Driving through Colorado (between Mt. Rushmore & Flagstaff)
 

We will be driving from Badlands & Mt. Rushmore, SD through Colorado on our way to Flagstaff & would like to do some scenic driving in Colorado. Last time we were there, we visited Mesa Verde and drove the Million Dollar Highway (in April 2011). My husband visited Pike's Peak many years ago, and would like to revisit Colorado Springs. I'm looking at Trailridge Road instead, especially since we'll be coming from South Dakota. Hope to see some fall color and would enjoy seeing the elks. We can spend a night. Can't hike, but short strolls would work. We'll probably be there at the beginning of October. Really appreciated the great advice we received in 2011, so thought I'd come back for more. Thanks!

I wanted to add that on the last trip through this area, we visited Moab and Arches.

More NM than CO, I'd suggest following I-25 after Colorado Springs, 160 west from Walsenburg, 285 south to Taos. On to Santa Fe where you can join I-25 again then 40 toward Flag.

Possible side trips along the route:
Great Sand Dunes near 160 in CO.
A number of interesting stops in the area between Taos and Santa Fe.
Acoma Pueblo (guided tours). South of I-40 on Route 23 west of Albuquerque.

We were in Santa Fe briefly, but haven't been to Great Sand Dunes, Taos or Acoma Pueblo. All look really interesting. Thank you!

Trail Ridge Road might be closed

That actually might be fine, since it's hard to narrow down the options. I wonder if it's still worthwhile to stop in RMNP, given our time constraints and potential weather.

FYI--Closing dates for Trail Ridge Road since 2000--early October should be safe--
October 17, 2012, October 27, 2011, November 1, 2010, October 21, 2009, November 6, 2008, October 22, 2007, October 23, 2006, November 4, 2005, October 25, 2004, November 6, 2003, November 1, 2002, October 18, 2001, and November 2, 2000.

Good to know. Thank you!