Late October concert- Salt Lake City to Wendover (Dugway, Garden: where to stay, rent)

[susie25]

I decided to surprise my husband with concert tickets on his birthday (Fri. Oct. 23) in West Wendover, NV. I know he'll LOVE the actual concert, but I'm worried about the logistics of getting there and where to stay.

Planned to fly into SLC Thurday, and drive to Wendover for the concert the next day. We have limited experience driving in snow or ice. What is I-80 like from SLC to Wendover? Does the area tend to get much snow in late Oct? Should we rent a 4WD?

If we drive to the concert we'd probably spend the night in Wendover to avoid a late night drive back to SLC, but we're not into gambling and the hotels/casinos aren't very appealing. Should we take a tour bus- I think we could return to SLC late that night. Also, I'd like to spend another couple of nights in SLC; maybe hike etc if it's not too cold. Any ideas- things to do/places to see? Thanks for your help.

[scirocco22]

In my opinion, spending a premium on a 4WD vehicle to go west on I-80 from SLC in October shouldn't even be a consideration. Save your money. Remember, I-80 is a major interstate and truck route and will be kept clear even with the remote chance of an early snow storm.

And, there are a lot of reasonably priced places to stay the night on both sides of the border so don't stress yourselves out trying to make it back to SLC if you don't want to.

[markg91359]

Its highly unlikely there will be any snow by October 23rd. If by some freak of nature there was, it would melt or be removed quickly. Don't worry about getting a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Do remember its a long ways from the airport to Wendover. I believe its 120 miles. Allow yourself two hours for the trip. Even if you go faster, you'll get there with time to spare.

[VC dreamer]

There are also motels in Wendover, Utah as well. they're cheaper than the casinos, and not nearly as noisey. Check into them if you plan on staying the night.

[alexei27]

The tour busses are fun...they usually give some free gaming $$ and food vouchers. The only catch is you have to return that night. Le Bus I think is the main one. We did stay overnight one time...but they charged us for TWO trips.

[susie25]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm thinking we can just drive back to our hotel in Salt Lake City after the concert. Hopefully it won't end really late at night- it's Loggins & Messina, so mostly middle aged crowd. I was glad to see it's a major interstate/truck route. It doesn't look like there's much between Wendover and Salt Lake City in case our car breaks down or something (I know, very unlikely!)

[scirocco22]

Originally Posted by susie25

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm thinking we can just drive back to our hotel in Salt Lake City after the concert. Hopefully it won't end really late at night- it's Loggins & Messina, so mostly middle aged crowd. I was glad to see it's a major interstate/truck route. It doesn't look like there's much between Wendover and Salt Lake City in case our car breaks down or something (I know, very unlikely!)

Yup, even though there's not much out there, it's not what I'd consider a dangerous lonely road. Again, there's a lot of truck traffic, it's a 4-lane freeway, and is patrolled by UHP.

[alexei27]

I-80 is pretty safe. This is probably your main concern LOL

Dugway Proving Ground -- The New Groom Lake?, page 1

[susie25]

Originally Posted by alexei27

I-80 is pretty safe. This is probably your main concern LOL

Dugway Proving Ground -- The New Groom Lake?, page 1

Darn! Looks like we'll have to scratch Dugway off our list of places to see!

[MorticiaA]

October would be a nice time to go hiking, or you could go snow skiing, depends on the year.

Memory Grove is a nice place to see, and they have a nice well maintained trail.

While there usually isn't snow until after Halloween, it can get cold. If you are going to go walking, come prepared with winter weather gear.

I'm with everyone else. You don't need a 4WD. I've driven I-80 in a blizzard in a little Honda, and in the wind in an SUV. I'll take the low profile Honda any day. From my last trip, there is cell coverage from SLC to Wendover.

If you are looking for romance, the Anniversary Inn is a nice place to stay. They are running specials on their website. Sign up for the text alerts. Armstrong Mansion is another nice B&B.

Red Butte Gardens are another great local attraction, but they might be pretty bare in October.

Red Rock Brewery in SLC is a great local place to eat.