We are driving down to Santa Fe from Denver and have decided to take 3 days for it since we have never been to Colorado. 'Been to Santa Fe but nowhere north of there. At this point, we have no ideas on places to see, things to do, where to stay or restaurants. Timing of trip is end of August. Once in Santa Fe, we'll be staying 5-6 days so there is time for us to visit places north of there. For the 3 days drive therefore, we can concentrate on Colorado. Any assist you can offer would be appreciated!

Check out Montrose and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/montrose
Also check out Durango and the Durango and Silverton tourist railroad.

Many thanks! Will definitely check these out...

A bit expensive but still on my bucket list. http://www.durangosilvertonrailroad....ules-and-fares
Enjoy the Rockies!

Garden of the Gods and Great Sand Dunes NP are along the way from Denver to Sante Fe if you are driving directly south, they are both worth a visit. Great Sand Dunes is a little out of the way, but not too much.

Leadville, Presidential Range, Buena Vista, Alamosa, etc

Take 285 south from Alamosa thru Tres Piedras to get to Santa Fe; or if you have time, go thru Taos [take 64 east] and then down to Santa Fe; you can easily visit Taos on a day trip once in SF, so you don't have to stop. That is a nice route.

While Durango is a lovely little town and with lots to see and do; detouring that way will eat up most of your travel time; especially if you were to do the train; which takes up the better part of day.

Perhaps take 160 out of Alamosa and head to Pagosa Springs - nice natural hot springs and then 84 to SF or 84 to 64 and go thru Tres Piedras.

Great Sand Dunes

There are a lot of picturesque places along the route to Santa Fe. Taking I-70 to Vail area, on to Glenwood Springs and down the beautiful drive to Aspen. Not many places have breathtaking scenery like that area of Aspen & Snowmass. The most photographed peaks in the US are of Maroon Bells in Aspen. Then continue on south on Independence pass and stop for a picnic at Twin Lakes. Gorgeous spot to take in the mountain beauty at two beautiful lakes. This route connects you to Hwy 24 which turns into 285 going into Santa Fe.

Great Sand Dunes are along that route or you can certainly go through Pagosa Springs if you want to drive west before you get to Alamosa. Then, go south to Santa Fe saving Taos for a day trip. You can easily go to Chama and then 64 to Tres Piedres and on to Taos for a day trip.

I have been traveling all week so my apologies for the late response. I appreciate all of your input - you have given us a lot to work with and we look forward to getting a "sampling" of the Colorado route so we can plan a longer trip there in the future...