DC to Colorado by Car (Colorado Springs, Pueblo: vs, best, cities)

[alpha_1976]

I am planning to drive from DC to Colorado later this summer. I am planning to do it in 3 days. I will be driving alone. What would be the best way to go? I70 all along? Thanks in advance.

Madhu

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by alpha_1976

I am planning to drive from DC to Colorado later this summer. I am planning to do it in 3 days. I will be driving alone. What would be the best way to go? I70 all along? Thanks in advance.

Madhu

That's how we did it:
- DC to Indianapolis
- Indianapolis to Topeka, KS
- Topeka, KS to Colo Spgs.

About 550-600 miles per day. The last day across KS is easy, it's flat and wide open with no cities once leaving Topeka.

[alpha_1976]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

That's how we did it:
- DC to Indianapolis
- Indianapolis to Topeka, KS
- Topeka, KS to Colo Spgs.

About 550-600 miles per day. The last day across KS is easy, it's flat and wide open with no cities once leaving Topeka.

So, I70 all along, right? Any traffic issues around Indianapolis or anything else that I may have to keep in mind? Thanks

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by alpha_1976

So, I70 all along, right? Any traffic issues around Indianapolis or anything else that I may have to keep in mind? Thanks

I-70 all the way, except around St. Louis. Look at the map carefully, there's a northern bypass above St. Louis that keeps you from going through the city, unless you want to drive by the Gateway Arch, or even stop for an hour or two, which is possible on a 3-day schedule.

Some traffic around Indy.

[Josseppie]

Another way is to take highway 50 from DC to Pueblo then up to Colorado Springs. Now its not a interstate and will be slower but just wanted to give that suggestion as well in case you want to spend time seeing the small towns along the way.....

[Mike from back east]

Taking U.S. 50 from DC to here is total nonsense. It can take 2 days just to drive the mountains of WV and get to Cincinnati. BTDT.

[Josseppie]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Taking U.S. 50 from DC to here is total nonsense. It can take 2 days just to drive the mountains of WV and get to Cincinnati. BTDT.

It is a suggestion as well and somone might want to take the backway and see the senic view.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by Josseppie

It is a suggestion as well and somone might want to take the backway and see the senic view.

No. The OP did NOT ask about any scenic route, that's your fantasy to route everyone through your shangra-la of Pueblo. The OP asked about a 3-day drive and taking the scenic route is a 6 day nightmare of traffic lights and in-city driving.

[nelumbo]

There is also the slight variation of taking 68 in MD when 70 veers to the north, then cutting over to 70 via 79. I haven't driven it in a while, but it seemed like a six vs half a dozen sort of option - google maps says there is only a mile or two difference in distance.

[BarryK123]

I'll be making a similar drive, but starting just north of Phila. I could take I-80 instead of I-70. Is one better than the other? (not interested in a scenic route)