PeterBergh

Yes, that's the one.

PeterBergh

I would also like to mention Maroon Bells (near Snowmass) as a possible destination.

Just a few pictures, in the order mentioned, to show what you may encounter (as displayed, they seem overexposed, but they print OK):

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patrick43 Loc: Los Lunas,NM

I would definitely skip Royal Gorge. Giant rip off. Also Cripple Creek unless you like to gamble. I would second Mt. Evans and Colorado Natl. monument as places to visit especially because they are on your way if coming in on I70. Chances to see various wildlife and beautiful scenery. Have a wonderful trip.

tropicdiver Loc: Oklahoma, Texas and currently Florida

To minimize your driving when leaving Monument Valley, I'd drive to Mesa Verde and explore the ruins. From there, I'd drive over to Durango and drive up the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray and stay the nite there. Hot springs (some in caves) to soak in, nice waterfall and generally a nice small town to hang out. From there, up to either Colorado Monument or the La Sal forest/ mountains or I would head to RMNP and enter from the West side and make your way, slowly, thru this wonderful park and when done head a short drive to Estes Park and stay the nite there, if your schedule permits. From there, when it's time to head to the airport, there's a beautiful church south of town (unfortunately, I don't remember the name of the church or the road to take, but you can ask a local or no doubt someone from here can probably end up telling you) which is really nice to shoot. Also south of the church around an hour or so is the only spot we saw nearly a dozen mountain goats both on the road and up on the lower sides of the cliff.

No fun driving all over to spend five minutes at a spot and moving to the next spot for the next spot and so on. I think this itinerary will minimize you having to rush.

Cripple Creek is not the same, since legalized gambling came to town and iMHO, not worth the time or gas to drive there, plus if you drive there, you'd be hard pressed to make the time to see Durango, Ouray and RMNP.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure to bring along a tripod, and have a fun trip.

Don7752

My favorite place to photograph the sunrise at Arches is The Windows, about 20-25 minutes from Moab. You have a couple of great arches to frame the sky, and a great view at three major compass points. It also offer great sunset views to the west and south toward the LaSal Mountains.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Next time I go to MV I'm going to take two days, or at least parts of two days to photograph the area. I prefer its beauty over Grand Canyon. Also, next time I'm going to research the off-site guides who will take you in Jeeps or SUV's not only to the sites on the regular road but those off the beaten path. At high noon you'll get no shadows. It's best to be there early morning, all day, and into the evening as the sun goes down. Hopefully you'll get some clouds. We drove our car on the road since it had 4 wheel drive and finished just before dusk. After visiting the giftshop the sun had set behind some monuments. It was reflected off some wispy clouds. The monument showed up black, outlined by the magnificent light from the sun. I got my best shot from the parking lot of the hotel/gift shop just before we left.

I'd post the shot but it's on another computer.

Don7752

Fall and winter are great times to photograph Arches, Monument Valley, etc. in southern Utah. You don’t have to get up quite so early to catch the sunrise, and more important, you’re not so likely to have seven other photographers in your shot!

LA Loc: Little Rock, AR

Astronomical twilight ends about 10:20p, moon rises about 11:00p. Take the photo between those times.
I concur: skip Royal Gorge. But if in that part of CO, stop at Great Sand Dunes, which a great photo subject early and late, even at night.
If you go east on I-70, you might detour via state 82 at Glenwood Springs thru Independence Pass for lofty views, and if you do, consider taking a side trip at Aspen to Maroon Lake where you can try your hand at probably the most photographed view in CO, the Maroon Bells.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Stay away from the open buggy and you shouldn't have a problem with other photographers. That's why I suggest the guided tour from off-site.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I used to drive past the road to Royal Gorge twice a day and lived 30 miles from Cripple Creek. Photo opportunities abound in either place. There is also the Prison Museum on First Street that you might find interesting. On Hwy 50 between Canon City and Salida you might find some bighorn sheep right next to the road/Arkansas River. River rafters will still be going down river in August so there are photo opportunities there as well.

Depending on your route back to Denver, I am guessing US-70, you will find many photo opportunities right there from rock formations in Utah to mountains in Colorado. If you are going to the Canon City area you could turn South on Hwy 9 to go up over the mountains and across the high prairie on the other side. Keep an eye on the weather for snow at the high elevations. You will also be close to RMNP at the time so there is your choice. The entire area is beautiful and it doesn’t sound as if you will have lots of time.

Have a great trip,

Dennis

OllieFCR

Dead Horse Point State Park is also close to Arches. Better view than most of Canyonlands mesa IMHO. Good at sunrise or sunset, this is sunset.

wwright Loc: Tucson

rbmartiniv Loc: Nacogdoches, TX

If you are at Monument Valley during a full moon you can take a "Full Moon Tour". The guide will take you to places you can photograph monuments with the full moon silohueting (sp?) them. Really nice.

slo Loc: Longmont Colorado

If you are coming east on I-70, there is Hanging Lake just out of Glenwood Springs.

Bob Boner

When I went to arches, I went in the dark in the am. Got there in time to be in the first row of photographers. The sunrise is INCREDIBLE. Go there in the daylight the day before so you know the best way to get there in the dark.

I read someplace that it is the most photographed place in the world. Just get there early, in the dark.