Colorado to Norcal via SMB West! Grand Canyon??

[lactic]

We are heading to Fresno for the addition of solar panels and are just starting to plan our route. WE LEAVE FRIDAY!!

So far we plan on stopping Friday night in Fruita, CO for a quick ride Sat morning. We then push on to the St George/SW Utah area where we will check out Zion and Gooseberry Mesa for a day or two. Our appointment is for Tuesday at SMB West so we'll have to fit a fair amount of driving in there on Sun/Mon and we're looking for suggestions from that point on.

Yosemite area? Holiday tourist hell?

Beach? Too far?

Grand Canyon? North Rim could be nice and cool.

Mohave Desert? Too hot!

We will be traveling with 2 dogs so we are trying to take the expected heat into account.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Adam