Help needed for trip to Durango, Mesa Verde, Taos, Santa Fe, etc.
Apr 18th, 2011, 11:57 AM
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Help needed for trip to Durango, Mesa Verde, Taos, Santa Fe, etc.
Our family of four is planning a northern NM/southwestern CO vacation 5/31-6/9, flying in and out of ABQ. We love exploring vacations, and while our daughters (ages 21 and 18) still have time to travel with us… you get the idea. The trips that work best for us mix a little bit of everything: great natural beauty (outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, river floats, though we know altitude can be tough, esp at first), history, culture/art (museums, a little gallery shopping), and some time just to soak up local color, relax, and laugh together. I’ve read a lot of great posts on this forum and would appreciate reactions to my rough itinerary and suggestions of more/different things to do, places to stay and eat, etc. We’re not big spenders but don’t opt for the cheapest either. We prefer authentic and local to luxurious and glitzy, especially when it comes to food.
Tues, 5/31: Plane arrives ABQ early pm. Drive to Durango via Farmington. Anything to stop for on way? Stay in Durango area. Lodging recommendations? (From what I’ve seen, it looks like the atmospheric places in town would be a lot more expensive for us, since we’d need two separate rooms, than places like Comfort or Hampton Inn, where we could share one.)
Wed, 6/1: Durango/Silverton RR. I saw the posts about whether to ride or drive, but we should have enough time to give a day to the train if it’s really great. Also, DH thinks his grandfather used to work on the RR a long time ago.
Thurs, 6/2: More to do in/around Durango or a little further afield or head to Mesa Verde with enough time to do something? Spend night at Far View Lodge.
Fri, 6/3: Full day at Mesa Verde. Based on forum reviews, will want to do major cliff dwellings (Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Spruce Tree House) and Wetherhill Mesa between 6/2 afternoon and 6/4 morning. I assume it’s better to do the inexpensive ranger tours rather than the big Aramark combo tours, right? Another night in park.
Sat, 6/4: Make way to Taos. What to do en route? Is it worth going by way of Ghost Ranch for tour? Recommended places to stay?
Sun, 6/5: Taos. Taos Pueblo worth visiting? Other must-sees? Or would it make more sense to only stay one night in Taos (especially if we didn’t stop to do anything en route day before) and leave more time for SF area?
Mon, 6/6-Wed, 6/8: To Santa Fe. Again, anything to do en route or with a bit of a detour? We were thinking of staying in SF 3 nights, giving us at least 2 full days there. How much time to allow for what? Bandelier (or anyplace else) worth a side trip, or will it be too similar to what we’ve already seen? I’ve seen a lot of discussion about hotels, so I’ll have to start pricing how much more it would be for us to stay near plaza vs. on Cerrillos. If it’s not too much more expensive, I would rather stay somewhere with character, but as I said, oftentimes that doubles the price for us.
Thurs, 6/9: DebitNM’s pictures of Tent Rocks look so cool that I’d love to stop there on way back to ABQ. We’d need to be at airport by 2. How long to leave for Tent Rocks? Does it make more sense as a side trip from SF on an earlier day?
Any and all suggestions—restaurants, hotels, sights, funky experiences, best ways to experience something, etc.—would be welcome.
Tues, 5/31: Plane arrives ABQ early pm. Drive to Durango via Farmington. Anything to stop for on way? Stay in Durango area. Lodging recommendations? (From what I’ve seen, it looks like the atmospheric places in town would be a lot more expensive for us, since we’d need two separate rooms, than places like Comfort or Hampton Inn, where we could share one.)
Wed, 6/1: Durango/Silverton RR. I saw the posts about whether to ride or drive, but we should have enough time to give a day to the train if it’s really great. Also, DH thinks his grandfather used to work on the RR a long time ago.
Thurs, 6/2: More to do in/around Durango or a little further afield or head to Mesa Verde with enough time to do something? Spend night at Far View Lodge.
Fri, 6/3: Full day at Mesa Verde. Based on forum reviews, will want to do major cliff dwellings (Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Spruce Tree House) and Wetherhill Mesa between 6/2 afternoon and 6/4 morning. I assume it’s better to do the inexpensive ranger tours rather than the big Aramark combo tours, right? Another night in park.
Sat, 6/4: Make way to Taos. What to do en route? Is it worth going by way of Ghost Ranch for tour? Recommended places to stay?
Sun, 6/5: Taos. Taos Pueblo worth visiting? Other must-sees? Or would it make more sense to only stay one night in Taos (especially if we didn’t stop to do anything en route day before) and leave more time for SF area?
Mon, 6/6-Wed, 6/8: To Santa Fe. Again, anything to do en route or with a bit of a detour? We were thinking of staying in SF 3 nights, giving us at least 2 full days there. How much time to allow for what? Bandelier (or anyplace else) worth a side trip, or will it be too similar to what we’ve already seen? I’ve seen a lot of discussion about hotels, so I’ll have to start pricing how much more it would be for us to stay near plaza vs. on Cerrillos. If it’s not too much more expensive, I would rather stay somewhere with character, but as I said, oftentimes that doubles the price for us.
