Utah area in September

Thanks Dave! That looks like it was an awesome trip and definitely gives me some ideas. I'll post when I finalize my details. Thanks again for all your help!

I think I've finally figured this out. After learning about the extra cost for one way rv rentals, my plan is as follows:

Day 1: Arrive late in Denver, spend night.
Day 2: Pick up RV and drive to Nederland, CO
Day 3: Estes Park area
Day 4: Leadville or end day in Glenwood Springs?
Day 5: Colorado River State Park (see CO National Monument) and detour to Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Day 6-7: Moab to do Canyonlands and Arches
Day 9 Capitol Reef
Day 10: Mesa Verde
Day 11: Million Dollar Highway to Pagosa Springs
Day 12: Great Sand Dunes
Day 13: Manitou Springs
Day 14: Pike National Forest
Day 15: Return to Denver

Dave, you'll notice that this is very similar to the link you posted- thank you so much- that looks exactly like what we had in mind. I just added Capitol Reef. Too far out of the way? Should I devote that day to another place?

I also added Black Canyon as a detour from CO River State Park. Does this make sense for one day?

I do have two free days to play with here. Does it seem I have enough time in the Rockies? Dave on your itinerary you mentioned dipping down into New Mexico- I think I can fit that in here unless I should spend those two days by adding additional time somewhere else.

Do you all recommend booking RV sites in advance or playing it by ear somewhat? I don't necessarily want to have to stick to a tight schedule, but don't want to be left in the lurch either.

Thank you thank you thank you for all of your help! This really is an excellent forum.

It's coming together nicely, but here are a couple of thoughts.

On day 2 I would consider continuing on to the Estes park area. [Morraine campground RMNP?]It's a nice drive from Denver and you could certainly stop in Nederland for lunch but I think you will get more from 2 nights in RMNP.

Leadville or Glenwood Springs ? There is no right or wrong answer, both would make for a nice stop. With Leadville you could do as we did and continue South to US50 and over Monarch pass, through Currecanti Rec area to Black canyon. You could stop a night around one of the latter 2 places and then continue to Colorado NM.

I would consider using another night between Mesa Verde and Pagosa Springs and stay in one of the mountain towns on the 'Million dollar Highway' [US550]. You could then take your time and drive the 'San Juan Skyway' that includes the MDH section. From Mesa Verde head through Dolores to Telluride and then on to Ridgway and back South through Ouray and Silverton where you could stay in either town.

From Pagosa you could head into New Mexico over the 'Rio Grande Gorge bridge' [US64] and possibly Taos Pueblo before the Great Sand dunes.

RV sites are limited in NP Campgrounds and if you want to stay in them I would recommend booking in advance. I would also recommend staying in the NP's, they are set in wonderful surroundings. If you can't find a site in a park, there will be something available outside, but you can face quite a long drive just getting in and out of parks that takes up valuable time to explore.