Back in March we spent a week in Phoenix to catch some spring baseball and visit the Grand Canyon, and now Mrs. Chicken is suggesting we do something similar next year.  However, this time we want to drive instead of fly and would set aside about 10 days (2-1/2 days each way driving, 5 days in AZ) for the trip.

Option 1, via St. Louis: I-39 S, I-55 S, Friday night in St. Louis.  I-44 W, I-40 W, Saturday night in Amarillo, TX.  I-40 W, I-17 S, arrive Sedona area Sunday afternoon.

Option 2, via Des Moines: Friday night in Des Moines, IA.  I-35 S, US-50 W (Emporia KS), KS-61 S, US-400 W (Pratt KS), US-54 W, Saturday night in Tucumcari, NM.  I-40 W, I-17 S, arrive Sedona area Sunday afternoon.  According to Google Maps, option 2 is roughly 100 miles shorter than option 1.

I’m familiar with Des Moines and St. Louis so I don’t need much help with them.

Thoughts?  I’ve only just begun my research but Tucumcari looks interesting…