Maryland to Colorado Road Trip

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Hello everyone!

Several months back I posted an utterly insane road trip I had planned, and thankfully, you all gave me a much-needed wake up call. After some unforeseen circumstances, my road trip plan has morphed several times more and this is the finalized version that I think will work. Of course, I would like the opinions of those with more extensive knowledge than myself.

I am 18, as is my best friend, with whom I am taking this trip. We will be driving from Frederick, Maryland to do a road trip in Colorado (one friend bailed last minute, so this is as far as we can go). My best friend bought a 2012 VW Jetta, so that's what we'll be driving, and both of us are experienced. Here is the itinerary we are planning on using - if you have any feedback (is this still too much/are we crazy?), tips, estimated costs (around $2000/person?), or ideas of places to visit, especially around Grand Junction, it would be much welcome and appreciated.

July 3rd: Leave at 7am. Arrive in Louisville, KY that evening. 565 miles, approx. 9 hours. Stay in Louisville.
July 4th: Leave at 7am. Arrive in Topeka, KS that evening. 569 miles, approx. 9 hours. Celebrate the 4th here. Stay in Topeka.
July 5th: Leave at 7am. Arrive in Boulder, CO that evening. 558 miles, approx. 8.5 hours. Maybe see show at Red Rocks Ampitheatre? Stay in Boulder.
July 6th: Explore Rocky Mountain NP. Bridal Veil Falls? Stay in Boulder again.
July 7th: Explore Rocky Mountain NP. Stay in Boulder.
July 8th: Drive to Grand Junction, CO. 232 miles, approx. 4 hours. Explore along the way - take time getting there, or look into more things to do along the way/in the town. Stay in Grand Junction.
July 9th: Explore Grand Junction area. Stay in Grand Junction.
July 10th: Drive to Montrose, CO. 60 miles, approx. 1.5 hours. Explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP. Stay in Montrose.
July 11th: Explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP. North Vista Trail? Stay in Montrose.
July 12th: Drive to Durango, CO. 107 miles, approx. 3 hours. Explore Mesa Verde NP. Stay in Durango.
July 13th: Drive to Alamosa, CO. 149 miles, approx. 3.5 hours. Explore Great Sand Dunes NP - SAND SLEDDING! Stay in Alamosa.
July 14th: Drive to Lawson, OK. 379 miles, approx. 6.5 hours. Stay with my stepsister and her husband.
July 15th: Leave at 7am. Drive to Magazine, AR. 446 miles, approx. 7.5 hours. Hike Mount Magazine. Stay in Magazine.
July 16th: Drive to Cookeville, TN. 541 miles, approx. 9 hours. Stay in Cookeville.
July 17th: Drive home. 577 miles, approx. 9.5 hours.

Yes, these driving times were calculated using Google Maps, so I know that they won't necessarily be accurate, hence the rounding, but the mileage should be correct. We could cut back a day in Colorado and leave a bit earlier to have shorter drives on the way home, but I personally feel content with this level of driving - once again, I would like some outside opinions. Thank you all! :)

-Mindy