Yes, I knew that Grand Canyon is further North from I-10. The plan was to start heading toward 1-10 after visiting Grand Canyon first and then Sedona and not originally from Los Angeles. I didn't specify because I wanted to make it brief. I see now that I have to be specific, lol. Sorry.

I definitely want to visit Grand Canyon and Sedona so that is why I'm willing to make that detour. And I definitely want to visit New Orleans. I know New Orleans is at the very southern tip (which annoys me because New York is up North but I do want to visit).

After having read what you and others have written, I might change my mind and just take direct route after Arizona (I still want to visit Grand Canyon and Sedona no matter what). Louisiana can wait.

This trip is really just to get back home to New York and I thought to kill two birds with one stone kinda thing by visiting places I haven't been yet but always wanted to.

I came to LA over a year ago. Took the Northern Route: 1-80, 1-70 etc, etc passing through PA, OH, IN, IL, IA, NE, CO, UT, NV). I drove to LA in September though so weather was perfect. If I were to take this route again (Northern) in December, I'm just concerned about snow. That's why I was looking into Southern route and trying to make the best of it by visiting Louisiana also. Now that I'm hearing Southern route can get snow and ice too, and that the response clean up time may not be as quick concerns me even more.

I think I'll visit Grand Canyon and Sedona and from there I'll follow my GPS' direct route (whatever that may be) back to New York :/ Sounds boring, I know but too complicated for me to plan everything out on my own. I just wish I had someone to do all the driving/planning for me, while I sit back and relax, lol.

I really appreciate everyone's responses. Very helpful :)