter to you.

 

Dispatch gave us a team load from Los Angeles to Toronto. Said he really needed it to get there but I-40 had freezing rain and a blizzard on I-80 was coming to Wyoming.
I said no problem, we'll take I-70.
He panicked and said no one takes 70 in the winter time.
I said that's why I'll take it, less traffic!
We got through no problem.
But yeah, it depends on the weather forecast. I've known guys stuck there for 20 inches of snow.

 

I'd take 70 over 80 in WY, and definitely 40 through AZ and NM, if I'm loaded with decent weight. I might choose another route if I'm light.

Plenty of fools on 40 and 80, fewer on 70.

The weather is the biggest challenge on 70, while the other guy is the problem on the other roads.

 

70 sucks between Denver and Vail. Otherwise it's not too bad. Definitely check weather. My rule of thumb is don't leave Denver or Grand Junction, if you can't make it to Denver or Grand Junction. Especially if you don't know the route. There's not a lot of obvious parking.

 

Snowy roads on I 70 aren't worth it . Really not in the mood to wake up DEAD !!

 

Put a little spice and excitement in your life! Take 89 out of Flagstaff to 160 up over Wolf Creek Pass to 285 into Denver.

 

Thats the big boy route !!!!

 

I almost got stuck on Vail Pass last winter. Made it over Eisenhower but Vail was worse. The truck in front of me kept slowing down then came to a stop going up the hill. I dove for the shoulder to try to go around but got stuck there.

I ended up backing down the hill a little ways then made a running start for the left lane that had been plowed fairly recently and made it to the top of the pass. Passed a few stuck trucks including a FedEx who was throwing chains in the middle of the highway.

After that, I swore I would never drive over those passes if there was even a possibility of needing to put chains on.