Which route to take to caldwell????? Please advise? (Boise, Idaho Falls: hotels, authority)

[IdaHoeHotPotatoe]

I will be driving from California to Caldwell-and I have been told to take two different routes. One route is the I-15 north to the I-84 West. The other route is the I-5 north to the I-80 east to the US-95 north.

Can anyone tell me why one route might be better than the other??? I see the route going up Calif. is about 100 miles longer-I want the best roads and the fastest, clearest route to take-I have never done this drive before. I think I would rather take a route that doesn't leave me out in long periods of desolation, i.e. no towns, rest stops, motels/hotels, and gas stations........

Any advice about the routes and anything along the way-I would much appreciate!! Thanks.

[IdaHoeHotPotatoe]

No drivers or truckers out there with an opinion on either route??????

[zoso1979]

I'm no authority, but you'll be driving through Nevada, I don't see how you can avoid "long periods of desolation."

[IdaHoeHotPotatoe]

I understand that going through Vegas and the area will probably be alot of desert....but don't know up towards Salt Lake, etc. thus my questions about the routes.................. I have never been up past Las Vegas............

[waltchan]

According to Google maps, the fastest way to get to Caldwell from Southern California (assuming) is to take 395 north and 95 north. You will save 216 miles of driving by not taking 15 north and 84 north freeways.

[truckingbronco]

Road contruction will be your main concern this time of year.

National Traffic and Road Closure Information

[bk2boisesoon]

I have taken this trip several times. I travel the 5 to the 80 to the 95. I travel this way so I can be on the main interstate for most of the trip, hwy 95 is a 2 lane hwy and it's the last 4 hours or so of the trip after hitting Winnemuca (I would suggest filling up in Jordan Valley). I think going this way is a few extra miles but it's alot more traveled than the 395. I have taken this road as well and it might save you some miles but it's alot more desolate and mostly 2 lane hwy. I have also taken the route through Vegas and SLC. I personally don't like this route because it has too many mountain roads and it seems like it's the longest route. Good luck in your travels, I hope this helps.

[IdaHoeHotPotatoe]

Thanks, everyone-the 395 looks too desolate through all the mountains.....seems you either fight traffic or two lane roads...I so appreciate all who have weighed in on this!!!! Think it will be Vegas, Provo, and Idaho Falls, then on into Boise.........................