Driving between SF Bay Area and Colorado Springs in February?

Driving will take you an extra 2 days (and the other days will be much longer) while you also have to tack on to overall expense of your trip (visiting family vs. missing work) and yes, driving through the Rockies in the middle of February is often bumper to bumper for many miles (it's miserable, truly). It could possibly take you an extra day, and certainly way more gas than anticipated. The southern route is preferable during winter, but is also a bit longer (though won't take longer as the traffic will be slightly less of a nightmare).

Roundtrip flight for 2 may actually be a *tiny* bit cheaper than driving, or at least about the same (as long as you book early and go for the cheapest seats, that is). Yes, renting a car will will make that more expensive (a week long rental will double the cost), but again... less time away (flights are quick and you'd have the rest of the day... driving will be 10+ hours a day for 2 days straight, each way).

So yeah... if you want to drive then go for it. But if you're going for *convenience*, flying is much easier and the extra money for a rental car is worth it. It's a nice drive, though... if you like driving long distances for long periods of time. Anyway, Sante Fe National Forest is nice, Albuquerque too... and there are tons of crappy general stores with gimmicky Native American themes along the way that are kinda fun. Also, the desert in general is quite nice. note: The southern route does get freezes at night (desert, lack of humidity, etc...), but as long as you stick to driving during the day that's not a concern.

Also, note: airlines typically don't charge for baggage unless you exceed a certain amount. I don't see a trip to Colorado necessitating that excess.

It could take you a lot longer than you think (as shown by your experience on I80) requiring more hotel nights. How about food on the road? Gas is far from the only expense of driving. If you encounter much weather you will also use a lot more gas. Vegas is way out of the way, meaning more gas money, more time en route, and possibly more hotel nights. I encountered freezing rain in NM on 40 in JUNE, so in February you might find some there, too.

It might be cheaper to drive. But it's not likely.

Expect snow if Feb. on 80, but check with weather, chp, etc. for current conditions as it may be easily passable. Traveling via Las Vegas will add about 10-15 hours and about 1000 miles to your trip. 80 will be your best bet; weather permiting.

is anyone able to tell what is the correct answer for this question?

Do not think so