You'll be adding 300-400 miles to your trip by doing that. Unless you just WANT to see Oklahoma, Texas, and Eastern NM, I'd advise against that route. I'd take the northern route and save yourself that 3-400 miles. Get yourself to the mountains in the most efficient manner possible....then enjoy. I-70 through Kansas and Eastern colorado isn't much better, but at least it will be shorter.

I will say that from Santa Fe north, its some beautiful country. So if that what you had in mind, its worth it.
-Scott