I haven't been to Tent Rocks, but Bandelier is great. It has two areas, the main one with a VC and the less restored area called Tsankwai (spelling -2), which is great for a short hike. These could be visited in a morning if you got going early.

If you are doing these in the summer, they should be done as early as possible in the morning. We are looking at temps hovering around 100 this next week!!

Also, bring three times as much water as you think you will need. You can get dehydrated VERY fast here. Also - hat, sunglasses, sunscreen with high SPF, chapstick.

I haven't been to Bandelier [hard to believe] in a decade but go to Tent Rocks several times a year. It is an amazing place, unlike any thing else.

Are you coming from sea level?? You may find yourself dealing with altitude, it is something to pay attention to; even if you are in great shape, it can be a challenge to do Tent Rocks to the top of the trail. Driving from SF and back and then the time to climb will take several hours.

There are 3 options for hiking: to the top, a lower loop that are right at Tent Rocks or continuing down the road for 3 more miles where you can do an easy 1 mile walk with nice views but certainly not as good as the hike to top or even the loop trail.

There are facilities at both spots as well as picnic tables. There is also a man made lake [Cochiti] where you can swim. It isn't much, but it is cool and a nice spot for a dip after a hot summer climb.

Hope this helps.

These are Tent Rocks winter pics:
https://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/TentRocksNov2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCLCmhaW-2_zrJA#

Thank you for your replies! We'll be in the area early October during the Balloon Fiesta and our itinerary is filling up fast! I would love to see Acoma Pueblo, Tent Rocks, Bandelier, and the Petroglyph Monument but not sure if time will allow (in addition to balloons, Sante Fe and Taos..oh brother). I had read someone's trip report who said they stopped at Tent Rocks on the way from ABQ to Santa Fe. Would an afternoon there in October be too hot?

Depends, could be hot in OCtober, but certainly not like now. Acoma is absolutely worth seeing too. You could do it on the drive from ABQ to SF.

Out of the list of sights that I mentioned above, which are must-sees, in your opinion? I'm afraid we won't manage all. However, it will be a great excuse to return.