We've decided to stay in Grand Junction. Any suggestions regarding restaurants?

Everyone has an opinion but I have driven I-80, US 40, and I-70 between Salt Lake and Denver. If you want a scenic route without adding time -- it is US 40. Pick it up just east of Salt Lake off of I-80 at Park City. It is the most direct route to Denver from that point. US 40 is good road, many places three and four lanes so traffic is not a problem --- HOWEVER -- I-70 into Denver from Winter Park on a Sunday afternoon/evening can be a big problem. So avoid Sunday if you can.

Stay off the Interstate Highways, ALL of them are boring. US50 is an interesting highway, The expanses of NV and UT are breathtaking. Drive US40 across CO. If you do take I70 part of the way do stop in Glenwood Canyon. Drive parts of scenic US6 that parallels I70. If you belong to AAA(CAA) get the Tour Books and maps they offer and use them for making your planned sightseeing stops.

http://rockymountainscenery.com/glenwood/

I love bombastic statements. There is probably not a more scenic section of road anywhere that I-70 through Glenwood Canyon. Even the interstate itself is pretty. Even most of i-70 through the mountains is scenic.

I think we lost track of what the OP was asking -- scenic route with min time lost between Salt Lake and Denver. There are the choices:
1. I-80 and I-25 least attractive but easiest route but heavy traffic especially truck -- about ten hours but check my logs for exact time. It is not the fastest route.

2. I-15 and I-70 -- too far out of the way

3. I-15 south to Provo, pick up US6 through Price on to I-70 at Green River. It is 200 miles of mostly two lane and some three lane road but traffic can be heavy with lots of truck. Around Colorado it is referred to as the Salt Lake cut off. Around 8 or 9 hours.

4. A real back country route but shortest and quick but you will need a map to follow it. On I-80 at Park City take US 40 south to Heber City and Vernal, Utah. Just across the CO state line take Hwy 64 south through Rangely and towards Meeker and Hwy 13. Just short of Mecker turn south on 13 to Rifle and I-70. 64 and 13 are rural, two lane roads in good shape and no traffic. But watch your speed and for deer. Last run cost me $75 in Rangely. This is my preferred route and it about eight hours. Have a full tank of gas when you leave Vernal.

5. Your final option is to stay on US 40 and not turn off to Rangely. From the state line to i-70 is more rugged -- two mountain passes -- Rabbit Ears and Berthod -- to get over but the time is within ten minutes of coming through Rifle.

Either option 4 or 5 will met your criteria for a scenic route and will be an hour or so quicker than through Wy. Unless you spend some time looking around.

If you have other questions, contact me off line.

fmpden-- Had a laugh with your #4, and needing a map to follow.. I use a map all the time. Never stay on the interstates anywhere I go. More fun that way, no traffic either..

Thanks for all the responses. I'm trying to sort out all the suggestions. I should add that I'm not that excited about two lane highways with fast-moving traffic. (I realize in this case that contradicts the interest in scenic....) I-15 to 70 doesn't look that much out of the way?

According to Goggle Map I-15 to I-70 adds 156 miles when compared to following US 6 through Price to I-70. And US 6 is about 60 further than either option 3 or 4 in my earlier posting. The US 6 route between Provo and Green River will have a lot traffic on mostly two lane roads. The other two routes will have much lighter almost no truck traffic.

US 6 from Provo to Green River is a fine road. I've never encountered problems. It's built for fast driving but it's not that scenic (although there is very scenic country around it).

I-70 between Salina and Green River is more scenic but I would drive that way only if taking Hwy 50 across Nevada.

For me, US 50 and I-70 would be the preferable route. I'm not a big fan of I-80 through Nevada.

We have spent many nights in Grand Junction on our way to Utah, California, etc. Lots of inexpensive hotels and restaurants. Colorado National Monument is very close and does not require a large commitment of time.

The area to the south, which includes Dolores and Unaweep Canyons, as well as the Uncompahgre Uplift, is one of my favorite in Colorado. Unfortunately, such a visit would probably be too time consuming given your schedule.