Traveling july 9th , returning to the US july 17th US passport will expire sept. 5th. can i still travel?

Umm, September comes after July. If you have a valid passport that won't expire until 2 months AFTER you get home why wouldn't you be able to travel? Your question makes no sense.

Of Course you can travel.

Well, I would suggest to check first if you need VISA for your trip because usually they ask for 6 months validation period from the date you go for the trip. I believe you don't want to go to the airport and find out that you cannot leave the country. There are some tips here http://www.withoutthestress.com/visas/tip/countries-that-require-us-citizens-to-have-a-travel-visa Or contact your travel agency. I remember when I traveled with http://www.startour.dk/ I had similar question and of course I called them so I make sure if my passport is eligible for the trip because it was expiring in something like 3 months and I got really fast and professional service.