Visiting S-W USA next year : tips and recommendations?

The distances in the West are much greater than in the Northeast. Not to say it can't be done, if your main objective is just to see the parks. However, to get a greater appreciation for each area, I'd recommend scaling it down a bit. We did the "Grand Loop" a few years ago and spent a week. It meant staying in each park for just one day. This Spring we're going back for another visit and taking more time, now that we're retired. Another park to not mis, by the way, is Mesa Verde National Park.

There are so many beautiful places... so little time. I hope that whatever you decide that you have a wonderful time.