Thanks everyone for the well thought out suggestions. You have given me a lot to think about. I agree CA is probably out for this trip. Working the way I do we usually take "destination" trips so it's a mad rush, get there and stay put. So this is different in that we want to enjoy the trip as much as the destinations. I like the AZ,UT,CO circuit. We used to live in MD so we've pretty much exhausted the Smithsonian, Battlefields, caverns and mountains and beaches in the PA,MD,WV,VA area. Time to head West as I have only been to AZ once on business and my son has never been at all and really wants to see the grand canyon and parts of UT. (I would love to bike slick rock).
I am dying to go to No CA but I agree that perhaps CA, OR and WA are saved for another trip.
Again I wanted to sincerely thank everyone for your responses. Nothing snide or critical just a bunch of well thought out and helpful comments.