See the iconic red sandstone formations from paved overlooks and short trails; park grounds are open 24/7 but the Visitor Center is typically ~9:00am–5:00pm.
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—bring sun protection and water.
Walk to the historic San Miguel Chapel and stroll the Plaza to experience adobe buildings, shops and street vendors, a great introduction to Santa Fe's heart.
Enter the immersive Meow Wolf experience; book timed tickets in advance—Meow Wolf often stays open late (commonly until 10:00pm), making an evening visit convenient.
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.
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 significance—typical visiting hours are often early morning to late afternoon (roughly 8:00am–4:00pm), so confirm hours.
Have lunch in Salida's historic downtown and walk along the Arkansas River — Salida is a lively arts town with good lunch spots and a pleasant riverside stroll.
Check out and depart Colorado Springs around 8:30am for the drive to Denver International Airport; allow ~1h30m for drive and extra time for traffic and vehicle return.