Tucker,
I used to live in the Redding area, and the road over the mountain, through Susanville is pretty. CA 44 > CA 36, and then US 395 past Honey Lake will take you to Reno. Would drive the route a few times a year for my job. It's a pretty drive through forests, some views of Mt. Lassen, high alpine meadows, and not too twisty windy. There's a good coffee shop (espresso) in Susanville. Across the street from the HS as I recall. From there, probably take US 95 to Lost Wages (LasVegas), then state highway to Kingman, AZ. Interstate 40 will then take you east to Arkansas. But stop in Flagstaff, AZ, get off the road and go to Macy's Bakery. Great funky bakery (not white bread and donuts) and coffee shop - it's on Beaver Street. I used to live in Flag. Miss Macy's... Or across the street is the Beaver Street Brew Pub - good restaurant and microbrews.

Happy traveling!