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Driving across a few states - need your help

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alexg1687
Posts: 1505 - Karma: 1,581
Going to Aspen in Jan/Feb. We're picking up an SUV in LA and driving to Vegas then driving from Vegas to Snowmass. Has anyone ever done that drive? What are the roads like? Not that I plan on speeding but are the cops lenient? Can you sit on 80mph or will I get arrested?

I have driven from Aspen to Vail and Steamboat before so I'm familiar with roads in CO but not in Utah. Google maps says the Vegas to Aspen leg will take 10 hours but I'm comfortable with long drives and we have a few of us between whom to share it.
Aug 15 2012 7:51AM
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doGelyst
Posts: 2492 - Karma: 509
That drive is a breeze. in the past 2 yrs I've driven from CO to Mammoth and back (solo, hotel in Cedar City, UT), basically the same route you're taking. Most of Interstate-15 thru Arizona & Utah is desert, so roads should be fine. Once you hop on 70, there are a few hills, but most of that is easy through Utah. After grand junction things might get interesting in the winter (if it even snows), but its usually kept in good shape. Interstate/highway driving the whole way is a complete breeze. Except for getting back down to Aspen, but that shouldnt be too bad.
Aug 15 2012 10:49AM
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doGelyst
Posts: 2492 - Karma: 509
Also, when I drove from CO to Mammoth, it was mid-feb and the roads were dry the whole way. Average speed limit was 70-75, so I was sailing 75-80 the entire way. There are some sections of I-15 that may be limit 80, but I didnt charge too hard (85) as it would've killed my mileage :P
Aug 15 2012 10:52AM
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alexg1687
Posts: 1505 - Karma: 1,581
Thanks, that's awesome.
Aug 16 2012 7:35AM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
I have bad luck with cops and been pulled over on the interstate in both those states (utah and Colorado) for minimal speeding (5mph over). Since your from a another country I'd play it safe and go the limit. Some cops in the states are cool as fuck and others suck.

Not sure how much experience you have driving in the winter or Mountains but just be careful and take it easy. I-70 can be a sketchy in bad winter weather. 

Sounds like your hitting Aspen in the Prime so should be awesome. If your skiing Aspen and have questions hit me up. I'm going back to working buttermilk for my third season coming up.
Aug 17 2012 1:49AM
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alexg1687
Posts: 1505 - Karma: 1,581
Thanks, yeah I've had a lot of snow driving experience and I've driven the I-70 before. Not really planning on speeding but it'd be nice to know I'm not going to get raped if I slip over the limit. Eg. Driving from Tahoe to San Fran I sat with the rest of the traffic at 75. It would have been weird going any less.

Where are you working at Buttermilk? Lifts? Instructor?
Aug 17 2012 8:31AM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
I'm a Lifty. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Aug 17 2012 9:03AM
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yourthemannowdog
Posts: 4541 - Karma: 313
Just drove from Yosemite area to Pagosa Springs, CO in May and it was a super easy drive. Utah's speed limit was 80 mph most of the way. Did it in a day. Started at noon, stopped in Cedar City, UT and made it home by noon the next day. Easy drive, beautiful drive. You'll be fine
Sep 16 2012 1:56PM
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grapejuice3000+
Posts: 2132 - Karma: 1,985
a coach i had told me he drove from denver to vegas going 100 almost the whole way that wasn't in the mountains or city.. i wouldn't recommend it but he didn't get caught and this was like 3 or 4 years ago.
Sep 16 2012 8:42PM
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bigskia
Posts: 3463 - Karma: 35
Don't even think about driving through Utah with drugs on you, and be careful leaving California/entering Nevada.


Sep 17 2012 1:19AM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
I made that drive from Vegas at 85-90 the whole way. I usually park it at about 85 in Colorado with no issues anyway.
Sep 17 2012 11:21PM
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