View the iconic red sandstone formations from paved overlooks and short trails; the park grounds are open 24/7 though the Visitor Center typically opens ~9:00am–5:00pm.
Dine early (around 6:00pm) at a casual regional restaurant for comfort food after the drive; aim for a spot with straightforward parking near your route.
Explore North America's tallest dunes: hike, sand-surf, or climb for views; park is open year-round and the Visitor Center is typically ~9:00am–5:00pm—bring sun protection and plenty of water.
Visit the Roundhouse to view New Mexico art and distinctive architecture; public hours are typically ~8:00am–5:00pm on weekdays—confirm hours before you go.
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.
Enjoy an early dinner for classic New Mexican cuisine near the Plaza—arrive around 6:00pm to avoid peak crowds and to keep evenings early as you prefer.
Eat an early dinner before Meow Wolf at a nearby restaurant (plan to be seated by ~5:30–6:00pm) so your evening visit to Meow Wolf follows dinner as requested.
Enter the immersive Meow Wolf experience with a timed evening ticket; book in advance—Meow Wolf often operates late (commonly until 10:00pm), making a post-dinner slot 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 the High Road to Taos for the most scenic route: stop in Truchas, Trampas and small villages for adobe churches, mountain views and photo ops—this route is longer but far more scenic (plan 1.5–2 hours of driving with short stops).
Visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge for dramatic canyon photos and short overlooks—parking and viewpoints are open year-round and a short walk from the bridge.
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.