I've done similar trips before and it is definitely worth it for the parks. Use BreweryMap for breweries on your approximate route.
I can't speak for the route to CO but I would recommend hitting up Weldwerks in Greeley. No food but great beer. There's tons of other options in Ft. Collins and...
Long-time lurker but I added the condenser to my v2 Unibrau 120V version. I'm lucky enough to be near Brew Hardware so I was able to just wait while Bobby soldered the 1.5" TC ferrule through the lid. If you're not up to DIY I would just consider sending the lid/kettle to him to get the work...