Grand Canyon to Denver to Salt Lake City

sunfan03 wrote:
On a trip now with our family of 5 (DH and 3 DDs) in our 29' Class C. Heading to Zion and Bryce and we already have reservations for Grand Canyon mid-Sept. for a few nights. Now I'm reconsidering what we do after that.

Had a friend that mentioned this route:

Grand Canyon to Mesa Verde (2 nights) then Colorado Spring/Denver (to see family) then Moab (Arches/Canyonland, 2 nights) then Salt Lake City (more family). From there, we'll head up North to Coeur d'Alene before heading home in Seattle.

Are we going to be okay with the elevation gains on that route? We've never traveled from GC through Mesa Verde to Denver...would we be better off going through Colorado Springs then to Denver? Other suggestions on things to see along the way?

I haven't had as much time to plan this trip as others, so I really appreciate the input.

Great time to be in Colorado but you need to get a few more days in the Mountains. September's last couple weeks are the time to see the Aspen turn GOLD. How comfortable are you with mountain driving? If you are OK look to drive over every pass possible just to see the colors.

Leaving Mesa Verde you have three choices for color - Rt's 145 - 550 - and 149 all three would be spectacular late September. head on up to Buena Vista and Leadville with a run into the Collegiate Peaks. Out of Leadville head to 91 and back to I70 at exit 244/Idaho Springs Rt 6 to Golden then you are in Denver, or at least 10-15 miles from downtown. This route will put you in the middle of some pretty large Aspen Groves and with any luck it will be an experience you will never forget. (if you have time you could catch Independence Pass over to Aspen but if can get really narrow on some stretches)

If that works I can get back to you on what to see on the way out latter.

BOL,