We are flying into Albuquerque on September 17 and must fly from Denver on September 28 (wedding in boulder)

I am thinking to drive down to Carlsbad Caverns and back to Albuquerque. I am looking for places to stay and best to eat. We like great locations but no need for the best in town, and if we don't do the caverns might consider a reasonably priced resort, just to relax, a little outdoor activities.

Albuquerque - 2 nights to caverns - Sept. 17-18
Albuquerque - 2 nights there and environs - 19-20
Sante Fe - three nights- 21-23
Taos - one night-24
Drive to Denver-Boulder-25
Must be in Boulder evening of September 26, wedding on September 27

I would bag Carlsbad Caverns and instead take the scenic route from Santa Fe to Boulder via the route shown on Google Maps with the "avoid highways" option.

Taos, San Luis Valley, Alamosa, Salida, Golden, Boulder. About 8 hours of driving with no stops, so I would spread it over two days.

Or you could take US 24 from near Salida to Leadville and hit I 70 near Vail. I 70 is an interstate with actual beautiful scenery.

It could snow at higher elevations, perhaps affecting your route decision.

We would also like to go to Taos, so can we take your suggested route starting from there? Are there sites or hiking along the way, or is this just a scenic drive?

I would also skip Carlsbad Caverns.
Maybe add a night in Santa Fe?

Let me know if you need ideas for ABQ. I live here and am always happy to help.

I'd take a detour between Salida and Buena Vista up to St Elmo and Hancock. From Hancock there's some lovely hiking - and the drive up is great. http://coloradoguy.com/hancock-colorado.htm

I also received suggestions to go to the Tent Rocks and Sandia Peak while in Alb. We also need hotel suggestions. B&B or Historic Hotels are good for us, most important clean and good location.

As for the ride to Boulder, we got a recommendation that we go to Aroma Pueblo or Taos Pueblo and Palace of the Governors and see Petroglyph national Park. then I read that the Santa Clara Pueblo have cliff dwellings that we can visit We only need to do one. Any recommendations?

Price for hotel in ABQ?

We have paid $300 to stay in NYC if necessary , but we don't know the going rate out there. I guess what is moderate for the area, a Marriott or Sheraton level although would prefer not a chain.

Read jubilada's trip report on NM from this winter. Los Poblanos where she and her wife stayed sounds wonderful.

I thought that Acoma (not Aroma) Pueblo, west of Albuquerque, was spectacular. It sits on top of a mesa.

Thanks. I tried Los Pablanos and it is booked, although I'll keep trying. I will also put Acoma Puelbo on my list and look for the trip report.

Are u bringing a pet? I dont know enought to help with itinerary coz i just stayed in abq and santa fe. But anyone bringing a pet, be aware theres a pet sitting compant that actually will come to your hotel. It was great for me coz i could go out to dinner or shopping and not worry about my pup. I think i just googled "hotel pet sitter albuquerque" . Im sorry i cant remember name of company.
Anyway next time i go to NM i will see the caverns and also truth or consequences. I hear there are hot springs in most of the hotels and a lake nearby

Are u bringing a pet? I dont know enought to help with itinerary coz i just stayed in abq and santa fe. But anyone bringing a pet, be aware theres a pet sitting compant that actually will come to your hotel. It was great for me coz i could go out to dinner or shopping and not worry about my pup. I think i just googled "hotel pet sitter albuquerque" . Im sorry i cant remember name of company.
Anyway next time i go to NM i will see the caverns and also truth or consequences. I hear there are hot springs in most of the hotels and a lake nearby

When you're in Taos, yes visit Taos Pueblo. In Santa Fe, visit Palace of the Governors. As I recall, the petroglyphs on Santa Clara pueblo are not very conveniently located.

There is a Petroglyph National Monument near Albequerque; I've never been to that. But I have been to Bandolier National Monument several times, and found it very interesting. It's outside of Santa Fe, near Los Alamos. On this last trip, we also visited the museum in Los Alamos, and found it worth our time, as well.

We live just south of Denver, and always take the San Luis Valley route to Taos. Yes, you could go from Taos through the San Luis Valley to Salida, and go from there east to I-25 and north to Boulder, or from Salida to Buena Vista, then Leadville, then east on I-70 and on to Boulder. The Leadville route is probably longer but does have spectacular views. If you had time, you could spend the night in that area, or in Vail.