Margo,

It is 1.5 hours from Moab to GJT, then 4.5 on to DIA. Check fares to Montrose too because for some reason they are often cheaper than flying to Grand Junction. IMO I think you are better off flying into western Colorado and saving some driving time.

BeanMan
Palisade (near Grand Junction) CO

I am also planning a trip to Colorado/New Mexico in July and I have 2 questions. I plan on visiting Mesa Verde, Aspen, Rocky Moutain National Park.

What type of car would you reccommend for the high elevations?

What is the liklihood of running into ice/snow on the roads? I am petrified of driving on ice/snow. Even though I live in PA.

Ice or snow on the road in the high elevations is possible in July but highly unlikely. Of all the things one could worry about going on a vacation, that would be very, very low on my list.

Savannah-
Unless you plan to do off-roading or 4-wheel-driving, going to the places you mentioned should be fine in your average family sedan. A 6 cylinder is better than 4 for pulling the steeper climbs over the passes. When we went last summer, we drove my Olds Alero and it was just fine. You shouldn't have to worry about the snow.

If you're not used to driving in the mountains, you will need to know a few things:
1. Vacationers should always stay in the right lane of a multi-lane highway.
2. If there is no right lane, or if you are on a 2 lane road, use the occasional pull-offs to let the cars behind you pass. This is normal and everyone appreciates it.
3. DON'T RIDE YOUR BREAKS WHEN YOU ARE GOING DOWNHILL. This is probably the most important one, for your own safety. If you ride your breaks, they will get hot and stop working. If your breaks start to get hot, you will be able to smell them - it smells like burning rubber. Just pull over and let them cool down for 15 or 20 minutes while you enjoy the scenery or have a snack. It is best to use a lower gear and only use your breaks occasionally.