Southwest USA Adventure: Denver, Santa Fe, and Taos - 14 Days (September 2025)

Day 1: Arrival in Denver

Morning: Arrive at Denver International Airport and settle into your hotel downtown.

Afternoon: Explore 16th Street Mall with its shops, cafes, and street performances.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local Denver restaurant and stroll through Larimer Square.

Day 2: Denver to Santa Fe - Scenic Drive

Morning: Drive from Denver to Santa Fe (~6 hours), stopping for photos at the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Afternoon: Arrive in Santa Fe, check in, and visit Santa Fe Plaza.

Evening: Dinner at a traditional New Mexican restaurant with views of Canyon Road.

Day 3: Exploring Historic Santa Fe

Morning: Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and learn about the artist’s legacy.

Afternoon: Tour the Palace of the Governors and browse local artisans’ wares.

Evening: Attend a cultural performance or relax at your accommodation.

Day 4: Art and Culture in Santa Fe

Morning: Explore Canyon Road galleries and studios.

Afternoon: Take a cooking class to make traditional New Mexican cuisine.

Evening: Enjoy dinner followed by a visit to Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience.

Day 5: Day Trip to Bandelier National Monument

Morning: Drive to Bandelier National Monument and hike among ancient cliff dwellings.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch and explore the visitor center exhibits.

Evening: Return to Santa Fe and dine at a local favorite.

Day 6: Santa Fe to Taos

Morning: Drive to Taos (~1.5 hours), enjoying views on the High Road to Taos.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Evening: Explore downtown Taos and have dinner at an adobe-style restaurant.

Day 7: Taos Local Exploration

Morning: Explore the Taos Art Museum and local galleries.

Afternoon: Visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and nearby trails.

Evening: Relax with a casual dinner and enjoy the mountain town atmosphere.

Day 8: Outdoor Adventure in Taos

Morning: Guided rafting or kayaking trip on the Rio Grande River.

Afternoon: Lunch in town followed by a visit to the Kit Carson Home & Museum.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening or check out local live music.

Day 9: Taos to Denver

Morning: Begin the drive back to Denver (~5.5 hours).

Afternoon: Stop for a break and light sightseeing in Colorado Springs, such as Garden of the Gods.

Evening: Arrive in Denver and rest.

Day 10: Denver Museums and Parks

Morning: Visit the Denver Art Museum.

Afternoon: Relax in City Park and visit the Denver Zoo.

Evening: Dinner in the RiNo District, known for its vibrant nightlife and street art.

Day 11: Boulder Day Trip

Morning: Drive to Boulder (~45 minutes) and hike at Chautauqua Park.

Afternoon: Explore Pearl Street Mall and local eateries.

Evening: Return to Denver for a relaxed dinner.

Day 12: Red Rocks and Golden

Morning: Visit the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and museum.

Afternoon: Explore the historic town of Golden, Colorado.

Evening: Early dinner at Golden and return to Denver.

Day 13: Leisure Day in Denver

Morning: Free time for shopping or additional sightseeing.

Afternoon: Visit the Coors Field to catch a Rockies game if available.

Evening: Farewell dinner at a top Denver restaurant.

Day 14: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Afternoon: Final stroll or quick museum visit depending on flight time.

Evening: Head to Denver International Airport for your departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Denver International Airport Arrival & Departure: 1-2 hours each; Mostly free, transport approx. $50 each way
• Great Sand Dunes National Park: 2 hours; Entrance fee approx. $25 per vehicle
• Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road: 3-4 hours; Free to browse, shopping varies
• Georgia O'Keeffe Museum: 1.5 hours; $18 per person
• Palace of the Governors: 1 hour; Free entry
• Meow Wolf Santa Fe: 2 hours; $35 per person
• Bandelier National Monument: 3-4 hours; $25 per vehicle
• Taos Pueblo: 2 hours; $16 per person
• Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: 1 hour; Free
• Rafting on Rio Grande: 3-4 hours; Approx. $75 per person
• Garden of the Gods: 2 hours; Free
• Denver Art Museum: 2 hours; $15 per person
• Denver Zoo: 3 hours; $20 per person
• Boulder - Chautauqua Park hike & Pearl Street: 4 hours; Free
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Museum: 2 hours; Free, parking $10
• Golden, Colorado Exploration: 2 hours; Free

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $350 - $500 per person (excluding accommodations and food)

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a visit to nearby national parks such as Black Canyon of the Gunnison or a detour to Albuquerque, New Mexico. For a shorter trip, eliminate Day 5’s Bandelier National Monument and consolidate some Denver area activities to reduce travel days.