XC - Northern or Southern
 

Relocating for work, need an inspiring road trip. Two options

Michigan-Chicago-Omaha-Denver-?-?-Los Angeles
Or
Michigan-St. Louis-Okla City-Alburqurque-Flagstaff-Barstow-Long Beach

Mid-twenties, with two golden retrievers in tow. Very little time to wander off highway too far, but suggestions for stops along the way are welcome, as well as places to stop for the night. How are the northern roads in mid-April? Can't take too much of a chance for huge blizzard anywhere.

If you have little time to spare, I'd go south. Denver could be a problem with snow - I know they had a major storm around April 10th or so last year that was bad enough to cancel flights for a day. You'll be heading through the mountains after Denver, so that would be another concern (although it will only take about 4-5 hours to get past them).

I've done the Omaha/Denver/LA Drive. From Chicago through Denver, it is painfully boring. It is only after you've gotten about an hour past Denver that the drive gets fun.

The southern route sounds alot like Route 66. I'd do that.

Yes, take the southern route.

Assuming you're starting from Detroit:

Day 1: past St. Louis (~550 miles). There are hotels SW of St. Louis along I-44; perhaps near the Six Flag. Or if you're fast, another 80 miles or so to Rolla, MO.

Day 2: Amarillo, TX is 760 miles from St. Louis. It's doable as speed limit is 70 the whole day.

Day 3: Kingman, AZ is about 750 miles from Amarillo.

Day 4: LB is about 320 miles or about 5 hours.

That's probably the fastest you can do with good hotel rest each night.

Thanks for the tips. I wasn't seen much in the way of dog friendly hotels between Springfield, MO and Amarillo, TX, but sounds like we can make it okay in a day. Thanks!

Well, there aren't many "human friendly" hotels in the 130 miles between Elk City, OK and Amarillo either. :) You basically have to get to Amarillo the 2nd night.

I've got eight days to get from Michigan to LA, and I need to go atleast 300 miles a day. Anyone know of any trip planners/calculators that allow you to enter that sort of thing? (free, preferably).

Thanks!

You've posted a number of times. What do you want. Click on your name to bring the other answers up.

I'm looking for help. Apparently you can't give it.

I don't use it, as I usually just plan my roadtrips on my own, but many people recommend www.freetrip.com for planning.