Fresno to Grand Junction Colorado (Spanish Fork, Moab: vs., safer, trailer)

[ncas]

Hello everyone!

My wife and I are planning to pick up a travel trailer in Grand Junction, Co. and wanted to ask if the I-15 to the I-70 through Utah would be a smart decesion this time of year?

We also didn't know if anybody had any ideas of places on the way that would be great to see and visit even though it being this time of year?

Any input and advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the time!!

[DP525]

You can get snowed on anywhere on that route at any time during this time of year. As long as you are prepared for snow driving you should be OK though. The freeways rarely get closed in Utah except occasionally I-80 east of Salt Lake.

BTW, the locals use the shortcut of US-6 between Spanish Fork and Green River. Traffic can be a bear on it (especially during holidays as it is the major route to Moab) but it will save you a couple of hours vs. taking I-15 all the way south to I-70.

Arches Natl. Park is south of I-70 just after (east of) Green River. It would be worth the detour.

As long as you are swinging by, could you bring me a couple of cases of good beer from Colorado when you come back by? ;-)

[SpencerLV]

The stretch between the I-15 and I-70 junction in UT and Grand Junction, CO is looong, dull, and lacking in services, so make sure you have water, blankets, emergency supplies, etc. Also make sure you're filled up with gas before you hit that stretch, there are lots of "ranch" exits that lead to nowhere. We came the other way, from Colorado into Utah, and filled up and got some coffee at a stop in Salina, which is about 3 hours and 210 miles from Grand Junction.

Cell phone service was also dotty and almost non-existant, so just be prepared.

Good news is the scenery is stunning, kind of like being on another planet or a very cool Star Trek set!

[coolcats]

Someone mentioned Arches National Park. That would be a fun day-trip. If the weather is sunny it should be pleasant.

[BillRadio]

Originally Posted by ncas

Hello everyone!
wanted to ask if the I-15 to the I-70 through Utah would be a smart decesion this time of year?

If you are driving from Fresno to GJT, i also recommend taking the US 6 bypass. It cuts off a LOT of time, and it will be a safer route in case you need ANY kind of help along the way. Yes, I-70 has some breathtakingly beautiful areas between Green River and Salina, but it's desolate.

Moab is a great place to stop. There's lots of reasonable lodging and there are TWO national parks to enjoy, sunny or not. If nothing else, for someone from Fresno the entire route has dozens of photo opportunities, so take the time to stop and look. I snapped a few dozen pictures at moonrise over the mesa north of GJT.

[eggalegga]

Call 511 on your cell phone for road conditions once you're in Utah. It's voice activated and you just need to know the names of major roads and/or cities in Utah.