Hello, I'm new and thrilled to finally figure out how to post.

In mid-May, I will be starting a 6 week road trip. An overview is: Oregon to Sacramento to Sequoia/Kings Canyon to Flagstaff to Phoenix to Santa Fe to Oklahoma City to Dallas to Shreveport to Vicksburg MS to Saginaw MI to St Louis MO to Utah National Parks to Boise and back home to Oregon. Parts of the route is dependent on visiting family and friends. The trip is a gift from several friends. They were going to fly me out, but I asked for gas money instead.

I need lodging to be less than $100/night. Also, due to physical limitations, I am not able to take advantage of any of the wonderful hikes to enjoy the stops even further.

On the Sacramento to S/KC to Flagstaff section, I need some expert advice. I would like to only have one night on the road, but still be able to see as much as possible. I will be starting fresh in Sacramento have spending time with friends. It will be just myself on the road.

Would it be best to go Sacramento to Fresno to Hwy 49 and loop to Hwy 198 to Bakersfield/Barstow to Flagstaff? Or would it the same amount of time going a bit slower down Hwy 49? Or is there another suggestion?

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration to my questions.