I'm in the early stages of planning a late March/early April road trip from Colorado to New Mexico. We're flexible on travel dates and duration, but currently considering 5-6 nights. Our main focus will be scenery, moderate hiking and good food.

I've recently run across information regarding the Turquoise Trail between Santa Fe and Albuquerque and want to incorporate it into our trip.

Thus far I'm considering two nights in Taos, which gives us a full day to do some hiking around Angel Fire. Any reccos for specific moderate hikes doable this time of year? Perhaps a good place for lunch (in Angel Fire)?

From Taos I thought we'd drive to Albuquerque for a couple of nights. Is it possible to fully experience the Turquoise Trail on the drive between Taos and Albuquerque? Best I can tell the drive alone will take about 2.5 hours, then of course we'll need sufficient time to explore en route. Any good hiking near Albuquerque? We'll probably spend a few hours in Old Town, but otherwise no specific plans. Not yet sure if we want to add a few nights for Santa Fe - I was there last October and was surprised to discover I preferred Albuquerque to Santa Fe (at least as far as Old Towns go).

All suggestions welcome.

Have you been to Bandelier National Monument? It's about an hour west of Santa Fe and has ancient dwellings carved into the soft rock of the hillside. There is a section of the park that is less developed called Tswanki (sp-3) which is great if you like to hike.

Tent Rocks are between SF and Albuquerque, also good for hiking.

The time on Turquoise Trail depends on how much browsing you do along the way.

Thank you emalloy. No, we haven't been to Bandelier, but its on the radar. I wasn't quite sure of how to incorporate it into the trip (early days of research). Is it best visited from Santa Fe? I've been considering Tamaya Resort, which is located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque and might be a good in between spot for visiting the area (?)

Tamaya is only about 15 minutes from Albuquerque; it might be a nice base for exploring this area. Try Petroglyph National Monument for some hiking, or take a look at the trails on both sides of the Sandias.

You could easily go to Bandelier from Santa Fe.

Thanks Le Ann!

Bandalier is great--worth your time and could be done on your way from Taos to Albuquergue, with time to drive the Turquoise Trail on the way. Just get going in the morning so that you have time to hike, meander, browse, eat, etc.

Another vote for Bandelier, definitely worth some time.

If you need a bad weather option then we also enjoyed the museum at Los Alamos, about 20 minutes from Bandelier.
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Have a great trip!

Thank you. A plan is beginning to form, will post what I come up with.