EB_1920

I'm flying into Denver tonight to pick my new-to-me UrS6 avant. I'll be driving it back to Seattle.

I've heard that there are two routes I can take.

Fast Way - I-25 North to Cheyenne
Scenic Way - I-70 West to Grand Junction

Any opinions on which way would be better? How much longer does the Scenic Way take?

Thanks for your help.

-Adam

Matt Daniels

I've driven both routes many times. The scenic route does take a little longer, but not much, less than an hour longer. The scenic route is only really scenic until Grand Junction, the Utah part is pretty bland, not much different than going through Wyoming.

If you go through Wyoming, there is a 2-lane highway from Fort Collins to Laramie that will cut about 30 miles or so off of the drive.

If you want to go the "real" scenic way, take 1-70 to Hwy 40, that cuts diagonal through Colorado, through Steamboat Springs, through Vernal, Utah, then to Park City, Utah. Then you can get onto I-80 to SLC. That will take a little longer than either of the other routes.

EB_1920

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/27549/untitled.jpg"></center><p>You mention a 2-lane highway from Fort Collins to Laramie.....are you referring to 287?

Matt Daniels

Yep, that's it.

GollyGwagen (Chuck)

The little cut-off didn't really save many any time. Probably depends on what time you hit Ft. Collins.

I-80 is the fastest way, and my first choice for a mindless drive listening to a book on tape. HOWEVER, don't loose your focus! Everyone seems to go numb on that route and I see the worst accidents on that road of the ones I travel. Seems like every 3rd or 4th trip I'll see one.

I-70 takes longer, but it's a decent combo of interesting and drab. If you happen to hit camper/ski traffic you'll want to kill yourself however! Keep that in mind as you plan the trip.

The diag. Steamboat route is a blast, but at some point you find yourself ready for the trip to be over and it is long. Also, lots of Mtn. wildlife (elk/deer) at night especially around the Craig area. Last time I did that was in the Mini Cooper S and I was exhausted when I got there compared to the other routes, but I did have a lot of fun.

Anyways, my personal observations to compliment those Matt gave.

BrianE

We have been going to Park City (Time Share) 1-2 times per year for the last 10 years. I often go I-80 for the quickest route but man is it booooring...and often extremely windy, but the fastest. If you are going north from there, you can also skirt north of SLC by taking I-84 before you hit Park City.

In an S6 though without time being a factor, I would be tempted to take I-70 past Glenwood Springs and heading north at Rifle on 13 to 64 W then hooking up on 40. You can take 40 all the way to I-80 and go to SLC W or to 84 by heading E; or jump North out of Vernal to I-80 on either side of Flaming Gorge, then you can catch 84 as before. Longer but probably the most scenic and open.

Feel free to email with any other questions.

GollyGwagen (Chuck)

That's another good route. With that one make sure you don't let yourself run empty.

R2.7TA6

I-25 to Cheyenne to I-80 west is the quickest
I-40 is the shortest mileagewise
I-70 the most scenic

My recommendation is I-25 to I-80...avoid the 2 lane from Ft Collins to Laramie, far too many reasons to suggest avoiding this, but the most common are large 4 legged critters with antlers and too many idiots. It is also a common route for drunks. You'll be able to run 75 to 80 mph the entire distance, very little road construction, the worst being on I-80 through Rock Springs/Green River. Scenery is average, but if you run into trouble you'll be more likely to have someone stop to help you. Also, Wyoming cops are more leniant if your foot gets the better of you.

EB_1920

Since time is a factor (I need to get to Seattle by Sunday), I'll probably just stick with the fast way (I-25 to I-80).

Too bad I don't have more time to enjoy the twisty mountain roads of Colorado.

parkpy

did you end up getting that silver avant?