re: Out west family trip: help me plan route/sights

My first choice (probably cheaper) would be fly into Denver, drive to Lander, WY and spend the night. Up early the next morning to drive to Old Faithful Lodge. I'd spend one night there and then 3 nights at Canyon Lodge in Canyon Village. I'd do my sightseeing out of there. I'd drive to Jackson Hole after that and spend 2-3 nights there. I'd make sure to do a Snake River float trip one of the days. I'd spend a day driving down to Moab (Arches and Canyonlands) and be there for 2 nights. Next, I'd complete the loop and head back to Denver. You could spend your last night in Estes Park. Or maybe head out in the afternoon and get closer to Grand Lake. I'd do Trail Ridge Road and spend my last night in Estes Park before heading out of Denver.

I think you are trying to see too many places. I also think a lot of them are similar. After you leave Albuquerque, it's all sort of similar till you get up towards Provo. Also, why go to Jackson Hole and not go on up to Yellowstone, one of our countries most memorable parks? To me you're spending time seeing some things in NM and AZ when you could be in Yellowstone. I agree about CDA. It's pretty and nice, but I'd consider it more of a resort and touristy location, rather than seeing the country's beauty as in the national parks.