[fast_e_man]

JB, I think you have the express route dialed in. I15 through Vegas & St. George, then I70 the rest of the way. I've done this run non-stop, but it's brutally long day.

It's roughly 800 miles from LA to Grand Junction, so that's a respectable day1 for the road trip. From GJ it's about a 4 hour drive to Denver (traffic permitting). The ski season is winding down so the risk of a "405 like" parking lot on I70 approaching Denver is dimishing, but Id' still avoid the last 60 miles to Denver in late afternoon.

Leaving GJ heading east you start gaining elevation quickly on I70. Best plan is to be better rested for the last 4 hours of mountain driving, plus you'll be better focused for your nookie call. There is snow in the forcast for this Sunday as I understand. West approach up Vail Pass can be nasty if it's storming. You never know when unprepared folks from places like Cali will do something dumb and hose up the drive for those that don't freak out in snowy conditions:-)

The drive from GJ to Denver has some interesting stuff to see/do, but expect you will be highly motivated to maximize your entertainment time in Denver.

On Denver to LA trip I usually stop in Vegas to overnight (maybe not much rest).