Looking for some advice on a trip in early October. We (hubby and I) are starting out in Denver visiting our kids and planning to stay for 3 days. We are looking for some day trips to do. We enjoy some easy hiking and photography. From there we are heading south to end up in Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta. After researching various destinations and reading through the forum I have come up with Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde and Durango (train ride). It looks as if we have 4 days between Denver and Albuquerque and I was wondering where should we stop for the night(s) and where is just a day visit. We are willing to spend the night in each location, that being said, where would you spend the most time? Thanks for your input!!

I would spend the most time in Mesa Verde. Call for a reservation in the park at Far View Lodge, two nights there if you can.

On the way to Albuquerque, you could stop in at Aztec Ruin, close to Bloomfield, NM where there is a good Best Western if you need a place to stay along the way.

I second Emalloy. Drive by the Sand Dunes for a quick visit and then go on to Mesa Verde.

You would be hard press time wise to visit the Sand Dunes and still make it to M Verde in one day. Leaving Denver you might consider Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, then hit the Sand Dunes and plan to stay on either side of Wolf Creek pass. Alamosa, east of Wolf creek is the biggest town till Durango. There will be lots of little mountain towns with mom and pop motels. Pick one. The next day would easily get you to M Verde. If cannot stay in MV then you next choice is Cortez. Typical mountain tourist town but that is the access to the park. Then you can swing south to Alb--.

No, I didn't mean you could get to Mesa Verde AND see the Sand Dunes in a day, but as long as you're headed that way, they ARE worth a short visit. I think Denver to MV in a day might be a long one but I haven't checked the mileage.

We've done that drive/trip multiple times, leaving from about an hour north of Denver. It is about 4 hours to the Sand Dunes and another 4 hours to Mesa Verde. You can stay in a cabin close to the dunes or maybe stay in Alamosa. We stayed in Cortez when going to MV. So, it is doable. The train ride will take the entire day. I think you leave about 8 and get back about 5ish.

Day 1: Leave Denver-drive to the Sand Dunes via I-25 and turning at Walsenburg...see the dunes for an hour or so. Drive to Cortez (or other town)--total time would be about a 10 hour day.
Day 2: Get up-go see Mesa Verde- this is at least a half day. Then decide what else you want to do for the day. Stay the night again
Day 3: Drive to the train to ride and ride it. Maybe stay in Durango that night
Day 4: Drive to New Mexico.

Other option- Leave Denver and drive through the mountains to get to Mesa Verde. Stop at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a spectacular canyon. I find it much cooler than the Royal Gorge. Stop for the night before you get to Mesa Verde or drive all the way. All the way will be 10-11 hours with the stop.