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A question for anyone who has made this journey: approx. how long would it take to drive from Reno, Nevada to southwestern Idaho (Boise area)? I am planning a trip with my family, and we would be making the trek during the summer, and driving a camper. Thanks in advance!
It is not a joyride. Mile after mile after mile of extremely arid, desolate country. It is one of the most severe desert landscapes I know, and I usually love driving through deserts. But aside from that, and the desert heat, and the fact that you're on a two-lane highway most of the time, it's not a particularly challenging drive. Just bring lots of water!!!
If you take the Interstate down to Twin, and then 93 from Twin to Nevada on US 93, that stretch is 2-lane, but you'll pick up the Interstate at Wells, Nevada, and it's all I-80 from there to Reno.
The Nevada Interstate was in much worse condition than the Idaho road when I last drove it. The heat caused deep rutting in the pavement.
CFF is right- it's a hot desolate drive. Be sure and take some water, and make sure your radiator is full of coolant and your oil is good. Ovedrheating car or driver would not be a good thing!
It is not a joyride. Mile after mile after mile of extremely arid, desolate country. It is one of the most severe desert landscapes I know, and I usually love driving through deserts. But aside from that, and the desert heat, and the fact that you're on a two-lane highway most of the time, it's not a particularly challenging drive. Just bring lots of water!!!
Wow, that sounds a little scary! Is it a heavily traveled highway? It doesn't sound like there are any stops along the way. Would it be better to go the longer route through Oregon, and come into Idaho that way?
Wow, that sounds a little scary! Is it a heavily traveled highway? It doesn't sound like there are any stops along the way. Would it be better to go the longer route through Oregon, and come into Idaho that way?
Now I'm not sure which route you were referring to. I was talking about the I-80 to 95 route through Nevada and Oregon. Banjomike's suggestion of I-80 to 93 to I-84 will be a little longer, but more reassuring inasmuch as most of it is freeway driving. But 95 is absolutely heavily traveled--you won't find yourself alone on the road.
The third possibility is to take 395 north out of Reno into CA and OR, and take 20 at Burns into Idaho, and south on 84 to Boise. I haven't done 20, but I assume it is fairly remote. 395 is a nice ride through small towns, and you'll be driving along two pretty lakes, but part of it is at elevation on that stretch, I believe, and a camper may be an issue. You should check out the elevation and general scenery through Google Earth--thay also have gas stations marked.
Where are you starting your trip from? Reno itself? The I'd just grit my teeth and do I-80 to 95. If you want the trip to be part of the vacation, go 395 to 20 to 84--more stuff to see!
We just drove the Reno to Boise route, I-80-95 in May and I agree with CCF, if you are looking for a scenic drive with lots of interesting stops along the way, choose another route. We chose the longer Oregon route on our return trip. There were many more towns to stop and a whole lot more traffic, not necessarily good things IMHO. There were many more choices for something to eat though!
I suggest you subscribe to XM Radio That's a boring trip. I've made it a few times in my day. I would make sure you stop in Winnemucca for a bite to eat, bathroom stop, stock up on water and most of all top off the gas tank completely to full, checking your oil, water etc. From there hop on Hwy 95 and settle in for a long boring drive. It will get you there a lot more directly. 93 is way out of the way.
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That's a boring trip. I've made it a few times in my day. I would make sure you stop in Winnemucca for a bite to eat, bathroom stop, stock up on water and most of all top off the gas tank completely to full, checking your oil, water etc. From there hop on Hwy 95 and settle in for a long boring drive. It will get you there a lot more directly. 93 is way out of the way.
