Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

If you have time check out Pagoda Springs and the great dunes.

Tex-s

Even if you opt for the Kebler pass route, you should consider driving the full Silverton/Ouray route, weather permitting. There are several massive canyon/distant range landscape possibilities, and hot springs in Ouray. There is also a very nice waterfall along the route in the spring and summer, but I do not know if it is a year-round falls.

I concur that Mesa Verde should be a destination high on your list, but be sure to allow a half-a-day minimum to make the drive and see at least one good site of cliff dwellings. The drive in from Durango is well over an hour to Spruce tree House, the main self-guided tour of a cliff dwelling.

ppkwhat Loc: Gibsonton, FL

I would also try the Pikes Peak - the view from up the summit is fantastic!

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Since I 'presume' you're travelling from Arkansas, checkout Great Sand Dunes NP SE of Pueblo on your way over or return, an amazing place. Royal Gorge near Canon City is a spectacular site. Totally concur on the SDRR, its a must. Then you have Pagosa Springs and of course 'Wolf Creek Pass'

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

My understanding is that currently the route to the summit is closed somewhere on the way up and it can't be driven all the way to the top. Something to do with some construction on the railroad. I'm not certain if this is still in effect but it would be wise to check out the situation before setting out on this drive.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

The link below is for a map showing the timing of fall color in different areas of the state, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. It's from 2016 but should still show the progression across the state for any year although the dates will vary somewhat year to year.

https://denver.cbslocal.com/2016/09/15/colorados-fall-color-show-appears-on-schedule/

WaM_Photo Loc: Sandia Park, New Mexico

I took a ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad from Chama, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado last October. Although past peak for color, it was still a beautiful ride.

don1047 Loc: Colorado

I would go Durango Silverton Ouray Ridgway. From Ridgway go west to the Dallas Divide (abt 12 mi) and Last Dollar Rd. Kebler Pass is easy to drive in fall, absent lots of snow.

raferrelljr Loc: CHARLOTTE, NC

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park. Maroon Bells are great. Enjoy your trip...................don't rush.

josquin1 Loc: Massachusetts

Try going to Nederland, a fabulous little place about 45 minutes north of Boulder.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

We went on the Duango-Silverton train in 2008. We sat in the open cars. Be sure to wear glasses of some sort to protect from stray cinders - that's half the fun! Fall should be a beautiful time - lots of photo ops, so have your camera ready. Next day we drove from Durango to Ouray via the Million Dollar Highway to Montrose to Granite, south of Leadville. Lots of scenery! Black Canyon of the Gunnison is east of Montrose. Granite has roads to old mining towns, another interesting stop. We went home through Rocky Mountain NP, another great fall stop. Enjoy, take extra SD cards.
One caveat is the large fire near Durango earlier this year, so there may be large areas of burned forest. Also, as someone pointed out, early snowfall is always a risk, so watch the weather.

zzzynick Loc: Colorado

I live in Colorado.
You will be close to Mesa Verde. The cliff dwellings of the Anasazi. It's simply amazing.
The Grand Canyon is near by.
The Sand Dunes.
4 Corners, where you stand in 4 states at once.
40 some years ago, I drank a beer and smoked a joint on that spot.
Aztec and Salmon Run, New Mexico, for petrographs [anicent paintings]
The pawn shops in Farmington, NM, are a blast.
Go over Rabbit Ears pass, before in becomes Rabbit Ear Pass, one of the ears is begining to crumble.
Lake City, where Alfred Packer was tried and convicted of cannabalism.
I haven't been there in a long time, but it use to have some of the best Brown Trout fishing in the world.
Up in the northern corner is Dinasour Park and the Grand Mesa.
Now for some friendly advice.
Your body will be oxygen starved. Take life nice and easy.
Use sun screen. There is less atmosphere to filter the suns rays. You will burn
Drink lots of water.
Bring warm clothes. The weather in the high counrty can change in a instant. You may get snowed on.
A pair on sturdy, well broken in hiking type boots, are a good thing to have.
Colorado has a serious amount of Micro Breweries, Pot is legal.
If you choose to indulge. Be careful. The high alitude, will increase your high.
Have fun

josquin1 Loc: Massachusetts

absolutely great advice. I remember the oxtgen issue in NM where I was 7200 feet up. Wasn't prepared for that.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

Some time back there was a post about the great fall color in a mountain valley in W. Colorado. I can't find the thread and don't recall the valley name. The thread was primarily about fall color in the Teton Range but the Colorado location was posted for comparison and the photo was spectacuar. Anyone know what the name of the valley might be? Thanks.

PRodacy Loc: New Mexico

Definitely go by way of Silverton and Ouray. If you have time, take one of the four wheel drive tours in Ouray. You'll get into areas that you won't believe. Imogene pass (from Ouray to Telluride) is one of my favorites. We've been going to that area 2 ort 3 times a year for the past 15 years and I still haven't photographed everything I want to. I agree that Mesa Verde is worth a stop, but it is a tourist area so you will have people to deal with.