Comet's BT road trip

I need some advice. I can be influenced by stops to see BTer's or get some good sight-seeing in.

On Wed, 15 Aug. 07 I'll be departing El Paso, TX for Ogden, UT. I need to be there by Friday, 17th.  This is what Mapquest  has as the quickest route:
http://maps.google.com/maps?tab=wl

I could take a side trip before or after and stop in Boulder, CO to see a friend of mine and stay the night. From there it would take me North to Wyoming, unless someone here has a shorter route from Boulder to Ogden:
http://maps.google.com/maps?tab=wl

That route would put me into Boulder Wed. night, then drive through Wyoming on Thursday to arrive in Ogden by Friday. Anything interesting to see along that route? My friend who is coming with me has never been west of Texas, so he wants to see good stuff. Is there more to see along the Boulder route or are there enough sites to see in UT on the way by taking the shorter route?

Also, I don't have a specific time to be back to El Paso. Stops on Sunday-Tuesday are very flexible. Cheap helps too. Camping??

ALSO...are the Rockies manageable to drive in my Mini Cooper?? I assume all the major highways are decent.

Double post in tri talk too.

Thanks for any advice or fun tips!