Not sure which game I'm going to yet - still in the planning stages. Just was wondering if there were upcoming events to try to attend.

I personally can't stay awake late enough to make the midnight drives. - I guess I am just getting old.

Take I-80 to I-25. It's more miles, but by far the fastest. And be very very careful in Wyoming b/c cops love to patrol I-80 (trust me on this one...) and fill up in Wyoming b/c gas is damn cheap up there.

you have old people and drunks

I've driven all the major routes a number of times over the past 3 years. Last July I decided to figure out which route was the shortest by adding up the mileage markers in the atlas (yes, I was bored).

Shortest Route:
From Salt Lake, take I-80 to Highway 40, Highway 40 through Vernal, Steamboat Springs, to I-70. I-70 into Denver. It's the shortest rough in terms of mileage, but will probably take you the longest. Probably the most scenic as well. Also, beware of coming out of the mountains on a weekend - can be pretty backed up although it might be trailing off now.

Next shortest:
I-80 through Wyoming to Highway 287. Highway 287 to Ft. Collins back to I-25. I-25 to Denver. Taking 287 will cut 30 minutes or so off the trip. This is probably the quickest way in terms of time, but it's boring as hell.

Longest (in miles):
I-15 to Provo/Hwy 6. Highway 6 to Green River/I-70. I-70 to Denver. This takes a little longer than the Wyoming route, but is more scenic. The Glenwood Canyon is an amazing place to drive through.

I've driven all three routs a number of times. When by myself I've done all of them under 8 hours (think 7.5 is my record). With the family it's a different story, but I won't go there...