ROAD TRIP question for those who have traveled OUT WEST OF THE EAST COAST?

Some friends and I are planning a road trip to Santa Cruz, CA. We looked looked at a map and I think it was 40 and RT. 70 and one is a way going through Texas and Tennessee and all that and then the other was a road heading up to Colorado and Utah, and that down to Nevada and Arizona in the two places to be visited. Maybe we could go one way and back another. Does anyone know of a good route or fastest route? Thanks! Can you come to VA / MD / DC area. And we're planning for next month, probably a week or more. What to see well, maybe some friends along the way if we follow the path of Colorado Utah. New Mexico, Las Vegas (do not plan to stay long time in a few hours, because we stayed 1 night in AZ with friends) then to Hollywood Ca, the, whiskey a gogo, Santa Cruz, you really do not plan to stay in motels just driving and sleeping in the vehicle. And when needed maybe a motel or camping.

Unless you plan on pushing straight ahead and turn off the driving task, which will take a week in each direction. Outside of Virginia, you will have to take I-81 south to Knoxville for comply with the I-40. This road takes you all the way to Barstow, California. Along the way, I suggest a stop at the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas. Only you must see to believe. Then, upon arrival in Flagstaff, Arizona, start looking for directions to the Grand Canyon. You owe it to yourself to see that at least once in your life, if you have not already. After seeing that, return to the I-40 west to reach US-93. Turn here to go to Las Vegas and north. From there, you want I-15 south to the metropolitan Los Angeles. Do what you will, then north to the US-101 to Salinas. Once in Salinas, find another way of Highway 1, which takes you to Santa Cruz. Once in Santa Cruz, and has all the fun you can stand on the promenade, you can head north to San Jose and San Francisco. From there you can head east on I-80 to Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake City, will have to head south on I-15 to US-6, and take 6 to the east until it meets I-70. Take 70 and east through Denver, and you should be on your way. As someone said, that when you go through St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch. Also visit the Museum The American Kennel Club's of the Dog. It is one of the western suburbs, I forget which. As I said, the plan for at least one week in each direction. Good luck, and have a safe trip.

Ca’ Map