route tips Ashland OR to Durango, Pasgosa Springs
 

I'll be driving solo from Ashalnd Or to Pagosa Springs CO from May 22 - 25. Have thought of aiming for Wendover UT the 1st night, in order to get across the desert early the next day and have time in Moab and parks that afternoon. Then do the last leg the next day. First time crossing a big desert - tips? Also tips re am traffic in Salt Lake City - or routes to avoid it? Hotel, restaurant, sight, rest stop/break ideas welcome. Am mid 60s, on modest budget. Love views and being in nature but need to stick to moderate to easy hikes now. Enjoy a good coffee, tasy meals (veg), local treats..

If you are getting tired by the time you get to Wells, NV, stay there instead of going all the way to Wendover UT or West Wendover NV (casinos).
First gas stop is in Lakeview at the Shell. Make sure your tires are good and the coolant is at the proper level.
Noontime traffic in SLC should be no problem.
The Moab Diner has good food and ice cream.
Be sure to take the hike out to Delicate Arch in Arches NP.

I've driven from Ashland to KC many times. There is no way you'll make it to Wendover. 140 is beautiful but desolate and I would recommend taking Ca. 89 at Mt. Shasta past Mt. Lassen to Susanville and beyond. Then you can head down to Reno and catch 80 east. From SLC head south to intersect I-70. Many choices once you hit Colorado.

Many thanks for your helpful tips! Is the hike to Delicate Arch strenuous? Is it so much better than the other arches?

I hadn't thought of the Mt Lassen route - it's appealing to avoid the very twisty highway out of Ashland to K Falls... Sounds worth it despite being an hour longer...

Any recommendations for:
- a lunch place near Reno?
- lodging, dinner in Wells?
- a breakfast place near SLC?

If you leave Wells without breakfast, do the Burger King drive through in West Wendover, NV.
There is a 24 hour Dennys on the west side of SLC.

The hike up to Delicate Arch is indeed strenuous. I was really pooped when I finally reached it. Go early to avoid the heat, carry water, use sunblock, and wear a hat.

My guess is that the vertical climb is about 500 feet, but that incline is stretched over a couple of miles. If you have Google Earth, as you should, just call it up an type "delicate arch" in the search box.

Crossing the desert in UT (Wendover - SLC) - how important is it to do it early, and how early? I assume there are rest stops along the way..
All the feedback much appreciated!

As I said, I don't think making it clear across Nevada on the first night is feasible and I wouldn't drive 140 by myself anymore.From Adel to Denio junction there is nothing, and I don't now whether the gas station/motel/casino is currently open. Aim for Winnemucca first night and enjoy a good Basque meal.
I like the CA 89 route scenically the best, but a third alternative is to head down I-5 to Williams and head East on CA 20 which intersects I-80 towards Auburn, missing Sactown.
Nevada and Utah are both barren, not the classic Bugs Bunny in the desert idea. There are few towns in nevada
and literally nothing between Wendover and SLC.Anyway, you want to make your way to US 191-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S.-Route-191-in-Utah
And then you can find your way East on U.S. 160-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S.-Route-160
one of my favorite highways :)