Chicago to Denver

[Ninja Woman]

Ok, with the roads being washed out and all the rain locally the rgion four meet is not looking so good.  So I have started to look at planning to go out to Denver, Colorado for Labor Day weekend.  So here is the question I post to all of you.

I am considering leaving on Thursday morning and coming back by Monday night or Tuesday.  So it will be a quick trip out there and back probably average 500 to 600 miles a day.

I was thinking of heading down through Kansas rather than through Nebraska.  Does anyone have any thoughts on that?

Are there any roads worth taking out there rather than the interstates.  If anyone can give suggestions, I will gladly listen.

Thank you    

[arcangel]

Wrong answer.  Try again (pssst--it's Nebraska).  

There are no redeeming roads that I've ever encountered or even heard of.  Just pin the throttle, pray for radar immunity, and get thru the plains.  The less time you spend in them, the more you can enjoy the Rockies.

[MDHCO]

arcangel has it right.  I-80 to I-76, as fast as possible.  Iowa, Nebraska, and eastern Colorado are far more scenic at night.  Kansas is no better and it'll be going out of your way.  

There are a number of interesting day rides out of Denver in the high country.  

[Justin726]

My prefered route from Chicago to Devner would be interstate (acorss Nebraksa) all the way.  I can suggest some non-interstate roads across Nebraska, but they are pretty much just normal travel roads and nothing extraordinarily scenic.  If you're looking for a nice easy ride, I might suggest them just because of the lower traffic flow.  These side roads will just take you through plenty of little farming communities.  The roads might have a few more hills or slight bends in the road compared to the interstate, but nothing to write home about.

If you are wanting to stay off the interstate, then you could head west from Omaha on Hwy 92.  This part might be the most scenic just because of the rolling hills in the eastern part of the state.  Follow Hwy 92 til you reach Hwy 281 (near St Paul).  Head south on Hwy 281 to Hastings, then head back west on Hwy 6 (is also Hwy 34).  Stay on Hwy 34 when it splits from Hwy 6 just west of McCook.  Hwy 34 will take you almost all the way to Denver.  You will end up in Brush, Co which is maybe an hour or so from Denver.

Of the Nebraska part of the route I've just described, I've traveled on probably 90% of it.  I can vouch for the roads and say that they are good, well traveled roads.  I can't say anything about Hwy 34 once it gets into Colorado.  Once you get headed west on Hwy 6/34 the traffic should thin out quite nicely, but it shouldn't be terrible at any point along these roads.

Like I said, my first choice is interstate, but this is an acceptable route if you're looking for something different.  I'd probably choose this route before doing anything in Kansas.  Kansas is just a longer trip with NO better scenerey.

Hope that helps.  Let me know if you have any questions.

[JimWilliamson]

Lincoln NE is about the 1/2-way point between Chicago and Denver. Check the STN Locator to see if anyone is along the route with couch space. If you wish to hotel it, stop at any of the rest stops (the first real nice one in Iowa always has a good selection) and get one of the travel discount books. Travel Buddy (IIRC) is the one I pick up. Seward NE (about 10 miles west) is a nice alternative to Lincoln if you're willing to shave a few bucks.

And yes, I-80 and roll on. KC MO is good (adds about 150 miles / 2 hrs) if you want to stop for classic BBQ. If you go that way the toll road section isn't expensive.

Guest room avail in Fort Collins if ya want.

As an alternative, you can hop off of I-80 and take the old two lane / Lincoln Highway / US-30 if you're looking for some mental diversion (between Grand Island NE and Ogallala NE). It's just north of 80 so you can hop on/off at will.

Have a good trip!