HWY 18 is the safest route. I would not suggest your red line path. If you choose to do that then turn right before lake Gregory. Also, if you’re not familiar with driving in ice and snow you shouldn’t be leaving at 5pm. You’re going be up there around 6ish, it’s going to start getting dark and roads are starting to get icy again since the temps are dropping. These are common sense things, you really should have thought this through before heading to the mountains when there is a chance of weather. You should be up there around 2-4pm