See iconic red sandstone formations from paved overlooks and short trails; park grounds are open 24/7 though 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 plenty of water.
Walk to the historic San Miguel Chapel and stroll the Plaza to experience adobe buildings, shops and street vendors—an essential introduction to Santa Fe.
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.
Drive north toward Taos—take the High Road for pueblos and extra scenery if you'd like a more scenic but longer route; expect about 1–1.5 hours depending on stops.
Enjoy a longer scenic drive through northern New Mexico and southern Colorado; plan about 4–4.5 hours of driving with short stops en route to arrive around midday.
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.