carina_huberabbott

Hello,

I am just wondering what I can expect from the drive I will be taking from Provo to Grand Juction in mid-March. It seems that the fastest route is US6 to I70. I am a little concerned about the road conditions at this time of the year. My husband and I will be making this trip all in one day but will have time to stop for short sight-seeing opportunities and lunch. We need to be in GJ by 5 p.m. and will leave Provo by 9 a.m. Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

P.S. we are Canadian and used to driving in snowy conditions but not so much in mountainous regions. We are flying in and out of SLC and will get a rental car. I have requested an SUV in hopes that it will handle winter conditions better than a compact car. I am assuming that all rentals will be equipt with proper winter tires. (??)

tomfuller

Have you priced the SUV for a one way trip? Do you pay a drop fee?
When do you get into the SLC airport?
If you can get to the SLC Amtrak station by about 3AM, you can be in Grand Junction before noon. The train is the #6 California Zephyr which leaves SLC at 3:30AM (usually on time).
The fare for 2 of you in coach seats is $98 and less if you get a saver fare for buying early.
The train goes through the Ruby Canyon which is one of the most beautiful spots that Amtrak trains go through.

tomfuller

The California Zephyr leaves Provo at 4:35AM. If you are sleeping there it would give you an extra hour of sleep.
The Provo platform is at 300 West 600 South.
The SLC station is at 340 South 600 West.
Grand Junction is a service stop for the train and many people get off to get something from Dave's Depot that they can't get on the train. The train is sitting there for at least 20 minutes.

carina_huberabbott

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the info. I'm sure the train would be very relaxing, however, we do need a car as we will be travel to several cities during the week. We are flying in and out of STC and have already made arrangements for a rental at the airport. The first night will be spent in Provo and will then drive to Grand Junction for the second night. The next leg of our trip will take us to Denver for a few days, then back to SLC for the last few days.

Maybe a return trip will allow for us to take the train for a different perspective.

Carina

tomfuller

The best stop between Grand Junction and Denver is Glenwood Springs. Aspen is 43 miles south of Glenwood Springs if that interests you.
Have a good time in Colorado.
Do not rent from Fox Rental car anywhere! Any other car rental palace should have good tires on their fleet.
The westbound California Zephyr leaves Denver shortly after 8AM every morning. It's sometimes late because it comes all the way from Chicago and ends up in Emeryville California.

sludick

I'm also interested in responses to the driving conditions question. We'll be heading to Moab end of February and will have family coming from both Salt Lake City airport as well as Grand Junction airport.

Since we'll be at Red Cliffs Lodge, the route from Grand Junction will likely be I-70 to 128. My fear is that may be hazardous, especially at night.

fmpden

Od course the road conditions depend on the weather that is always difficult to predict. Didn't indicate when in March you are traveling. Early March will tend towards snow and later March rain. Even with snow I-70 will be fine. If you are experienced with driving four wheel drive in snowy conditions then you will be fine. But 4 wheel is not needed and should be avoided if you don't normally drive 4 wheel. If you have a problem it will be Vail pass but that is a very small possibility. And it does not snow every day. My forecast is that the road will be dry most of the time.

tomfuller

Red Cliffs Lodge is near Mile Post 14 of 128 along the Colorado River. It looks beautiful but might be prone to flooding if there is a sudden thaw. Don't even think about driving 128 at night in February. The safest option (maybe not best) would be to meet in Green River in the morning and then take US 191 south to Moab/Arches.
Check in at Red Cliffs after seeing part of Arches but check in before sunset. There is an Amtrak platform in Green River if you can find a rental car in Green River.
US 191 is a straight shot to Moab from I-70. 128 has several hairpin turns which could be icy even in the daytime.

sludick

carina_huberabbott - sorry to hijack your thread. Have a safe journey.

Thanks, tom. Unfortunately, our son comes in after 8pm into Grand Junction and has to fly out again a couple of days later. We will come into SLC and be at Red Cliffs several days earlier, arriving around dinnertime. Tried to convince him to catch the flight from DEN to Moab, but I guess the connections didn't work out for the short time he has.

Of course, the kicker is that he will likely want to be picked up. At any rate, looks like it will have to be 191 then the 14 miles out to Red Cliffs.

We stayed there in the fall year before last, and fell in love with the place. Much of it will be closed down (restaurant, winery, horses), but this trip is for the view and photography. And some leisurely visits to Arches and vicinity.

carina_huberabbott

Thanks everyone for the info. Can't wait for my trip!

Sludick--no worries about the "hack". Good information in your post as well. Enjoy!

StantonHyde

The only dangerous portion of this trip is Route 6 between Spanish Fork and Price. That can get tricky over Soldier Summit. Realize that you are in Utah and we do snow removal very well. No, rental cars will not necessarily have snow tires--they will have all seasons. 4WD makes a big difference. Check the weather reports before you go. Always have extra warm clothes, plenty of water, food, and blankets/sleeping bag plus a shovel to help dig out. We recently had somebody get stuck on a muddy road near St. George (which is way down south) so it does happen.

Whatever you do--do NOT use Google maps. It shows roads that are impassable in winter. Stick to paved roads ONLY unless you are driving on a dirt road to a trail head.

I have driven 128 at all hours and people camp by the river--in March. Heck, they camp there in February during the Pres Day weekend. And we are talking in tents, not RVs. So I wouldn't have an issue with that.

But--check the weather report.

carina_huberabbott

StantonHyde--Thanks!