Quote Originally Posted by Rick Quinn
Given your time constraints, I think I'd save Page for next time, and add a couple of hours to Monument Valley (so you can do the loop!) There might even be some snow on the "monuments," something I wouldn't mind seeing myself!
Thanks Rick! I am leaning to what you suggest. Monument Valley is the primary goal here and with possible snow it would be very unique. I may bypass just Page and linger longer in the MV area.

Quote Originally Posted by glc View Post
One comment - Chicago to Tulsa is 700 miles. That's a bit too much for one day.
Sorry I should have mentioned I've done that route a handful of times (including last January) and it will be no problem.

Quote Originally Posted by Southwest Dave
A couple of thoughts. Why not pick your NPS annual pass up at the Grand canyon kiosk and stay over somewhere like Gallup on a more direct path to Bluff/Monument valley. You could also save some miles by staying overnight near to the Grand canyon's east entrance, then drive along Desertview drive and out of the south entrance next day. There are lodgings at the Cameron Trading post close to the east entrance. It'll only save you a little time but with so little to spare it's worth considering. The first day is quite brutal, and especially so if you plan on stopping in St Louis, I would consider stopping a bit earlier.
I thought about that, but I wanted to see the Very Large Array in NM and the Wigwam Motel appeals to me. But I will double check the Gallup idea. I should mention I have a free hotel night in Flagstaff which is why I was going to stay there (as well as free nights in Tulsa and Amarillo). The first day I have done a bunch of times (including last January) and I plan on a early start. St. Louis by lunch, Tulsa by dinner.

Quote Originally Posted by glc
I live in Joplin and travel to Chicago from time to time, and I do stop in STL for lunch. I don't think I'd try to get any farther than Joplin the first night. We have plenty of hotels and restaurants right off I-44 exit 8. Joplin to Amarillo is 500 miles, very doable in a day. Same with Amarillo to Holbrook - 520 miles. FYI - low temp in Joplin on Monday night is forecasted to be -5F. That's after 1 to 3 inches of snow Sunday night, it's going to be a bit slippery in this neck of the woods.
As I mentioned, I have done Chicago to Tulsa a bunch of times so I have no problem with the long drive. Splitting hairs but the low temp is typically around 5am. It'll be around 10 balmy degrees when I pass through Joplin. Thanks.