Trip suggestions needed

Hello Colorado people! I am leaving on a 10 day trip starting October 5th and would like to see some of your states can't miss sights. Ultimately I'd like to string this trip into Utah as well. If anyone has personal experience with a trip like this please chime in. A couple years ago my wife and I rented a cabin at San Cristobal lake and traveled the Alpine Loop. We made it to Ouray and Silverton and loved it. I'd like to see more sights like what the loop provides. I'll be traveling solo so if anyone wants to camp with me you are all more than welcome to join.
Thanks for any recommendations you all provide!

 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, have heard good things about Grand Mesa.

 

Thanks for the advice. I've been through the alpine loop and really enjoyed it. Things and terrain like that is pretty much what I'm looking for. I dont mind some technical stuff but not looking for serious stuff.

 

Grand Mesa is cold at night

 

If you make it into Utah, any of the 5 National Parks are awesome. They are usually stupidly crowded though. Highway 12 stretches from Torrey near Canyonlands National Park, to Panguitch Near Bryce Canyon. That stretch of highway has the best of what Utah has to offer, from mountains, desert, slot canyons, arches, hikes, good resteraraunts, and beautiful scenery.

 

@CoBackCountry he is our local AZ guide. Just took @The Fluffer on a nice trip and I have been out with him a few times. He knows everywhere to go and check out.

 

Try to make a huge loop in one direction or the other.

For Colorado in no specific order:

• Great Sand Dunes NP and Medano Pass 4x4 Trail are great!
• Aspen will be spectacular for the turning of the leaves
• Ouray/Telluride/Silverton are all gorgeous. Ouray has a great town, awesome distillery and obviously the best 4x4 trails.

For Utah:

• I LOVE Onion Creek campground next to the Colorado River plus the 4x4 trail is pretty fun!
• Top of the World Trail is not far and is also great!
• Goblin Valley State Park is very cool and so are the slot canyons right next to the park
• Cathedral Valley is quite cool as well!