Has anyone here done a coast-to-coast roadtrip alone?

[Sukhoi]

Well, it wouldn't be quite coast-to-coast. Ohio to California and back. If I end up having 4-6 weeks off between graduation and starting my job, I think it'd be a cool thing to do. Really that would be the last time I'd have time to do it before I retire.

I've done 7-8 hour drives alone many many times, and I have no problem at all with it. I'm just not sure if doing that many hours almost every day for two weeks would become a problem.

I'm planning on taking the middle route out with I-70 from Columbus to Denver. I-80 from Denver to San Francisco. Either Highway 1 or 101 from San Francisco to Los Angeles depending on the weather. (Is that whole distance do-able on Highway 1 in one day?) I-10 from Los Angeles to Phoenix. I-40 from Phoenix out to Oklahoma City. Whatever state route that is from Oklahoma City through Tulsa to where I-44 starts. From there I-44 into St. Louis, and I-70 to I-57 and back up to campus in Illinois.

I tossed this in a mapping program last night and it's right about 5,000 miles, and 9-10 days of driving. I'd probably spend more like 14-16 days doing it. Is that crazy? Am I going to need a butt donut by the 5th day?

Oh, I should add that I have family/friends to stay with for about half of the stops. So I think I could keep the fuel/hotel costs below $1000. Total cost might end up being around $1500 with food and admission prices to attractions.

 

[woowoo]

San Diego to Louisville... 3 Days

 

[jtvang125]

It would be a very boring and lonely roadtrip. I get this way with a 3 hour trip already.

 

[Plop]

a friend of mine went from Ohio to California in 2 days driving nonstop with his brother. But if you want to take your time I"d say about 5-6 days is good. I drove from Michigan to California and it took me about that long with random stops along the way.

 

[JDMnAR1]

I haven't done the entire cross-country deal, but did ~1600 miles in three days (Fayetteville, AR to Victorville, CA) most of it on I-40. That is one monotonous drive, let me tell you. BTW, you should actually hit I-44 at OKC.

 

[alien42]

i say go for it and if you plan plenty of cool stops on the way it will be a blast and provide memories that will last forever.

 

[redgtxdi]

I haven't........(man, don't I wish I could've/would've)........but I have a recommendation that you get a partner.

I knew a couple buddies who did this about 10 years ago and they HIGHLY recommended doing it with somebody else!!!

CA to NY and they went STRAIGHT thru........no stopping!!! That might be a bit much, but I think a partner is still important unless you've really got a good plan. (Falling asleep at the wheel, safety, security, 2 heads better than one, etc. etc.)

If not......have fun anyway. Sounds like a blast!:thumbsup:

 

[iroast]

Take the train? You could enjoy the scenaries and squeeze in a book, a few dvds and take pics? shrug.

 

[MrDingleDangle]

ive done Los Angeles-Houston alone and Houston-Baltimore alone, but never the entire thing at one time...both of those was fine

i did Houston-Los Angeles once alone in 1 sitting...DONT DO THAT...ugh...i took 2-3 half hour naps in rest areas, took me about 24 hours of straight driving

 

[MixMasterTang]

About 4 hours passed Kansas City on I-70 before you get to Denver you'll be thinking "Why the hell am I doing this", but then once you get to Denver the drive will be a lot more Scenic.

 

[tw1164]

I went with a friend from harrisburg PA to portland OR, it took about 5 days (I flew back.). Don't go by yourself, you'll go crazy!

 

[Brutuskend]

Oregon to Missouri with just my doggy for company.

I enjoyed it and would do it again.

This was just a few years back. (02)

Back in 1972 I drove from N.C. to Missouri. I think that was a nicer drive. Much less BROWN. Plus I was driving a 64 Caddy Convertible and could afford the GAS....

 

[Falloutboy]

doing az to michigan in a week to move home, plan is to do it in two days (Lots of caffiene) shouldn't be too bad, just crank the toons and drive, take a nap in the car about half way and then go some more

 

[miri]

I drove from San Diego, CA to Richmond, VA in less than 3 days. I would take longer next time because I drove from Texas to Virginia straight and that was to long to go without getting a good nights sleep, around 1400 miles. I slept two nights in hotels but I should have taken a extra day and gotten more sleep.

 

[K1052]

Satellite radio is an absolute lifesaver on long trips.

 

[Conky]

I've made the trip between Chicago and California(~2000 miles) 3 times and am thinking about a 4th time. It's a long and boring trip. I usually make it 3 days with a stop in Vegas for a night.

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
I'm planning on taking the middle route out with I-70 from Columbus to Denver. I-80 from Denver to San Francisco. Either Highway 1 or 101 from San Francisco to Los Angeles depending on the weather. (Is that whole distance do-able on Highway 1 in one day?) I-10 from Los Angeles to Phoenix. I-40 from Phoenix out to Oklahoma City. Whatever state route that is from Oklahoma City through Tulsa to where I-44 starts. From there I-44 into St. Louis, and I-70 to I-57 and back up to campus in Illinois.

