Busskipper, thank you for your effort. We have been fortunate to have explored southwest CO in years past multiple times, even in the most fabulous Fall season. I have to agree that your new route would be a very wonderful drive, but doubt we'll do that this time. Hwy 36 out of Denver is interesting though. Didn't notice before that it went all the way to Denver. The only thing about driving those US routes is they usually go through many small towns where you have to slow down. But love seeing the country. So we'll see when we get to leave Sedona as to how much time we have...whether I'll choose 36 or an interstate...or a combination.