Thanks for the voices of reason. I will probably truncate the locations drastically in favor of SW CO.

I agree with focusing on one region.

I want to add though, that I get frustrated when RMNP and Estes Park are lumped together as being touristy. Estes Park is the gateway to RMNP and the place for lodging and restaurants. So unless you camp, which I usually do, or stay in Grand Lake, Estes Park is the only choice for lodging. There is much more to RMNP, which does not have candy stores, than just driving through the park and over Trail Ridge Road, especially if you enjoy scenic hikes.

I love the Great Sand Dunes but it will be HOT in the middle of summer and Medano Creek which is a major highlight will most likely not be flowing.

Sluggo, I think you made a good choice to settle on on area.

Agree if this is summer trip then Sand Dunes could be too hot. Spend time in the mountains instead. Drop CO Springs. Spend a couple days in Mesa Verde, a truly unique place on the planet. Try to get out to Weatherhill Mesa. Lots of good easy hikes around Telluride.

Agree with what wtm003 about Estes and RMNP. Estes can be a zoo and I avoid it on summer weekends, but RMNP has some dramatic mountain scenery.

Here is a panorama photo I took in RMNP last week, for example. Kind of flat mid afternoon light, but the scenery is OK. That's Notchtop Mountain behind my friend Bill.
http://images.summitpost.org/original/944213.jpg

You'll see even more impressive stuff in the SW as well. Have a great trip.