Driving from Chicago to California via the southerly route

[Ellen Forradalom]

That's I-40 rather than 80 or 70; or the old 66 route.

I need advice! Driving distances, tips for travelling, things to watch out for, recommendations for places to stay that are cheap and take dogs. Also, good healthy restaurants so I'm not stuck eating at Bennigans for five days.

[XNASA]

1. I'd suggest taking I-44 from St. Louis to OKC.....

And then pick up 40 in OKC.

I've driven 40 through Arkansas before and it was a mess, especially through Little Rock.

[kwassa]

2. I-70 is much prettier than I-40.

the drive between Denver and Grand Junction is spectacular.

[KitchenWitch]

3. I think the OP wants to avoid winter storms and such.

Yes I-70 is much prettier, but certainly has more risk for blizzard conditions in the mountain passes.

[kwassa]

6. I hit a blizzard on I-40, too.

Two, actually. Drove through one near St. Louis, then down a frozen mountainside into Flagstaff, Arizona where there was a fresh foot of snow. This is when I moved from Detroit to LA many years ago.

[Thtwudbeme]

4. That's about one of my favorite road trips

let me look at the map...there are a couple of places I would advise you NOT to stay---

Michael and I just drove that last summer--

[Ellen Forradalom]

11. Post or PM me

All advice appreciated.

I am doing my dinner research. I won't eat in an Applebee's next door if there's a Vietnamese place a mile away.

[Left Is Write]

5. Come the northerly - waaaaay northerly route - and visit me

in Boise. :D

[Ellen Forradalom]

15. Maybe in the summer

:-)

[LSK]

7. the Grand Canyon will be off of I-40

Also maybe you want to take a jog to Santa Fe, NM which is only an hour from I-40.

[Arugula Latte]

18. I drove San Francisco to DC using 40 for most of the way.

And the Grand Canyon and SantaFe/Taos were definite highlights.

[Initech]

8. If you've got the time, definately go 66.

[Ellen Forradalom]

13. I'd love to

40 most closely parallels it. However, I have to haul ass out there in time to start a job.

[In_The_Wind]

9. I'm traveling to California this summer.

I'm going to enjoy reading all of your answers. Have a wonderful and safe journey. :loveya:

[evlbstrd]

10. KOA campgrounds are very cheap.

They allow dogs, too. I took the southern route back from L.A. to K.C. It was in the summer, though.

[Ellen Forradalom]

16. A little chilly this time of year

And I am getting reimbursed for my expenses, so an inexpensive hotel or motel is not out of the question.

[GOPisEvil]

12. Screw that, take I-10!!

Then you can visit me on your way. :P

[Ellen Forradalom]

14. Worth considering!

Especially if this shitty weather keeps up.

[GOPisEvil]

17. I took I-10 back in December.

It was lovely all the way. I even know a nice, new hotel in Las Cruces, NM.