Well, I think you'll find it's cheaper to get to the Pacific states, than it is to get to the Rockies. I've paid over $700 for some flights to Denver and Idaho, as opposed to $300 to fly from California to Baltimore. For flying, distance isn't the main factor in determining price. Cities served by Southwest Airlines and the other discount carriers, are usually the cheapest. For some reason (probably the executives at United Airlines), Denver airfares can be outrageous. I can fly through Denver to the East Coast for $300, but $700 to fly to Denver.
-Joe in the Sacramento area-