Planning a trip to Santa Fe and Taos last week of May

My wife and I are planning a trip to Santa Fe and Taos the last week of May. We have a week and are flying into ABQ and renting a car.

We have been to both places (Taos and Santa Fe) and truly enjoy this part of the country. We are adventurerous and love to discover fun little towns that have nice art, jewelry, good food, hiking,

We dont mind covering lots of country by driving. Are there any other fun towns north of Taos? I have heard people mention going up to Durango is it a worthwhile place to visit? Are there places in New Mexico that are fun to stay for a night and then explore by day?

We were just planning a couple days in Santa Fe and Taos and were hoping to find another place to visit while we are in New Mexico area.

We have a gift certificate for 2 nights at the Inn at Alameda for when we stay in Santa Fe. We havent made plans for Taos yet. Any ideas on additions to our itenerary would definitely be appreciated!

Thanks,

Grant from Santa Cruz, CA

Planning a trip to Santa Fe and Taos last week of May

Since you%26#39;ve been to Santa Fe and Taos previously, I%26#39;ll assume you%26#39;ve traveled the Turquoise Trail, or back road to Santa Fe from Albuquerque, NM-14. It%26#39;s an interesting and scenic drive through the old mining towns of Cerrillos and Madrid, especially the latter with it%26#39;s quirky shops.

With a week available for your trip, if you haven%26#39;t visited SW Colorado, you are missing one of the most beautiful areas in all the Rockies. Durango is a great jumping off place for Mesa Verde National Park, and the ';Little Switzerland of America,'; the San Juan Mountains above Durango. There is a fantastic, 60-mile, narrow-gauge railroad from Durango to the old mining town of Silverton. Silverton is one of the best preserved, ';Old West'; towns I%26#39;ve ever visited. Ouray to Silverton%26#39;s north on US550, is also quite photogenic. Much of this highway is above the timberline, and in May there should still be some snow at the highest altitudes.

There is another narrow-gauge train running from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO over Cumbres Pass, if you%26#39;d be into such things. Chama would be between Taos and Durango.

If you were making a circle, you could also catch Aztec National Monument, and Chaco Canyon%26#39;s ancient stone village ruins, off U.S.550, between Durango and Albuquerque, on a return route.

All of the above area have ';fun little towns,'; plus great camping, fishing, and hiking opportunites.

Planning a trip to Santa Fe and Taos last week of May

Thanks! I think we are likely to head up to Durango. We have done day trips from Santa Fe and Taos on local roads in past visits. We have never been to Southern CO or more Northern part of New Mexico.

Any tips on where to stay in Durango area?

We will start in Albuquerque as we fly in on a Saturday evening. Then perhaps head directly to Taos Sunday AM for a day or two. Then go to Durango surrounding areas, then head back down to Santa Fe for a last couple days before we fly back home.