See the iconic red sandstone formations from paved overlooks and short trails; the park grounds are open 24/7 though the Visitor Center hours are typically ~9:00am–5:00pm, so plan accordingly.
Explore North America's tallest dunes: hike, sand-surf or climb for views; park is open year-round and Visitor Center hours are typically ~9:00am–5:00pm—check seasonal hours and bring water/sun protection.
If Medano Creek is flowing, enjoy creekside play or a relaxing walk near the dunes—creek flow is seasonal (spring/early summer) but the dune vistas are always dramatic.
Enter the immersive Meow Wolf experience; book timed tickets in advance—Meow Wolf often stays open late (commonly until 10:00pm) so you can visit in the evening.
Visit the lively Railyard Farmers Market (Saturdays) for local produce, crafts and breakfast bites—market hours commonly start around 8:00am and run through midday, so arrive early for the best selection.
Use the early afternoon to visit a museum you missed or continue gallery-hopping in the Railyard area; most galleries and museums operate ~10:00am–5:00pm on Saturdays.
Visit the historic pilgrimage chapel famous for its 'holy dirt' and cultural importance—typical hours often run from early morning to late afternoon (roughly 8:00am–4:00pm), so confirm exact hours.
Drive north toward Taos—choose the High Road if you want pueblos and extra scenery (this adds driving time but provides excellent views), otherwise take the faster route.
Enjoy lunch in Taos Plaza and explore local galleries and historic sites—note Taos Pueblo is closed per your request, so focus on plaza museums and shops.
Enjoy a relaxed drive with optional stops in small towns along US-285 and state highways—this keeps the trip varied rather than sitting in an airport hotel.
Arrive in Salida for lunch and a walk along the Arkansas River or through the historic downtown—Salida is a scenic, artsy mountain town good for an afternoon stretch.
Spend the afternoon wandering Salida's shops and galleries or take a short nearby hike; if time allows, a detour to the Royal Gorge area (Cañon City) is possible for dramatic canyon views.
Check out early and depart Salida for the drive to Denver International Airport; leaving early gives buffer time for traffic and rental return processes.