Las Vegas to Denver to Washington State

[Millcreek]

(25' 5th Wheel) We're planning a trip from Las Vegas to Denver Co and were curious about the road conditions. Is it quite mountainous, many steep hills or ?? We'll be stopping in Salina UT area overnight and also Moab UT for a couple of days before heading to Denver. From there we're heading North West through Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and Washington .. north to our home in Kelowna, BC. Any info on Highways and scenic stops would be great.

Also, as this is our first long distance camping vacation, we would like to purchase a "fillable map" of the U.S. Not sure what to call it, but have seen many on various RV's. It's the ones that you color in after visiting each state. Anyone have an idea where we could purchase one?

[cwit]

I can't help you on your trip but the map can be found at a camping world or you can go to a large dealer who has the big wish book and they have or can get it for you. See you on the road.

[pwall]

Can't offer any input on the roads, haven't been out that way myself.
But it does sound like a great trip!

And welcome to

[catmom]

I think I answered a similar query on the "other site" yesterday, but since I can't seem to get into that one, I'll try to reconstruct it here. My first question: when are you going? If soon, remember that Colorado has already seen some serious bouts with winter, so roads may be questionable depending on the weather. If you want mountain scenery, by all means take I-70 across, as it's spectacular even from the interstate. If you want to avoid them, you'll need to find some alternate routes; across southern CO and then north on I-25 will be much less mountainous but doesn't totally avoid them - Wolf Creek Pass is one of the bigger ones along that route, not nervewracking (unless weather is bad) but still a good enough climb.

Also remember that Wyoming and points northwest have some legendary wind conditions, and in winter can be downright scary. Lots of wide open spaces there!

If you're going next summer, then don't worry, just go for the scenery.

[Limey]

I agree with Catmom. Depends on what time of year. I-70 through the mountains has some long and steep hauls, but if you take it easy and pay attention it is a breeze. I recently (Sept) towed my 29ft 5er from east of Denver to Leadville and back. That route goes right up and through the Eisenhower Tunnel etc. No big deal and my CTD was in cruise going up most of the hills. Now, if you do this route between now and April you will have to watch the weather forecasts carefully. I, for one, do not like towing in the snow, and would rather stop and wait until the roads have been cleared. DOT is very good about clearing I-70, but you still have to be careful. If you take a southerly route you wil definitely have a less mountainous and snowy route. However, Wolf Creek Pass, if you come that way, is quite a haul - especially going West to East. Having said that I did it a year back, even towing my boat behind the 5er (see sig picture), so no problem if the roads are clear. I remember before leaving on that trip I was all wound up and hyped about driving over that pass. After doing it I was kicking myself for being so anxious!

Like I started out by saying, it all depends on the time of the year, but if you want to see scenery it doesn't matter which route you take - it is all good! Personally, and as you say you will go into Moab, I would go I-70. Have fun!