Best Path Through The Rockies

[mendeleev 68]

There aren't any significant passes on I-80 east of Utah. There is high country (very high plaines) and sometimes the roads anywhere north of about I-40 close in winter.

[Scott and Mhay 57]

The stretch between laramie and cheyenne often gets closed in the wintertime if there is a winter storm Cheyenne Wyoming's elevation is over 6000 ft. Yeah denver may be the mile high city, but cheyenne is higher in elevation. I grew up just north of cheyenne and i have driven the stretch of I-80 between laramie and cheyenne...i wouldnt want to do it in the winter if ever there was a good storm that went through. That summit between the Cheyenne and laramie is 8600 ft. http://www.discoveramerica.com/uk/wyoming/...n-monument.html

I would consider that a major mountain pass as the link above states:

Between Cheyenne & Laramie, Interstate 80 climbs to its highest point - an elevation of 8,640 feet at the summit of the Laramie Range in the scenic Pole Mountain Area.

There are definately lower places to cross the rockies than there.....going through wyoming or colorado in the winter would not be my first option.

[lucyrich 20]

Whatever you do, check the weather just before your trip.

If there has been no significant snow for two or three days, ANY interstate will be easily passable. They all have good snow removal crews that will quickly clear the roads after a storm.

If there's a big snowstorm in progress, any part of the mountains or plains can leave you stranded.

My sister got stranded for four days in the WaKeeney Kansas area along I-70 one winter. No mountains in the entire state, but a snowstorm closed the interstate.

So don't make a final commitment to a particular route until you see that week's weather report. I'd much rather go across a steep mountain pass that hadn't seen snow in the past few days than go across a plain that was currently getting dumped on.

[Aubrey 10]

If you CAN fly to that interview, you'll be MUCH MUCH safer. Snoqualmie Pass (in Washington) alone is a freaking mess in the winter time. As a former Idaho resident, I've driven through much around Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, etc and there are constant signage warnings about road closures during winter storms. You're taking a big chance driving that part of the country when snow can be on the ground, I hate to tell you.

If you MUST drive it, be prepared for delays or being stuck in your car (I mean, bring an emergency kit - see WSDOT) and leave time for being several days late. You'll need traction tires for sure and a set of chains for your tires, because often they are required for the passes.

I wouldn't let a friend of mine take this sort of trip, to be honest. Best wishes if you decide to do it!