First thing, make sure your car is in excellent condition. Being stranded isn't anywhere near as romantic as it might seem.

You don't mention the time of year but I'm guessing late May/early June. You might consider reversing your loop. The lower deserts are hot in June. The middle Rockies can be cold in May.

I-70 is dreadfully, tearfully boring until you get to western Nebraska where things start getting interesting. Are you staying in Denver? If so, you might get off I-10 at Sydney, NE and take the backroads to Denver for a little more interesting drive.

Phoenix to Oklahoma City: Lots of different routes to choose from between Phoenix and Tucumcari, NM. Phoenix-Flagstaff-Albuquerque is the fastest but also the dullest. Phoenix-Tucson-Deming-Hatch-Soccoro-Vaughn is the next quickest but not real exciting. Any of the other routes offer more scenery but take longer. US 60 Phoenix to Vaughn make a nice trip. Phoenix-Globe-Safford-Lordsburg-Las Cruces-Alamogordo-Vaughn would be very scenic except for the Lordsburg-Las Cruces section.

 

[ElMonoDelMar]

No wei.

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: ironwing

First thing, make sure your car is in excellent condition. Being stranded isn't anywhere near as romantic as it might seem.

You don't mention the time of year but I'm guessing late May/early June. You might consider reversing your loop. The lower deserts are hot in June. The middle Rockies can be cold in May.

I-70 is dreadfully, tearfully boring until you get to western Nebraska where things start getting interesting. Are you staying in Denver? If so, you might get off I-10 at Sydney, NE and take the backroads to Denver for a little more interesting drive.

Phoenix to Oklahoma City: Lots of different routes to choose from between Phoenix and Tucumcari, NM. Phoenix-Flagstaff-Albuquerque is the fastest but also the dullest. Phoenix-Tucson-Deming-Hatch-Soccoro-Vaughn is the next quickest but not real exciting. Any of the other routes offer more scenery but take longer. US 60 Phoenix to Vaughn make a nice trip. Phoenix-Globe-Safford-Lordsburg-Las Cruces-Alamogordo-Vaughn would be very scenic except for the Lordsburg-Las Cruces section.

Oh yeah I'd do a thorough car check-over before heading out. Fresh oil change with either some 10W-30 or 10W-40, depending what my mechanic says is best for the hot driving conditions. I'd also bring enough tools and spare parts along to fix most minor problems.

You're right on for the time of year. I'd probably leave around the 24th or so of May. I hadn't thought of reversing the loop because of temperatures. Good call.

Are you confusing I-70 and I-80? I-70 goes through Kansas, not Nebraska. Regardless, I'm sure both routes are equally boring in the early stages.

What sort of road is US 60? Just a two-lane? What sort of travel speeds would I expect? Is it all windy and 60 MPH is going to be hard to maintain, or am I going to get through at 85 MPH?

BTW, you should actually hit I-44 at OKC.

Thanks, MapQuest must be screwing up.

I knew a couple buddies who did this about 10 years ago and they HIGHLY recommended doing it with somebody else!!!

A partner would be really nice. Right now the only possibility I have for that is my roommate. The problem is that I'm not sure I trust him driving my car, especially for long periods of time at high speeds. Maybe I'll find someone this semester that will want to go.

i did Houston-Los Angeles once alone in 1 sitting...DONT DO THAT...ugh...i took 2-3 half hour naps in rest areas, took me about 24 hours of straight driving

Haha, I'm not doing that. This would be well spread out. Longest driving day I have planned I think is about 9 hours.

Also I should add that I would have extended multiple-day stays in Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. So this wouldn't just be a non-stop driving session.

 

[jadinolf]

LA to Norwalk, CT many times. Took a little over 4 days.

 

[Kara]

I have traveled alot during the summer before. First I was in vacation in Florida, and then I had to fly over to California. Traveling can take its toll eventually especially when driving. Being in the car for 10 hours for a day absolutely sucks. I definately choose flying for any long trips. Towards the end of trip, I just can't wait to be home or at least to be in one spot for a couple of days. And the costs do add up in the end! Would be suprised how much it can end up costing. Over budget when you can.

 

[Cattlegod]

i did the same thing ( not cross country but a big loop ) when i graduated. don't do it alone man, get someone else who has graduated and do it with them. makes it 10x better.

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: Kara
I have traveled alot during the summer before. First I was in vacation in Florida, and then I had to fly over to California. Traveling can take its toll eventually especially when driving. Being in the car for 10 hours for a day absolutely sucks. I definately choose flying for any long trips. Towards the end of trip, I just can't wait to be home or at least to be in one spot for a couple of days. And the costs do add up in the end! Would be suprised how much it can end up costing. Over budget when you can.

lol I didn't realize you were here. Thanks though.

 

[Proletariat]

Take a plane. The Midwest is quite possibly the most boring place on Earth other than Siberia. Driving in the northeast or Cali is fun tho.

 

[stan394]

i wouldn't recommend doing highway 1 all the way from SF to LA. it's too windy. take some 101 and you should hit some small interesting town like Solvang.