US 50 may be the least interesting route possible. Try leaving 50 at Delta, take CO 92/133 to Carbondale, then CO 82 through Aspen and over Independence pass. US 24 N to Leadville, CO 81 to Copper Mountain. Then get on the bike path and go to Breckenridge where you continue on the TransAm. For even more interest, skip 50 from Grand Junction and ride over Grand Mesa.