Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico.

DrewE wrote:
What sorts of things interest you, and what is your demographic makeup? Kids or adults? Sitting and relaxing or active activity? City life or natural areas?

x2
It's a whole different list if you're with kids and want to do long hikes vs. sight seeing from a vehicle.

Been to Royal Gorge both above and train ride below. Black Canyon east of Montrose. Million dollar Highway between Montrose and Silverton, that was a day trip without RV. Been on the Durango to Silver Town Narrow gauge RR and took the bus one way. All places are outstaying.

Aztec Ruins National Monument and Salmon Ruins are in Northwestern New Mexico. I agree that the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad is worth a ride. In the Taos area are the Rio Grande River Gorge, Kit Carson Home & Museum, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument, and lots of shops in the plaza.

In Santa Fe, Check out the Galleries on Canyon Road. Take a drive up Hyde Park Road (NM-475) to the Ski Basin. We enjoyed Pecos National Historic Park not far Northwest of Santa Fe on I-25. Visit Museum Hill in Santa Fe. There is lots of shopping and numerous historic sites and museums on and near the plaza.
We also enjoyed driving the Turquoise Trail(NM-14) visiting the shops in Madrid where the movie "Wild Hogs" was made and the semi-ghost town of Cerrilos. Tent Rocks National Monument is not far South of Santa Fe.

Other attractions in the area North of I-40 are: Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Christ in the Desert Monastery, Bandelier National Monument, Ghost Ranch, and Fort Union National Monument.

trip report that I posted with lots of photos of that area that might give you some ideas. Silverton, Alpine loop in a rental jeep, and Mesa Verde

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26149938.cfm

If you are coming this far and you plan to take the Cumbres and Toltec, we would recommend upgrading to Parlor Car Class for your train ride. It was well worth the extra cost.
Also, while you are in Southern Colorado, come see us in Canon City and visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. It's back stronger than ever after the devastating fire in 2013.

Happy trails!

May might be a bit early for some of the higher elevation spots.

I'll throw in the alpine loop between Lake City and Silverton in Colorado. Will need to rent a jeep as there are some extremely, rough areas.

And I also recommend the Cumbres & Toltec steam railroad if that interest you. An all day affair. I recommend taking the train from Antonito to Chama, and the bus back. Starts off in an arid climate, climbs slowing into the high mountains, stops for lunch midway, and then descends into Chama. The bus back lets you relax for a bit.


X2 on this, especially starting on the Antonito side. There's also some campgrounds to the west of Antonito. Did the Cumbres & Toltec many years ago when my son was big time into trains and it's an experience for kids as well as adults. The scenery is incredible, and the gradual change from the Antonito side is subtle and striking. When we did it, we stayed in Chama and took the bus TO Antonito to start, and then the train back to Chama. Either way works, and is a day to remember.

Cumbres Toltec Railroad and Mesa Verde are outstanding.

What sorts of things interest you, and what is your demographic makeup? Kids or adults? Sitting and relaxing or active activity? City life or natural areas?

I don't know that I personally know enough to make many specific suggestions, but it's much easier with a bit of guidance about what you're interested in nevertheless.