sjr

We are planning a lengthy trip from Wisconsin, to California, and back this summer.

I need some help in determining if some of the following estimated drive times are accurate.

These times/miles are either from maps.google or mapquest -- and I don't know if they include meal/gas stops in them; or if they mean drive time only.

Some stretches include:

Austin, MN to Mt. Rushmore - 557 miles/9hr 19m

Spearfish, SD to Cody, WY - 345 miles/7hr 5mn

Jackson, WY to Salt Lake City via US 89 - 269 miles/6hr 44mn

Salt Lake City to Napa, CA - 707 miles/12hr 8mn

California Coast via California 1 (mostly), from San Francisco to Santa Monica - 448 miles/9hr 43mn

San Bernardino, CA to Las Vegas - 225 miles/3hr 38mn

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon (South Rim) - 271 miles/4hr 37 mn

Grand Canyon (South Rim) to Page, AZ - 141 miles/3hr

Page, AZ to Moab, UT - 274 miles/5hr 14 mn

I know I will have to allow extra for traffic, construction, meals, or any unexpected roadside sightseeing.

Thanks!

tcapp

Google maps are pretty accurate. We use them all the time and they're usually right on the money.

Anonymous

My observation in using mapquest is that their distances are accurate and their travel times seem to be based on continuous driving (no stops at all) at the posted speed limit.

jlm_mi

I recently used both mapquest and google maps for a 250 mile trip. Mapquest estimated 4 hours. Google maps for some reason said 5 hours. The trip took 3 hours and 30 minutes. Literally 3 miles of the trip was not on freeway, so I have no idea how google could think it would take an hour to go 50 miles.

I've always found that mapquest over-estimates times slightly. Like the trip above, I find I usually do the trip in about 10% less time, give or take, even if I do stop for gas or bathroom breaks (but not for sit-down meals).

This is the first time I've used google maps for directions. The directions were fine, but I'll certainly be cautious about using their time estimates till I have more info. In this case, it was clear they were wrong before we ever started driving.

utahtea

I did the first four stops on my Micrsoft Streets and Trips software and using 75 miles per hour, it seems like there is plenty of time for stopping built into their time.

If you want, I can list the drive times for each stop. Just let me know if you like traveling the interstates at 65 or 75 miles per hour. (I use my old version that has this feature)

Utahtea

ronkala

I'm a believer in freetrip.com and usually reach a destination within fifteen to twenty minutes of their prediction.

vegasnative

It takes me about 3 hours to get from Vegas to the San Bernardino area, the Vegas to Grand Canyon is pretty accurate its about 4 1/2 hours.

happytrailstoyou

I'm happy with the times estimated by www.maps.yahoo.com. Of course, none of these sites know if you drive 10 miles over the speed limit, if you take a 10-minute break every hour, and so on.

sjr

utahtea -- if your offer still stands from above; could you list the drive times for each stop, using the Streets and Trip software at 75 mph?

Thanks, everyone -- I will use the other links as resources too.

sjr

ronkala -- I just tried freetrip.com.

Looks great! The estimated drive times (drive time only, I assume) are much more reasonable! I am already finding that; I will be able to plan on making more sightseeing stops, and/or can reach different stopover cities at the end of a day.

It also has interesting extras; such as the hotel links for cities along the routes, and the steep grade info.

By the way, does anyone recommend the Mountain Directory guides, that this site advises you to buy? Or can you get the same kind of "steep grade" information by going to, say the DOT websites for the individual states?

Also, it has a link to a website about the Inside Track Club for integrated road trip planning and more. Does anyone use this? Is it worthwhile?

utahtea

I hear the Mountain Directory is good, but you probably won't need it unless you're driving an RV.

Utahtea

sjr

Thanks, utahtea.

Any chance on getting info on the drive times using Streets and Trips?

Most specifically, the drive time for US89 between Jackson, WY and Salt Lake City. Then for the California Coast between Santa Cruz and Santa Monica (using California 1). And finally; Vegas to Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon Village to Page, AZ, and Page, AZ to Moab.

Also, can I ask you another question. I have seen you give lot's of great Utah advice. Can you give me more details about the Page, AZ or Moab float trips? These would have to be non-whitewater, 1/2 day trips. Thanks a lot!