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Cross country trip in the dead of winter??

Discussion in 'Off-Roading & Trails' started by ExJeeper, Oct 9, 2019.

  1. Oct 9, 2019 at 2:56 PM
    #1
    ExJeeper

    ExJeeper [OP] New Member

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    Sooo for the last several years I’ve been wanting to do a cross country trip out of my truck, just finding the time and having the right amount of money was usually an issue until well, now.. The only (possibly) unfortunate part about it is that I’m going to have the time in the dead of winter, and not even know exactly when until maybe 2 weeks beforehand, but I’m thinking January or February.

    Now the whole point of this thread is pretty much asking what is my best bet route to take. I’m not afraid of cold but I will be with my soon to be fiancé and pup.

    I’m only probably going to have 2 weeks max for this trip so not exactly sure how far across the country I’ll get but I also don’t want to rush it.

    Colorado and Moab, Utah are two places I would definitely love to hit but I’m just worried sleeping out of my rtt in the middle of winter in Colorado or Moab is not the greatest idea.. or maybe it is ‍♂️

    Any input helps! TIA
    CD7DDD12-1594-48C8-B9E5-C857C71138E7.jpg
     
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  2. Oct 9, 2019 at 11:03 PM
    #2
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

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    I wouldn't suggest a western camping trip in winter. Too many variables. Major roads (I80, I70, etc) routinely close for snowfall and often close last minute with little warning, secondary roads and fun trails will be inaccessible, it'll be colder than fuckall camping in a RTT at night.

    If winter is the only time you have I'd keep south and at low elevations; gulf coast, etc.

    That notwithstanding, the west / Moab / Colo is beautiful in winter.
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2019
  3. Oct 10, 2019 at 4:15 AM
    #3
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

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    Personally I think this type of trip that time of the year is a cluster xxxx waiting to happen. Absolutely no way you can do it in better weather?
     
  4. Oct 10, 2019 at 6:13 AM
    #4
    ExJeeper

    ExJeeper [OP] New Member

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    Yea I kinda figured it would be cold around there. My buddy did a cross country trip out of his van around the same time last winter and was fine with roads and stuff but he didn’t do any off-roading. I’m big into snowboarding so hitting mountains along the way is a goal. I’m not opposed to staying south tho as I do have family in New Orleans I can visit and maybe hit Texas and Arizona or something. Idk I guess we’ll see it just sucks because I’m only able to do this because I’ll be getting a mandatory few weeks off in the winter so I want to make use of that time and not miss out on any work..
     
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  5. Oct 10, 2019 at 6:15 AM
    #5
    ExJeeper

    ExJeeper [OP] New Member

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    I wish but I’m getting a mandatory few weeks off this winter and I want to make use of the time. As I said above I’m big into snowboarding so hitting mountains along the way is a goal. Hopefully I get another mandatory few weeks off come spring or something. Most likely still going to do the trip anyway, off roading isn’t a must but just something I would love to be able to do..
     
  6. Oct 10, 2019 at 8:54 AM
    #6
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

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    Just to be clear, it's not only "off road" stuff that's impacted; and it's not "cold" per se that is the major concern. It's show-stopping snow.

    You can find the biggest road in the country shut down by snow - we got stuck on I-80 twice for blizzard conditions in March 2016 when we were moving cross country. Read up on the blizzards of '76 and '78... etc..


    If anything, you're in a worse position as a traveler because you don't have local knowledge. I've driven cross country in winter and I'd do if again, but I wouldn't bring someone else with me whose safety I'd be responsible for.
     
  7. Oct 10, 2019 at 9:09 AM
    #7
    ExJeeper

    ExJeeper [OP] New Member

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    Yea I get all that, I take yearly trips to Colorado and California to snowboard. Last trip was Cali in January 2017 we drove a Hyundai Santa Fe mid storm from LA to Mammoth the week they got 24ft of snow and it wasn’t stopping. We stopped and tried to get chains but no luck so we just went for it and made it no problem, I’m sure my t4r will be able to handle it. If the roads are shut down obviously that’s a totally different story and I would just turn around a reroute my destination. B1CCBCCF-B093-4783-B006-83E3B6BD3504.jpg
    This was outside our condo the first morning we arrived
     
  8. Oct 10, 2019 at 9:14 AM
    #8
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

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    *Calif or California

    Never Cali

    and for your trip

    "Go with Christ, bra!"
     
  9. Oct 10, 2019 at 9:25 AM
    #9
    ExJeeper

    ExJeeper [OP] New Member

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    Yea I’m from New York where we call it “Cali” sorry not sorry??

    And thanks! I guess? Hahah hopefully do more planning and research within the next few weeks.
     
  10. Dec 2, 2019 at 9:23 PM
    #10
    4x Old Guy

    4x Old Guy New Member

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    Be wary of regions where snowfall per storm is measured in feet rather than inches. Once snow accumulation gets up to your skid pan, you’re pretty much stuck on the road (if you can find it).
     
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  11. Feb 11, 2020 at 4:30 PM
    #11
    Ironguy

    Ironguy New Member

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    Good luck and have a great trip.... but as the Scouts say "be prepared" and the old Coast Guard motto "Semper Paratus"
     
  12. Feb 11, 2020 at 4:58 PM
    #12
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    I spent 10 days road tripping/camping in southern Colorado, the 4 corners area, and the Grand Canyon... first week of March. Some areas we pitched tent in the snow, most areas were snow free.

    Sounds like you’re aware and experienced with the conditions you’ll encounter in the winter/spring. It’s do-able, but the big variable is a prolonged snow event. Or even a light snow event causing big problems. Roll the dice and be smart about things. That’s about all you can do.
     

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