i am moving from phoenix, az to youngstown, OHIO at the end of june. I have a couple of place that i want to stop along the way, one of them being denver (have good friends there). i have a 4dr and will have my girlfriend, 2 dogs (one is a 5 month old puppy), a cat, and some gear in the jeep for all 2300 miles. (someone shoot me now) My question is, if anyone is familiar with the routes, which way should i take to denver? 17n to flagstaff and then head north through Moab, to 70, to denver. or 17n, to 40e, to 25n, to denver? going through flag will be about 150 miles shorter of a distance but i know it is through alot of mountains, and smaller 2 lane highways. going through new mexico is much flatter and all freeway. help me decide.

 

With 2 dogs and one cat, I wouldn't go the scenic way... With an all highway route you will be able to stop often for anything ranging from a coffee break, gas, let the dogs out etc... Also if you have a breakdown, you'll be glad to be closer to a gas station or at least somewhere where you can count on someone stopping to help you.

 

Stay away from the Rez in AZ/NM. We stopped for gas in Many Farms, AZ, and no more had I stepped out of the car, but a Native American was asking for a handout. It was like walking a gauntlet going to the store to pay. Beautiful country though.

 

I-25 into Denver is a breeze. I-70 can be a pain sometimes! Especially during the summer with people not used to driving the passes. Just my opinion.

As for Denver to Ohio? I-70 the whole way! Just don't fall asleep for the first 12 hours east of Denver! It pretty......BORING!

 

After denver i am taking 80 to bloomington, IL. I have family there. Not that that way is any more senic.

 

LOL, next time tell them you paid at the office. Taxes donchaknow.

 

I would fly and let everybody else ride in the jeep

 

X2 I-25 is by far the fastest and easiest. I-70 cuts back through the mountains going east from Moab. Beautiful route but much longer trip that way.

 

I-25 it is. I thought that the senic way might be nice since my girlfriend has never been in utah or colorado, but it makes more sence to go the other way. Thanks for the info.