Thurs, 6/9: DebitNM’s pictures of Tent Rocks look so cool that I’d love to stop there on way back to ABQ. We’d need to be at airport by 2. How long to leave for Tent Rocks? Does it make more sense as a side trip from SF on an earlier day?
Any and all suggestions—restaurants, hotels, sights, funky experiences, best ways to experience something, etc.—would be welcome.
Apr 18th, 2011, 01:17 PM
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Metate Dining Room is good at Mesa Verde. There is also another little concession area in the park that sells Indian Tacos, that I would suggest you try. I wouldn't go with the Aramark tour either. A couple of the houses you can do "on your own" without a ranger. Just do as many on the houses as you can. The petroglyph trail is pretty good hike.
Not for sure if you are aware of the zipline available on the train, it is very expensive but one of the highlights of all our trips we have ever taken.
Not for sure if you are aware of the zipline available on the train, it is very expensive but one of the highlights of all our trips we have ever taken.
Apr 18th, 2011, 01:33 PM
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Sounds like a great trip, your girls are lucky to get to go along.
Bandelier is very different from Mesa Verde. There is a very nice part of it for a hike called Tsankawi that is about 5 miles closer to Santa Fe. If you want to look you can check some of mine at www.flickr.com/photos/emalloy2009 There are a few of Bandelier in the 20098 set and a couple of Mesa Verde in the 2011 set.
Have a great trip.
Bandelier is very different from Mesa Verde. There is a very nice part of it for a hike called Tsankawi that is about 5 miles closer to Santa Fe. If you want to look you can check some of mine at www.flickr.com/photos/emalloy2009 There are a few of Bandelier in the 20098 set and a couple of Mesa Verde in the 2011 set.
Have a great trip.
Apr 18th, 2011, 06:27 PM
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Chaco Canyon is on your way to Durango from Albuquerque, but I don't know if you would have time to stop. If it has rained, the road would be pretty slippery.
The ranger tours at Mesa Verde are great - very informative.
I haven't done the Ghost Ranch tour, but the scenery around Abiquiu is stunning.
Taos Pueblo is definitely worth visiting, but check first to make sure they are open. They close sometimes for religious ceremonies.
Lee Ann
The ranger tours at Mesa Verde are great - very informative.
I haven't done the Ghost Ranch tour, but the scenery around Abiquiu is stunning.
Taos Pueblo is definitely worth visiting, but check first to make sure they are open. They close sometimes for religious ceremonies.
Lee Ann
May 7th, 2011, 04:48 AM
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Here’s our revised trip. Would love more comments:
Tues: Plane arrives ABQ 1:45 pm. After getting car, don’t think we’d have time for Chaco Canyon, ElendilPickle, though it sounds great. Drive to Kokopelli’s Cave outside Farmington. Spending night in a cave looked too good to pass up.
Wed: Is it worth visiting Aztec Ruins on way to Durango or is there something else that would be better to do between Farmington and Durango or around/in Durango? Spirobulldog, I’m afraid the combination of cost and my fear of heights has ruled out ziplines. Stay at Comfort Inn 1 night. Good place for dinner?
Thurs: Durango/Silverton RR. Based on people’s comments on pros/cons of train/bus/driving and since there are 4 of us, we’re thinking of splitting two tickets, with 2 of us on train/two in car each way, meeting up for lunch in Silverton. It would save money and give everyone a varied journey/view. Does anyone have a comment on RR seating options: open-air vs. inside coach? Does paying more for “deluxe” make a significant difference? After train, drive to Mesa Verde. Stay at Far View 2 nights.
Fri and half of Sat: Do major cliff dwellings and Wetherhill Mesa. Sat. afternoon, drive to Taos. Stay at Casa Europa 2 nights.
Sun: Taos Pueblo. Other suggestions in/around Taos?
Mon: Take a Llama to Lunch trek--what my husband thinks will be a “day hike with cuteness.” Seemed like one of those one-of-a-kind experiences, like staying in the cave. Drive to Santa Fe. Stay at Inn of the Governors 3 nights.
Tues and Wed: Explore Santa Fe area. With 2 days, what are the must-sees? I thought the GOK museum, but a friend said she was disappointed. Bandelier a definite possibility, emalloy, but we also want time to explore the city, gallery-shop, etc. Am looking forward to trying restaurants recommended on other forum posts but am afraid I won’t be hungry enough. Inn is providing not only bfast but also credit for food in their pub.
Thurs: Drive to ABQ for 3:45 plane. Would like to fit in Tent Rocks on way. How long should we allow for it?
Thanks again for any input, positive or negative. I think back fondly to the advice utahtea provided a few years ago, which made our trip to Zion/Bryce/GC fantastic.
Tues: Plane arrives ABQ 1:45 pm. After getting car, don’t think we’d have time for Chaco Canyon, ElendilPickle, though it sounds great. Drive to Kokopelli’s Cave outside Farmington. Spending night in a cave looked too good to pass up.
