If the west slope appeals to you we have done a 7 day tour out of Grand Junction that goes around the Uncompahgre Plateau. There are no major passes. The biggest climbs are Dallas Divide and Unaweep Canyon.

The route we did is: GJ-Delta-Montrose-Ridgway-Placerville-Naturita-Gateway-GJ. Mileage is 20-70 miles per day. 300 miles total.

I can provide more info if you'd like.