Favorite twisty detours from SLC to DEN?

Normally I'd tell you to take a slight detour and go up the scenic Mirror Lake Highway outside of Park City. This takes you North through the Uinta mountain range. While the Uinta range might look like any other mountain pine forest in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, it's awesome because there are over 1,000 lakes in the mountain range. This is why I love it so much. However, I think the Mirror Lake Highway is probably still under 10 feet of snow but I am not sure.

I'll let someone else comment on getting from Salt Lake to Denver.

 

I'd second 150 as well. I've not been up there this spring but I'd have to think it's cleared by now. If not, US 40 is very scenic, I've gone almost to the border, goes to Steamboat Springs, then south to Denver although I'm sure there are many other routes throughout eastern Utah and Western Colorado.

 

Take independence pass versus taking I-70

 

I have driven a variety of ways between SLC and Denver and prefer US40. Away from everyone, good variety of straights, curves, scenic beauty. WOT around Strawberry Reservoir, wide open country between Dinosaur Nat'l Monument and Craig. Speedtraps between Steamboat Springs and Rabbit Ears Pass. And if no one is holding you up on Berthod Pass (11,307 at top) that is a hill climb that will put a grin on your face. You may turn around when you get to the last hairpin outside of Empire and go back over again!

Or, if you have more time and want to give your car a high altitude test break off US40 and take 34 to Trail Ridge road, America's highest continous paved road (peaks at 12,183 feet) - must do some time in your life. Lots of curves from the town of Grand Lake (feed marmots out of your hand at the Lake Grandby pumphouse) through Estes Park (home of the Stanley Hotel - "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy") to the sculpture haven of Loveland.

Note that at these extreme altitudes your brakes will get very hot in the thin air!

http://www.examiner.com/classic-cars-in-fort-collins/trail-ridge-road-driving-america-s-highest-highway

 

Use a lower gear. Save the brakes, bro.

On I70 when you get to Idaho Springs take the Mt Evans exit over Squaw Pass (Echo Lake and Mt Evans are great). When you get to Evergreen turn right and go into town past Evergreen Lake. Then go down Morrison Canyon. Enjoy.

Independence Pass is a no brainer.