I started a second thread because my first was pretty vague. I've made some decisions, but could still use some help putting together an itinerary. I'm falling into the trap of the more I read the more I want to see, but don't want to overload the trip.

I'm probably going to be arriving in SLC at 10am and want to spend 9-10 nights and want to see the following (in approx order of preference):
Moab (Arches, Canyonland,etc)
Million Dollar Hwy (Ouray to Durango)
Mesa Verde
UT Scenic Hwy 12
Capitol Reef
Monument Valley

Should I keep it simple - SLC to Moab to Mesa Verde up 550 to 70 and over to Torrey?

Or do the complicated version:
SLC to Moab to Mesa Verde up 550 and down the otherside (through Telluride and Dolores), to Monument Valley (Hovenweep, Gooseneck on the way) up 95 to Torrey.

Any suggestions on putting together an itinerary would be greatly appreciated!

Doing all on your list can be done, but you might feel a little rushed here and there.

I would plan on 3 nights in Moab so you have two full days to explore. One night in Ouray, two nights at Mesa Verde so you have one full day and maybe a part of another day to explore. One night at Gouldings (or nearby) and two nights in Torrey. I would suggest doing Hwy 12 as a day trip from Torrey.

Utahtea

Thank Utahtea! I was hoping you'd respond. Your previous posts have already been a wealth of information. Any idea what the driving time would be on 95 from Monument Valley to Torrey?

You have two choices from Monument Valley to Torrey. The shortest route of 200 miles on Hwy's 163, 261, 95 & 24. This route is approx. 5 1/2 hours takes you over the Moki Dugway. I wouldn't recommend this route if it is raining, has just rained, or looks like a storm is coming. You have to drive up a short steep dirt grade.

http://www.so-utah.com/souteast/powe.../homepage.html

The other option is to take Hwy 163, 191, 95 and 24. This is abou 235 miles and plan on about 6 1/2 hours.

Both routes take you right by Natural Bridges National Monument. A good place to stretch your legs and take a hike.

Utahtea

Do you think a better option would be to drive straight to (or near)Ouray from the airport, then Mesa Verde to Monument Valley to Moab to Torrey?

It's really a toss up. If you do Ouray first then you have a 385 mile drive on that first day. If you do Moab, Utah first then you only have a 235 mile day.

The Ouray first itineary is about 60 miles longer but your driving time will be about the same. The views from the Moki Dugway are awsome. I just wanted you to be aware of what you would be driving.

Another thing to consider is when do you want to have a few nights at the same place? At the beginning or in the middle?

Utahtea

We decided to keep it simple. While Monument Valley sounds great, it seems like a lot of extra driving for a one day visit. So this is now our current plan:
3 nights in Moab
2 nights in Mesa Verde
Drive up to Ouray
1 night somewhere (Ouray, Torrey or somewhere in between)
2 nights in Torrey
the last day drive the long way - Hwy 12 to 89
1 night in SLC for an early AM flight the next day.

It seems like this way mixes up the longer drives and gives us more flexiblity in how long we want to spend on 550 in CO.

Any other suggestions or comments?

What route are you taking from Moab to Mesa Verde and what route from Ouray to Torrey?

Utahtea

We were thinking 163 to 666 to Mesa Verde and 550 to 50 to 70 to 24 between Ouray and Torrey (maybe with a stop at CO Natl Monument).

If you have a better idea, I'd love to hear it.

Utahtea - I really appreciate all your time and advice. I am always amazed at the length some people go to help perfect strangers, and your enthusiasm for the area is highly contagious. Thanks again - you're the best!

I also wanted to top this to see if anyone had any other suggestions on the route before I start booking hotel rooms. Also, is there any chance we can do a raft or float trip, or is the middle of Sept too late?

In Ouray, we always stay at the Ouray Victorian Inn. It is always clean and nice. It is in the SW corner of Ouray, against the bluff. It is near Box Canyon Falls, and the river that runs thru Box Canyon also runs right behind the hotel. Get a room on the bluff side as you can look out your window and up the side of the mountain and sometimes find elk. Rates are very reasonable, and they even have family suites. If you are looking for a special dinner, definately eat at the Bon Ton at the St. Elmo Hotel.

Your latest itinerary looks good. You'll have enough time in each place to do some special things, but not enough to be bored. I don't think you'll be rushing most days. I like the way you've left your schedule fairly flexible. The middle of September is a popular time in SW Colorado because the leaves are starting to change at higher elevations then, so it's good that you are making reservations now. Rafting in Durango is over by then, but it might be possible in Moab.

I was hoping to leave our 6th night up in the air so that we can spend as much time as we want driving north from Mesa Verde, and then stop when and where we want. Do you think we'd have trouble getting last minute accomodations in Ouray or Grand Junction?

bd,

The route looks fine. Colorado National Monument is worth the stop. Also not far from Montrose is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument and it's worth a short stop.

Utahtea

You might have trouble with last minute accomodations in Ouray, but I think you could find something in Montrose or Grand Junction.