What would you recommend as the best route for driving from Santa Fe, NM to Denver, CO in early October? Would you recommend I-25 or US 285?

First, you have to define "best." The fastest will be I-25. US 285 would be more scenic BIT much, much slower. It is for the most part two lane winding thought the mountains. I am guessing but could be 50% or more slower.

Thanks for the info. Not necessarily looking for the shortest, but is it do-able in 1 day. Approx how long would it take? Mapquest says about 6 hours. How accurate do you think that is? I'm sure I-25 will be much faster, but also pretty boring. Love the mountains which is why we're looking at the "slower" route.

It is definitely doable in one day. Six to seven hours, I would think.

We have driven from the Fairplay, Colorado area down the 285 route to Santa Fe. It is definitely doable in a day - and is a lovely drive. You will cross through many different types of scenery. For me, it is far more relaxing than I-25. Two lane roads will keep you from a breakneck pace, but it isn't really difficult mountain roads.

I am going to Denver in June and thinking about adding a stop in Santa Fe while I am out there (would be my first visit to both Colorado and New Mexico), so I would appreciate more information about the drive from Denver to Santa Fe. I would probably take I-25 since I won't have a lot of time. Is that route at all scenic? Is there anything interesting to see along the way, or any nice little town to stop in for lunch? What is the weather like on I-25 in June? Or should I just grab a cheap flight on Southwest?

Southwest flies to Albuquerque. Google Maps puts the drive time from the airport to Santa Fe at a little under 1.5 hours. There is also the RailRunner train, (1.75 hrs), but its schedule might not fit yours.

The weather will be fine. The drive is not ugly but it is along the foothills so it can be very scenic is some areas. But it is a four lane highway designed to make your driving easy. Trinidad and Raton might be interesting town and you do have to go over Raton pass with is scenic.

L269, how much time would have for Santa Fe? It will take you most of the day to drive there from Denver. As Cranachin said, you could fly from Denver to Albuquerque, then rent a car and drive the hour to Santa Fe (it won't be 90 minutes unless there is an accident on the freeway) or take the RailRunner. At any rate, I wouldn't try it unless I had at least three extra days.

Lee Ann