Best Route Phoenix to Denver?

[rossislider]

We are just now hammering out the fine details for our trip up to Wyoming to hunt antelope in a few day. We will be driving from the east valley to Denver the first day and the rest of the way to Casper the next. My original plan was to drive to Denver via Albuquerque and the I-25. I was noticing tonight that the route via Farmington and Durango is estimated to take a few minutes longer, but is about 100 miles shorter. It also seems like the latter route would be much more scenic?

 

Just curious to see what route any on here might have taken, recommend, and why?

 

Thanks

[AverageJoe]

Stick to I-40 and I-25. Having done it a few times and also going the other way I would much rather drive interstate. just quicker and easier. If you have extra time the alternate is definitely more scenic but if in a hurry to get there stay on the interstate.

[AverageJoe]

Going through side roads in Colorado I have ran into unexpected snow storms, unexpected 35mph zones, no gas station when needed, etc.

[muledeerarea33?]

Interstates for sure if you want a quicker route. It's basically flat rolling hills and boring drive the whole way (except from Santa Fe to raton ish) but easier less hassle travel. I did it every three months back in the day while I went to school in Laramie. Didn't live in Phoenix but took I-25 to the datil pie town exit then over.

[longshooter]

I'd stick to I 25. Going thru Gallup, shiprock and Farmington is a crappy drive if you ask me.

[wildwoody]

I-40 to albergurce then I-25 like averagejoe said . About 12hrs. Lots of speed goats to look at

[rageinthesage]

I'd drive through the rez, through moab and that way. I love going that way, gauk at all the unreal deer habitat you drive through.

[AZkiller]

I'd stick to I 25. Going thru Gallup, shiprock and Farmington is a crappy drive if you ask me.

It does suck however its better than it used to be. Playing slolem with the drunken Indians walking in the road is fun though. I'm headed to Durango Friday.

[Bsthpaw]

We drive to Pagosa springs quite often and heading over the pass from there I believe it's only 4.5 hours. I would go that route through tuba city, kayenta, cortez etc. great scenery!

[Bsthpaw]

And to your point the route through farmington is longer as well.

[Mocha1545]

I'd stick to I40 and I25. The other route is more scenic but always has something to screw up your plans!

[naturebob]

Having just drove to Casper 5 days ago I say the best route is american airlines!. Stay on the freeways... OH ,and I drive for a living so that is profesionall advice LOL..............BOB!

[Edge]

Take the 60 to Globe, north to Holbrook, east on I-40 to Abq then north on the 25.

[Hoss50]

Depending on where you are in the east valley head up to the I-40 through Globe or Payson. Then I-40 to I-25. Avoid Denver during rush hours or take the E-470 around it (toll road). The E-470 is just as fast as trying to go through Denver during rush hour or faster.

 

Stay north of Denver so when you leave town you are going against traffic. I would stay in Loveland or Fort Collins.

 

The drive through Durango and over Wolf Creek pass past Pagosa Springs is a lot more scenic but it is a lot of 2 lane mountain roads and a lot more reservations. More room for issues. If you are not on a deadline or time crunch absolutely go this way. If you need to be somewhere by a specific time and date you are gambling more to go this way.

 

Harley

[rossislider]

Seems to be a pretty good consensus. We'll be headed through Albuquerque and the I-25 via Payson and Heber. We have a place to stay just outside of Denver in Aurora and will probably leave Aurora the following morning around 7:00-8:00 AM. Since we will be in Aurora, we'll probably try to avoid rush hour traffic and drive around the east side of Denver by the airport. Hopefully that won't be to bad.

 

Wish we could fly, but with two hunters, gear, and hopefully two goats on the return trip, driving seems like the best option.

 

Thanks everyone!