Advice needed: Cross-country road trip end of April - SF to NY

OP, I just returned from a round trip between Chicago and Palm Springs with a dog. Began the trip end of March and returned last week. Weather was no problem - got lucky with some major storms rolling through the area last week. Three ten hour days each direction with the majority of the trip on I-44 and I-40. Stopped at La Quinta hotels at two stops along the way - they allow dogs and are clean and safe.

Thank you R1. Glad you missed the weather!

Have you looked at a map or a weather forecast?

It rains a lot in the Spring in the eastern half of the country. Other than that, you probably don’t need to worry about the weather. Taking I-40 takes you way out of your way on both sides of the country and you’re not going to gain much in the way of scenery. The major interstates mostly won’t take you near national parks. Get a Rand McNally Road Atlas, the large one, and actually see what is along the major routes.

Pet policies vary a lot within hotel chains. You’ll need to search your various stops.You also might get AAA Tourbooks which have hotel listings and help you plan without having to be organized enough to constantly doing searches,

You’ve told us nothing about your interests, so how do we know what stops or turn off you might like.

What is the issue with Chicago—do you want to see it or bypass it? I-80 bypasses the city, but it’s easy to go there if you want.

OP, neglected to mention that there is an app I downloaded called Weather On The Way. Title says it all. Besides rain and snow, it gives high wind alerts, etc. You can plot out your trip, even multiple day trips, and each day it will update current weather conditions.

I also used Waze and had that running in addition to Apple Maps. Useful for speed traps, vehicles stopped on the shoulder, debris in the road, etc.

I did the same drive with my dog when I moved to NYC from SF. Took I-80 straight across. First night was Salt Lake City, second night was Lincoln Nebraska, Third was Portage Indiana then into NYC. We stayed at Motel 6 along the way which were actually pretty ok and dog friendly. AAA helped me with it. It was in late September and didn't run into any bad weather except on rainstorm. Have fun OP!

Don't go. You will be beaten at some roadside rest stop. And the sad thing is, Miss Prcious, you really did have to stop to pee.

unless .... are driving a respectable car?

Someone who is willing to go through the pain of driving thousands of miles with 2 dogs can't be too precious just dumb.

I rode I-40 from FL to Southern CA in August of 2019. Horribly hot (113) and terrible traffic in AZ. But no bad weather at all.

I did end up serendipitously on back roads a few times (unintentionally), rode on the famous Rt. 66, and spent the night in Windlow AZ. I was glad I did, and I have great pics.

A great trip.

Wind low, sweet chariot….

Do not stay at Motel Six. Not clean, not safe. Almost all motels now take pets but book ahead to be sure. And R9 is right. Do take some back roads, which are sometimes just as fast and much more scenic. I highly recommend audio books. Either from the Library or Audible. Something simple like Agatha Christie or Tony Hillerman that doesn't take much concentration.

Excellent idea about audiobooks. Borrow them free from your library. Unnecessary to buy.

Thanks one and all for the input. Knew you'd have some. I appreciate your list of stops R5

Regarding weather, 70 has the highest passes in the entire country. Some are 10,000 feet. And it CAN snow in the Colorado Rockies in April. But 80 also has some very high passes at Donner's Pass and one in Wyoming between Laramie and Cheyenne. I think I'd consider driving from SF to Las Vegas and then down to I-40 through Flagstaff. You could veer up to 70 using any of the north-south interstates (25-35-55) But with the current flooding in the center of the country, I'd probably veer north using 25. You could use it to get to the 70. I think 70 just barely dodged the flooding that is drowning Kentucky, southern Missouri, Tennessee and Arkansas, so you should be fine, and 70 will also bring you south of Chicago through central Illinois. But you could take your chances with 80. Just check the weather frequently before you leave.

I’d want to stop at the Black Hills SD before the put Dump on Mt Rushmore.

Mt. Rushmore is definitely worth seeing, OP, as well as the Crazy Horse monument. That monument is still in the process of being carved, and they allow you to take rocks that have been chipped off of it in the carving process. I know how you guys are, but I thought it was pretty cool, and I took a bunch of brussel-sprout-sized rocks home for friends and family (and me, of course).

But it will be difficult to do many touristy-type things with two dogs in tow. And you'll be exhausted from all the driving even if you take your time.

I rode to Sturgis Bike Week (in that area), both times in August, so I can't speak to the weather in SD in April, but I did live in Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak has snow on the top all year. To me, the Black Hills are incredible. Stunningly beautiful. I saw Devils Tower as well, and buffalo on the range.

There's a lot out there worth seeing, OP -- it all depends on how long you want to take. I wish you good luck and much fun!

R14 that’s a ridiculous route to follow. SF to Vegas as a first leg? God no.

I’ve made the coast to coast trek on the 80 many times (no dog though) — mostly in the summer. It’s not bad. Other than wind and rain, I’ve always been lucky with the weather. Road construction always seems to be the issue I’ve faced.

Amtrak. Seriously. Pets OK. Book a bedroom.

R14, I have been thinking about 40, and R16 I would like to see all that you've mentioned.

Can't take Amtrak, my traveling companion owns the car and is relocating. Going to fly back.

There is no deadline or timetable that needs to be met. Zig-zagging here and there sounds good. The dogs have been good travelers...and yes it will probably get tiresome. I am getting a road atlas and that weather app sounds great.

Wish me luck. Leaving in the morning and it's looking like a lot of bad weather ahead. And R1/R4 thanks very much for the Weather on the Way tip.

I thank you for all the replies. Probably will be on 40 partway and looking forward to that. And audiobooks yes!

Signed, Precious & 'dumb.'

We lost interest back near Donner Lske.

Vibe

R23 indeed.

OP! How'd everything go? Did you do and see anything exciting? Tell us everything!