Drive from Portland, OR to Houston - Suggested Route?

[ML2222]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

I'd head south to San Francisco, spend time there, then head East to Yosemite, spend time there, then South East to Las Vegas, spend some time there, then East to The Grand Canyon, spend time there, then South to Flagstaff/Sedoa, spend time there then the old Route 66 (I40) through Gallup NM and Amarilo, then head South to Palo Duro Canyon, spend some time there, then on to Dallas/Ft Worth (don't stay :^), then South to Austin/San Antonio, spend time there, then East to Houston. Home.

I've done it all on multiple trips, you will see some amazing sights.

Well this sounds AMAZING! However, if I make the drive, I will be in the process of moving to Houston. I am on a shoestring budget and will have a car full of stuff and two dogs in tow.

Under different circumstances, the trip you suggested would be a dream!

[ML2222]

OK, has anyone made any portion of this route?

- 84 through Boise and Salt Lake City
- Continue south to Moab
- Then hop onto 40 through Albuquerque
- Go through Lubbock (to pay my respects to Buddy Holly)
- Then take 36 to 290 into Houston

Thanks everyone for you suggestions so far!

[lane_change]

The fastest route I know between Portland and Houston is:

I-84 from Portland to Salt Lake City
I-80 from Salt Lake City to Cheyenne
I-25 from Cheyenne to Denver
I-70 from Denver to Salina, KS
I-135 from Salina to Wichita
I-35 from Wichita to Dallas
I-45 from Dallas to Houston

There are shorter routes, but I only like to travel via the interstate if I am making a trip for the purpose of getting from point A to point B. If you must have scenic vacation spots and destinations, then just go where you want to go. You will get here eventually no matter which way you choose to go. I have no idea what would interest you or your family as far as sightseeing goes.

[misspudding]

I've done the I-15 to I-40 part. I-40 through New Mexico is desolate. There is a stretch of about 150 miles where you can't pick up any radio stations (including AM). I was shocked when I did that 10 years ago. But it's gorgeous.

[MysticSpiraling]

I drove from Alaska.. Went the SLC -> Cheyenne continuing SE route down here... Wouldn't bother going through LA, cause that just adds time/miles to your trip. And it'll be warm at that time and you can stop and float in the Great Salt Lake!