Will be driving my dodge diesel and Horse LQ rig from Flagstaff, AZ to Sheridan Wy. Is Grand Junct rte OK?

I am planning a trip from Flagstaff AZ to Sheridan WY in mid August. I am going to a training camp for pointing dogs. I will have 2 horses and 6 dogs. Would like advise about the route of US 160 to US 191, on up to I-70, then E to Rifle CO then north. Would like to hear from someone that had driven this route or a good portion of it. Thanks.

My recommendation (for most practical purposes) is that you take I-40 to I-25 to I-90.
This route comes out 1,187 miles with a run time of 20:17 (avg speed 58).

Your route comes out @ 957 miles with a run time of 21:23 (avg speed 45).

The “rest of the story” is this:
*It will be at least a two day trip (better plan on two overnights – especially if you take the back roads) – easier to find/cheaper/nicer places to stay on interstate.
*Grades on the Interstate are generally easier to pull (the one going up to Eisenhower tunnel is a bit steep/long).
*Fuel will be easier to find and cheaper.
*Your chances of making all the connections on your proposed route is slim – unless you have a GPS navigation system – there are over a dozen extra roads – many are county roads (which will also be less well-maintained btw) and sometimes signs are missing on those type roads/intersections.
*The 230 less miles might seem appealing but your miles per gallon will be much worse – you can usually tell this simply by the increased run time – also indicating much harder/slower going. Run times are normally more meaningful than miles.
*If you have mechanical trouble you’re much better off on the Interstate.

The only real advantages I can see to taking the back roads across the rockies is that you would get more opportunities to give your critters a break (let/take them out for a walk) and I do prefer the scenery. It could be that I’m missing something else that is important to you – that would be your call – well, it is anyway. One of the most gorgeous sights I’ve ever seen was somewhere along your route (Oregon Trail/CR319/220) out of Casper heading South/West one winter. There was a violent winter storm breaking over into the higher plateau where I was from below near sunset. Kind of looked like surf breaking into cliffs at the beach – but more spectacular.

Edit: Thought of a couple more comments:
*I always have taken the more practical route if I needed to get somewhere. If I wanted to take “the scenic route” I’d only do it if I had plenty of time and if not, I’d do it on the way out of where I needed to go. In other words, you might consider taking the big roads to Grand Junction and the back roads/scenic route back.
*Make sure your brakes are in top-notch condition and take it easy going downhill. If your brakes start smoking you’re going too fast and getting near the point of no return (no brakes). You do not want to go there!
*Related to the previous – the Interstates have runaway ramps for that very purpose – another point in their favor. Do not take the loss of brakes too lightly. I’ve only done that once – early in my career (first OTR job). Smoked ‘em one more time – on a back road in Wyoming with a Cat D-8 on board.
*Related to that, it would be a good thing if you have a pac-brake, or other exhaust brake on your engine. They are pretty indispensable for pulling loads through the mountains.

I’m pretty familiar with Flagstaff btw – one of my favorite towns anywhere.

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