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Maximizing Your Weekend: An Epic Adventure from Denver to Taos in Just Three Days

  • Writer: Karen Israel
    Karen Israel
  • Jun 11
  • 3 min read

Finding time for adventure can feel impossible when you work a typical 9-to-5 job. But with a little planning, you can turn a long weekend into a memorable escape. Our recent trip from Denver to Taos, New Mexico, is a perfect example of how to pack a lot of outdoor fun into just three days. From hiking scenic trails to exploring unique landscapes, this trip shows that you don’t need weeks off to experience something amazing.


Smiling woman stands by a Welcome to Taos, New Mexico, USA sign on a sunny roadside amid trees and hills.
Karen standing in front of the Welcome to Taos sign

Leaving Denver on Friday: The Start of the Adventure


We left Denver around lunch time on Friday afternoon, eager to make the most of the weekend. Shout out to Justin for driving there so I could finish my work day in the car. The drive to Taos took us about 4 to 4.5 hours, so arriving by late afternoon gave us time to settle in before the weekend’s activities. We stayed at Hotel Willa, a cozy and stylish spot right in the heart of Taos. The hotel’s warm atmosphere and convenient location made it an ideal base for our trip.


Empty outdoor pool courtyard with lounge chairs and closed umbrellas beside adobe apartments under a clear blue sky.
The pool at Hotel Willa

After checking in, we didn’t waste any time. We headed straight to the Devisadero Peak Trail for a hike. We expected a quick 3-mile walk, but the trail turned out to be closer to 6 miles roundtrip. The extra distance was a surprise, but the views made it worth every step. The trail climbs steadily, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It was a great way to stretch our legs after the drive and get a feel for the area.


Smiling woman beside Devisadero Peak and Devisadero Loop Trail 108 signs on a sunny wooded trail.
Karen by the Devisadero Peak sign

Saturday Morning: Exploring Rio Grande Gorge Recreation Area


We started Saturday early with a visit to the Rio Grande Gorge Recreation Area. This spot is famous for its dramatic canyon carved by the Rio Grande River. The gorge is about 800 feet deep, and the views from the rim are breathtaking. The area offers a mix of easy and moderate trails, so it’s accessible for most fitness levels. We combined several short hikes in order to hike along the rim, stopping often to admire the river far below and the rugged cliffs, then down into the canyon to experience it all. The fresh air and open space felt like a perfect reset from the busy workweek.


Rocky canyon with pine trees, winding dirt trail, and distant mountains under a bright blue, cloud-streaked sky.
Rio Grande Gorge
Woman in pink cap stands on rocky canyon trail, looking over a wide desert valley under a bright blue sky.
Karen hiking down into the canyon
White wildflowers with yellow centers blooming on rocky desert soil in bright sunlight, shallow focus, calm natural scene
Wildflowers were just starting to bloom

Saturday Afternoon: Discovering Bandelier National Monument


After lunch, we drove about an hour to Bandelier National Monument. This site preserves ancient Puebloan dwellings carved into volcanic rock cliffs. Walking through the ruins gave us a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived here over 700 years ago. I most wanted to the explore the cliff dwellings in Bandelier so we hiked the Pueblo Loop Trail and added on the Alcove House to make the most of our short time here.


Adobe ruin built into a tan cliff, with wooden beams jutting out in a dry canyon setting
Reconstructed cliff dwellings

The highlight was climbing ladders to explore cliff dwellings and seeing petroglyphs etched into the stone. The landscape here is unique, with a mix of desert and forest environments. It’s a place that combines history, culture, and nature in a way that few other parks do. An afternoon here was not enough time for me to see everything I wanted to but at least I got to experience it and I'm already planning a return trip to explore more!


Smiling woman sits in a cliff dwelling doorway above a wooden ladder, framed by tan rock walls and cave openings.
Karen exploring a cavate

Sunday: Wrapping Up and Heading Home


Sunday morning was a chance to relax and enjoy the town of Taos itself. We wandered through local shops, grabbed coffee and breakfast at a café, and soaked in the small-town charm. We knew we wanted some time at home to relax before the work week started up again so we tried to leave by mid-morning which got us back home early afternoon.


Smiling woman in sunglasses and a pink patterned jacket stands on a canyon overlook under a blue, cloud-streaked sky.
Karen at the Rio Grande Gorge Recreation Area

Making the Most of Limited Vacation Time


This trip packed a lot into a short time, but that’s the point. When you have limited vacation days, planning a getaway that fits into a weekend can be incredibly rewarding. Leaving Friday afternoon and returning Sunday gave us nearly two full days of adventure without taking extra time off work.


Here are some tips for fitting trips like this into a busy schedule:


  • Plan ahead: Book accommodations and map out your routes before you go.

  • Start early: Getting an early start each day maximizes daylight and activity time.

  • Choose a base location: Staying in one place like Hotel Willa lets you explore nearby spots without constant packing and unpacking.

  • Mix activities: Combine hiking, sightseeing, and cultural visits to keep things interesting.

  • Be flexible: Sometimes trails take longer or weather changes. Adjust your plans but keep the spirit of adventure.


Ancient cliff dwellings in a tan canyon wall, with boulders and pine trees under an overcast sky.
Reconstructed cliff dwellings in Bandelier National Monument

Ready to start planning your trip to Taos? Pin this post for later!



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