Here is my thoughts on a return route from the Dallas MTTS stop, to Denver. It is a little longer than going 287, but is more Highway, so a possibility for making up time that is lost in the small towns on 287. https://goo.gl/maps/CfR8u Let me know your thoughts. This is posted on MA, NAM and will be a drive event on the MINI5280 Drives FB page.
I've done that drive in one day going the other way in 2010. The last 2 hours were hairy, I was wired big time on caffeine.
I would if I was not headed back to Austin to get the kids. I will be over to see you off at the start point then head to Austin for an overnight. See you on the route. Don