But how feasible/impossible/stupid/annoying/frustrating/dangerous/good idea/bad idea would it be to plan to drive my 97 escort (manual) home from Utah to NC in early november?

I'm looking at coming home via 70 through denver, which is how my bf and I came home from WY/UT in may...when it was snowing and 33F just east of breckenridge , with my bf at the wheel. I was a little nervous then >.<
I'm totally okay with heading south to albuquerque to get home, but I'd be more comfortable on 70, because I have many friends and family along that route. I don't know how bad winter is in Nov, but if I can't keep driving, I'd sure like to have the option to sleep in a warm bed, where I know someone.

I'm looking into this because I may have a 4month gig at a national park in Utah, ending Nov 1 , and I'm covering all my bases so I can give an immediate answer when they call.

Oh, and my exposure to driving in winter weather is that little snowstorm we got Feb 07

[Edited on July 11, 2008 at 3:16 PM. Reason : kjh']

7/11/2008 3:13:53 PM

ahh you'll be fine. They keep the roads pretty clear if it's anything less the 10 inches you'll be fine in a escort. My parents live just west of Denver. And a manual is a good thing in the hills, with snow. I'd say it's feasible.

7/11/2008 3:18:37 PM

7/11/2008 3:23:16 PM

I live in Denver and it always snows on or before Halloween...but it could be 80 the day you come through. Just watch the weather reports a couple days in advance, you don't want to get stuck on 70 if they close it, and there's about a 300 mile stretch that can be closed.

7/11/2008 3:27:45 PM

Alright - thanks!

7/11/2008 3:30:11 PM

As long as you can avoid Pennsylvania around that time of year, you're fine.

I've had to drive cross-country (Iowa to NY) that time of year, and the only place that was really treacherous was PA. I've driven 25 up to Denver from Albuquerque as well, which is pretty decent.

7/11/2008 3:30:21 PM

I've done that exact drive on 70, but it was in May.

7/11/2008 6:10:33 PM

you'll be fine.

7/11/2008 7:12:38 PM

just look up some places to go if they close down 70 for snow

that will only happen if it is coming down faster than they can keep the road clear and only for a few hours

7/11/2008 7:29:36 PM

I'd say go for it. You can pick up some snow chains before the trip back if weather conditions look iffy. They make all the difference in the world. FWD + snow chains will be just fine.

7/11/2008 8:42:46 PM

^agree.

please pick up some snow chains, even if you don't need them. get them for all 4 tires. they make some plastic ones that don't weigh much (gas mileage), grip really well, but are slightly pricey.

they are also lower profile than the metal chains, so no clearance problems.

[Edited on July 12, 2008 at 1:45 PM. Reason : f]

7/12/2008 1:44:53 PM