Concur with Nick about the more interesting routing, just two tips here:
1. If you want to fly over the Grand Canyon, the whole area is now a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA); make sure you get the latest copy of the Grand Canyon sectional chart. Most corridors through the SFRA require you to be at 10,500 ft MSL minimum. On the west side, near Las Vegas, you can be lower.
2. Turbulence can be pretty nasty here due to high winds in late spring and early summer. To avoid the worst, stop for fuel, an extended lunch and a siesta before noon, and get going again about four. Local operators can give you tips on how to avoid the worst areas.