I'm taking the family on Jan. 18 for a rather long road trip from the twin cities to Los Angeles. My wife and I will be taking turns on the wheel. We're thinking of leaving really early (5am) and drive straight through stopping only for gas, meals, naps, etc.). We're fairly experienced with winter driving as we are from Minnesota but we haven't done this drive before. We've driven our minivan from MN to FL during last year's winter and it was OK. Right now, we're leaning towards taking I-35 / US 54 / I-40/I-15 (passing by Kansas City, Wichita, Tucumcari-US 54, Albuquerque, etc.). But a cold front is arriving by Thursday and below freezing conditions for day lows will be experienced along most of the route. I'd like to get your opinion on whether it's better to just take I-35/I-80/I76/I-70/I-15 (via IA, NE, CO, UT, NV). It looks like there will be very little chance of snow for either route but I'm concerned about icy road conditions along I-40 and I'm not sure if they salt the road enough. I've heard that they do a better job with I-70. I'd appreciate your suggestions on which route to take and where to stop for rests. I'd also like to get your opinion on whether it's advisable to drive during the night time hours given the low temperatures. If not, which city/town would be a good place to stop for the night. Thanks.