Southwest USA Road Trip: Denver to Santa Fe & Taos – September 2025 (16 Days)

Day 1: Departure from Denver & Drive to Santa Fe

Morning: Depart from Denver, Colorado and enjoy a scenic drive south toward New Mexico. Stop briefly in Colorado Springs for refreshments and stretch your legs.

Afternoon: Continue the drive to Santa Fe. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a leisurely walk around the Santa Fe Plaza to get acquainted with the city’s unique adobe architecture.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant featuring New Mexican cuisine. Consider visiting the Canyon Road Art District for a stroll among galleries.

Day 2: Explore Santa Fe

Morning: Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to explore world-famous Southwest art.

Afternoon: Tour the Palace of the Governors and explore local markets for authentic Native American crafts.

Evening: Attend a performance at the Lensic Performing Arts Center or enjoy a relaxed evening at a café in the Plaza.

Day 3: Day Trip to Bandelier National Monument

Morning: Drive to Bandelier National Monument and hike some of the trails to see ancient cliff dwellings.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch at Bandelier, then explore the Visitor Center and nearby trails.

Evening: Return to Santa Fe; enjoy dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant.

Day 4: Santa Fe to Taos

Morning: Depart Santa Fe and drive north on the High Road to Taos, stopping at scenic overlooks and small galleries like Chimayo Plaza.

Afternoon: Arrive in Taos, New Mexico and visit the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evening: Explore Taos Plaza and dine at a local southwestern restaurant.

Day 5: Taos Exploration

Morning: Visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge for stunning views and photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Tour the Millicent Rogers Museum and discover local art and history.

Evening: Relax at a café, or if interested, check out live music at a local venue.

Day 6: Outdoor Adventure in Taos

Morning: Take a guided rafting or kayaking trip on the Rio Grande River (season permitting).

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Taos Ski Valley for hiking or mountain biking trails.

Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in town.

Day 7: Taos to Durango, Colorado

Morning: Drive north crossing into Colorado, heading toward Durango.

Afternoon: Explore Durango Historic District, visit shops and museums.

Evening: Have dinner at a local eatery, with a chance to enjoy live western-themed entertainment.

Day 8: Durango & Train Ride

Morning: Take the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a half-day scenic ride.

Afternoon: Return to Durango, relax or visit the Durango Fish Hatchery.

Evening: Evening stroll and dinner in town.

Day 9: Durango to Mesa Verde National Park

Morning: Depart for Mesa Verde National Park, known for well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.

Afternoon: Guided tour of the cliff dwellings including Cliff Palace.

Evening: Overnight near the park, enjoy star gazing under the clear desert sky.

Day 10: Mesa Verde to Monument Valley

Morning: Drive southwest toward the iconic Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Afternoon: Jeep tour of Monument Valley’s famous red sandstone formations.

Evening: Check into nearby lodging and watch sunset over the valley.

Day 11: Monument Valley to Grand Canyon (South Rim)

Morning: Early departure to reach the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Afternoon: Explore viewpoints like Mather Point and visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Evening: Sunset walk along the rim; overnight stay near the park.

Day 12: Grand Canyon Hiking & Exploration

Morning: Hike part of the Bright Angel Trail for spectacular canyon views.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Grand Canyon Village and learn about the geology and history of the canyon.

Evening: Attend a ranger program or relax with dinner overlooking the canyon.

Day 13: Grand Canyon to Sedona

Morning: Scenic drive south to Sedona, Arizona.

Afternoon: Explore Red Rock State Park and visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Evening: Dinner with views of red rock formations illuminated at sunset.

Day 14: Sedona Outdoor Activities

Morning: Join a guided jeep tour or hike one of Sedona’s famous trails such as Cathedral Rock.

Afternoon: Relax at a local spa or explore the vibrant arts scene and shops in the Uptown Sedona area.

Evening: Dinner at a restaurant known for southwestern cuisine.

Day 15: Sedona to Albuquerque

Morning: Drive northeast back into New Mexico towards Albuquerque.

Afternoon: Visit the Albuquerque Old Town, and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Evening: Enjoy a final New Mexican dinner and perhaps catch a sunset from the Sandia Peak Tramway.

Day 16: Albuquerque to Denver Return

Morning: Start the drive back to Denver, Colorado.

Afternoon: Stop en route for lunch and refreshments, with possible stops in small towns like Trinidad.

Evening: Arrive in Denver. Reflect on your unforgettable Southwest adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Denver to Santa Fe Drive: 6-7 hours, Fuel approx. $50
• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: 2 hours, $20
• Palace of the Governors: 1.5 hours, Free
• Bandelier National Monument: 4-5 hours, $25 (per vehicle)
• Taos Pueblo: 2 hours, $16
• Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: 1 hour, Free
• Durango & Silverton Railroad: 5 hours, $120
• Mesa Verde National Park: 4 hours, $30 (per vehicle)
• Monument Valley Jeep Tour: 3 hours, $75
• Grand Canyon Entrance & Activities: 2 days, $35 (per vehicle), Additional hiking Free
• Red Rock State Park & Chapel of the Holy Cross: 3-4 hours, $10
• Sandia Peak Tramway: 2 hours, $26
• Miscellaneous meals, lodging, and fuel: Approx. $1200

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $1,620

Tips

For travelers wanting to extend their trip, consider adding more days in Sedona or exploring additional nearby parks like Petrified Forest National Park or White Sands National Park. Another option is to add a cultural immersion day with Pueblo communities near Santa Fe.

If you prefer to reduce the duration, skip the Durango and Mesa Verde sections, focusing more time on Santa Fe, Taos, and the Grand Canyon region to minimize drive times.