Anyone with experience driving from Phoenix AZ to Bismarck ND?  I was told to avoid Denver, Colorado Springs area due to the traffic.

Nope, but google maps shows going through Utah and Gran Junction versus Colorado Springs and Denver is 25 minutes faster if you left now.  So factoring in going through Denver possibly when the city is "awake" would definitely extend your drive if you don't need to or want to see the place.  But then again that is assuming you're not towing a trailer, in a U-haul or something where sticking closer to major resources may be worth the extended time.

I drive it all the time, my most favorite daily commute!