Best route to Steamboat Springs, from the north or from the south?

[KKL2018]

We are driving from Michigan to Steamboat (caravanning with friends). Trying to determine the best route there; looks like once we are west of Chigago we can come in from the south heading north via
1. 80 to 76 to denver to pick up 70 and then up 9 to 40...
2. 55 to 72 to 35 into denver to pick up 70 and then up 9 to 40...

OR from the north heading south
3. take 80 west to 230, to 127, to 125, to 14, to 40.

Anticipate that at the end of February weather will play a role which large interstates we take, but the larger question is once we are off the interstate, which is the best way to get there. We are flat landers so avoiding any major crazy mountain passes would be a plus, if possible. Especially if there is a snowstorm.

 

[jskis190]

We travel from Ontario to Colorado most years. If the weather is good, try route 3. You will miss all the Denver traffic. Depending on time of day, traffic from Denver to Steamboat can be brutal.