Good route Portland, OR to Phoenix, NOT thru California?

We did this route many times with our DP: I-84 almost to Twin Falls (I agree, going through Twin Falls does 'suck'). Instead, take cutoff 30 near Bliss and it takes you right to 93 into NV (Cactus Pete's at Jackpot, just across the border, is a convenient place to stay). Highway 93 is a bit nicer than 95, IMHO. You will have to go through Las Vegas but it's not usually too bad. US 93 will take you to I-40 then south on I-17 to Phoenix.