Wed: Is it worth visiting Aztec Ruins on way to Durango or is there something else that would be better to do between Farmington and Durango or around/in Durango? Spirobulldog, I’m afraid the combination of cost and my fear of heights has ruled out ziplines. Stay at Comfort Inn 1 night. Good place for dinner?
Thurs: Durango/Silverton RR. Based on people’s comments on pros/cons of train/bus/driving and since there are 4 of us, we’re thinking of splitting two tickets, with 2 of us on train/two in car each way, meeting up for lunch in Silverton. It would save money and give everyone a varied journey/view. Does anyone have a comment on RR seating options: open-air vs. inside coach? Does paying more for “deluxe” make a significant difference? After train, drive to Mesa Verde. Stay at Far View 2 nights.
Fri and half of Sat: Do major cliff dwellings and Wetherhill Mesa. Sat. afternoon, drive to Taos. Stay at Casa Europa 2 nights.
Sun: Taos Pueblo. Other suggestions in/around Taos?
Mon: Take a Llama to Lunch trek--what my husband thinks will be a “day hike with cuteness.” Seemed like one of those one-of-a-kind experiences, like staying in the cave. Drive to Santa Fe. Stay at Inn of the Governors 3 nights.
Tues and Wed: Explore Santa Fe area. With 2 days, what are the must-sees? I thought the GOK museum, but a friend said she was disappointed. Bandelier a definite possibility, emalloy, but we also want time to explore the city, gallery-shop, etc. Am looking forward to trying restaurants recommended on other forum posts but am afraid I won’t be hungry enough. Inn is providing not only bfast but also credit for food in their pub.
Thurs: Drive to ABQ for 3:45 plane. Would like to fit in Tent Rocks on way. How long should we allow for it?
Thanks again for any input, positive or negative. I think back fondly to the advice utahtea provided a few years ago, which made our trip to Zion/Bryce/GC fantastic.
May 7th, 2011, 05:12 AM
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I would agree that Chaco is fantastic but you don't have time for it on this trip as you would not even get to the acess road in Nagezi until late afternoon and it takes a while to get in/out on the unpaved road. If you want to visit Aztec ruin you might do that on your way to Farmington, it is not too far out of the way. The ruin is small and typical as I remember, but the kiva has been rebuilt and is very beautiful. You will see much more at Mesa Verde.
If you don't have a National Park Pass, you might consider getting one if you think you might visit sometime within the next year. If you are 62 they are $10 and good for a lifetime for the 4 people in your car and otherwise are $80 and good for a year. Since many parks are up to $25 for an entrance fee, it doesn't take too many visits to make it worthwhile.
If you don't have a National Park Pass, you might consider getting one if you think you might visit sometime within the next year. If you are 62 they are $10 and good for a lifetime for the 4 people in your car and otherwise are $80 and good for a year. Since many parks are up to $25 for an entrance fee, it doesn't take too many visits to make it worthwhile.
May 7th, 2011, 08:21 AM
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Between Taos and Santa Fe, you might want to see Chimayo. At any rate, take state route 76 through Trampas rather than the US route. I agree that Bandelier is worth seeing.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622984070940/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622984070940/
May 8th, 2011, 12:37 AM
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A couple of suggestions:
drive west from Taos to see the enormous and completely unexpected canon in the middle of a flat plain. Must have been very discouraging to folks in wagon trains!
The high road from Taos to Santa Fe is famous for a reason. If you get a chance before you go, try to rent "The Great Milagro Beanfield War". It was filmed in the area and gives an interesting picture of part of the local culture, which is quite complex.
On the way to Bandelier, which is absolutely "worth it" and nothing like Mesa Verde, stop off the road at San Ildefonso Pueblo, where there is a small museum. There is also an almost unvisited set of ruins, Puye, nearish to Santa Clara Pueblo. You can go down in a kiva.
In Bandelier, watch for the wildlife: birds, etc, but we also saw a deer browsing happily between the "up" trails and the "down" trails.
It is a wonderful area.
drive west from Taos to see the enormous and completely unexpected canon in the middle of a flat plain. Must have been very discouraging to folks in wagon trains!
The high road from Taos to Santa Fe is famous for a reason. If you get a chance before you go, try to rent "The Great Milagro Beanfield War". It was filmed in the area and gives an interesting picture of part of the local culture, which is quite complex.
On the way to Bandelier, which is absolutely "worth it" and nothing like Mesa Verde, stop off the road at San Ildefonso Pueblo, where there is a small museum. There is also an almost unvisited set of ruins, Puye, nearish to Santa Clara Pueblo. You can go down in a kiva.
In Bandelier, watch for the wildlife: birds, etc, but we also saw a deer browsing happily between the "up" trails and the "down" trails.
It is a wonderful area.
May 8th, 2011, 05:40 AM
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Wonderful suggestions, and what great photos, Michael! I'm lining up a list of movies to watch before we go to give us background and will put "The Great Milagro Beanfield War" on the list. Someone also mentioned "Georgia O'Keeffe" from a couple of years ago. I also want to rewatch the Mesa Verde segment from Ken Burns's National Parks series. Any other books/movies to suggest?
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