Driving out from VA?

[fsharpminor7]

Anyone else road-tripping it out to Telluride from Virginia? It's my first TBF and while I've done a lot of solo driving this trip is going to take me to some new states! I was just curious about the routes people are taking and if anyone can recommend good places to stop over/places to avoid/any of that good stuff. I'm hoping to take I-40 to 550 and go up into CO from New Mexico... but I've also had people tell me I shouldn't do New Mexico by myself so I might do I-70 instead. I'd love to hear some thoughts from folks who have been out to the festival before! I can't wait to see ya'll in a couple weeks! Thank you

[rme2015]

I've always traveled I64 to St. Louis, then picking up I70.
I40 probably more scenic, but depends on what your schedule is like.

[billspindler]

I've always traveled I64 to St. Louis, then picking up I70.
I40 probably more scenic, but depends on what your schedule is like.

Yikes! What part of Virginia? I've driven alone to/from CO several times at other times of year from near Charlottesville and also Southside VA. I'd also recommend I-64 to I-70...that's a long enough route...NM would be even longer. But as I'm going to TBF alone I decided to let Southwest and Greyhound do the driving...

[fsharpminor7]

Thanks, ya'll! I'm from VA but I'm on a big road trip... I will actually be starting from Raleigh, NC area... I'm doing the drive out in 4 days, just trying to get the route ironed out. I appreciate your advice

[Bevin]

I'm in Albuquerque and recommend I-40 to Albuquerque then US Hwy 550 to Durango.  I'm not sure why anyone would say not to drive through New Mexico by yourself - that's plain silly.  The drive isn't scenic from about Oklahoma City to just east of Albuquerque but it's spectacular from Albuquerque to Durango.  And it's way shorter than going through Denver if RDU is your starting point.

[billspindler]

Thanks, ya'll! I'm from VA but I'm on a big road trip... I will actually be starting from Raleigh, NC area... I'm doing the drive out in 4 days, just trying to get the route ironed out. I appreciate your advice

Makes more sense, then. I'm actually heading to Raleigh today to catch an early flight tomorrow. And I've driven through lots of places much less safe than NM. Enjoy the trip and the scenery! !!!  

[Auntie Hope]

O.K., The AirForce base exit east of Oklahoma City, will be your last best chance for a Starbucks and Chick-Filet in the same parking lot before Albuquerque.

I-40 going West is a little rough in places after winter. Make sure you have a good spare tire that is easily accessible. The pot holes can be real killers.

If for some reason you end up taking I-70 west, do yourself a favor and don't stop in Hayes, Kansas. Not wanting to offend anyone but, the cops are assholes in that town. They're looking to catch the next big FBI's most wanted and they profile anything that moves, including their own town folk.

Bevin is right about the scenery from Albuquerque however, there is no wrong way to get to Telluride!

Auntie Hope