Stretch from Grand Junction to Vegas (Denver, Colorado Springs: hotel, live, restaurant)

[JustmovedtoColorado]

HI can someone tell me what the longest stretch of NOTHING is from Grand Junction, CO to Las Vegas. Thanks

[suzco]

Originally Posted by JustmovedtoColorado

HI can someone tell me what the longest stretch of NOTHING is from Grand Junction, CO to Las Vegas. Thanks

If you're talking about lack of services and civilization, rather than scenery, it's on I-70 through Utah; posted no services for 110 miles, between Green River and Salina.

[JustmovedtoColorado]

Yes thats what I meant. My hubby would like to go there this weekend and I just have issues with the "unknown"....LOL THANKS

[bhcompy]

Originally Posted by suzco

If you're talking about lack of services and civilization, rather than scenery, it's on I-70 through Utah; posted no services for 110 miles, between Green River and Salina.

this is correct, drove it there and back a week and a half ago.

vegas to mesquite isnt so bad. mesquite to st george you shouldnt do at night because the virgin river gorge is scary lookin at night(not as much during the day) and from st george there are some very nice rest stops and cities with services spotted along the i15 and i70 to green river. some of the cops in utah are in pickup trucks that dont look like squad cars, so dont get picked off speeding like we did.

between green river and salina, there is nothing but the occassional reststop/view area with terrible restrooms. cell reception isnt great either. had little to no reception on sprint and occassional reception on at&t

[CosmicWizard]

Read these threads for more info:

Grand Junction to Las Vegas trip ( 1 2 3)

Driving from Las Vegas to Denver- any suggestions? ( 1 2 3)

[delta07]

The San Rafael Swells are just past Green River. Very cool area to visit, if you enjoy remoteness!

[brightdoglover]

You can drive south off I-70 around Green River and drive through Capitol Reef National Park. Also, there is a wonderful restaurant on the road that passes through Boulder, Utah, called Hell's Backbone Grill (you can Google it, it's been written up in national reviews, as unique and delicious and in the middle of almost-nowhere. Call first for their hours). Then continue on south through Kanab and cut over to Las Vegas. I don't know the exact mileage, but you will see some of the most astonishing scenery in the world on two-lane roads. Yes, it's remote.
Happy travels!

[COflower]

Originally Posted by bhcompy

vegas to mesquite isnt so bad.

Except it's boring as all get out. OH MY.

I've done that and at the end of a delayed trip (lots and lots of snow from the western edge of the Denver Metro area through to Grand Junction) I was about beat.

What normally is a 13 hour drive from Colorado Springs to Vegas ended up being 18 hours (partially delayed because the drive from Denver to Glenwood...I needed a rest so I parked in a hotel parking lot in Glenwood and vegged out for a few hours).

Mesquite to Vegas made me wishing I had the backbone to take a commercial flight.

Then on the way back, I got snagged up in traffic because of the NASCAR race in Vegas.

I love me a road trip but by the time I got to Mesquite I was ready to just get a hotel room for the night.

[bhcompy]

Originally Posted by COflower

Except it's boring as all get out. OH MY.

I've done that and at the end of a delayed trip (lots and lots of snow from the western edge of the Denver Metro area through to Grand Junction) I was about beat.

What normally is a 13 hour drive from Colorado Springs to Vegas ended up being 18 hours (partially delayed because the drive from Denver to Glenwood...I needed a rest so I parked in a hotel parking lot in Glenwood and vegged out for a few hours).

Mesquite to Vegas made me wishing I had the backbone to take a commercial flight.

Then on the way back, I got snagged up in traffic because of the NASCAR race in Vegas.

I love me a road trip but by the time I got to Mesquite I was ready to just get a hotel room for the night.

when i went from socal to denver(and then back again) i stayed in beaver, ut both times. about 8 hours from denver and 9 hours from LA.. couldnt drive it all

[COflower]

Originally Posted by bhcompy

when i went from socal to denver(and then back again) i stayed in beaver, ut both times. about 8 hours from denver and 9 hours from LA.. couldnt drive it all

;-) you're a wuss.

Actually, I have to admit to the above that from Green River to where ever is the most desolate place in the US but it's the most incredible landscape I have ever seen.

I can't tell you how many times I wanted to pull off the road to take photos. It was just so incredible I was in glee for the lack of towns and urban areas.

I hope to take that trip again soon but without the Vegas thing on the end. Just a drive through Utah with all it's splendor and glory it has to offer. I am surprised I kept my eyes on the road...of course that could have been a different stretch of Utah but I am pretty sure that once you get out the of the valley that Green River is located it's what I am thinking it is....moonscape with the incredible rock formations and the upward climb (dang, I was driving a rented Grand Prix and it didn't know what gear to be in).

If I had it in me and if Green River was guaranteed to have high speed DSL, I would move there just cuz I love the area. I lived in Grand Junction and loved it there...and after experiencing the parts west of there. What a wonderful playground that must be.

Too bad Green River is so small. But it's not too bad a drive to Grand Junction.

I may have to rethink this whole thing.

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