West - Road Trip! Denver to Galveston

We rented a condo in Galveston for a month. As Mrs. Galt hates long car trips, the boys and I will drive from Denver to Galveston, pick her up at the airport, then I'll fly back so I can work.

I'll have my two sons, 9 and 10. Here's what we're thinking for now:

Evergreen to Ouray Colo - 6 hours. Get there noonish, depart about 4:00 PM.

Ouray to Cortez - spend 1 day, maybe 2 in Mesa Verde. Stop by Four Corners for the iconic and geographically-incorrect photo in four States.
Cortez to Santa Fe - arrive late afternoon. Spen 1 1/2 days there? Depart after lunch.

Santa Fe to Carlsbad, CO - arrive late afternoon, spend the next day at teh Carvern. Toying with the idea of combining this with a Guadelupe Peak hike, the highest point in Texas (8500') but this is summer and I'm worried about both thunderstorms and my son's ability to make the hike. Altitude is nt a problem as the house is at 8,000'. If we did this hike, it would be an extra day in Carlsbad as the next day is a long drive.

Carlsbad Colo to San Antonio - arrive evening, walk along the river walk and depart mid-morning the next day. Possibly stop in at the Alamo and the Menger. We are from Houston originally, so this is primarily a rest stop. We could skip it and push through to Galveston. This would be 11 hours, which would suck, but it is what it is.

Any thoughts? I know Santa Fe is great for adults, but not sure how much fun for kids. Is the Turquiose Trail something they would like?

I'll have my two sons, 9 and 10. Here's what we're thinking for now:

Evergreen to Ouray Colo - 6 hours. Get there noonish, depart about 4:00 PM.

Ouray to Cortez - spend 1 day, maybe 2 in Mesa Verde. Stop by Four Corners for the iconic and geographically-incorrect photo in four States.
Cortez to Santa Fe - arrive late afternoon. Spen 1 1/2 days there? Depart after lunch.

. . .

Any thoughts? I know Santa Fe is great for adults, but not sure how much fun for kids. Is the Turquiose Trail something they would like?

Evergreen to Ouray in 6 hours may take some hard drivin' and no surprises on I-70. If you haven't been to Ouray before, it is kinda nice to see, but I would compare somewhat to Leadville, in case that helps you estimate time there. If your guys have not been through the CO National Monument and Black Canyon/Gunnison, those may be worth the extra 2 hours (or more if you spend some time walking around) en route to Ouray. Get to Ouray late in the day, walk around a bit and maybe get a bite to eat, then head for Durango for the night. As I recall your options are better there than Cortez.

Two places easily reached from Durango, but both of which you will want to start early in the day: Chimney Rock Mesa (toward Pagosa Springs) and, as you mentioned, Mesa Verde. I think if you know what you want to do at Mesa Verde and when, with one well planned day, you can cover it, though you will also be there in the heat of the day. When I went, the group I was with had not looked at when the various programs were happening where, so we probably missed out on 1-2 things we would have done, maybe a walk with a guide or some sort of demonstration.

In Durango, they usually have river intertube options, something to cool down if you've been out in the heat a lot.

I think the drive from Durango to Sante Fe is around 4 hours, but I have not done it myself. If you want a recommendation for a B&B there in walking distance to the downtown market, PM me; it does not have a pool. But I think your caution about your guys being bored in SF if you hung out too long is probably reasonable. See if there will be any festivals there about the time you are planning to go.

Can't help you much on the rest, other than MHO that San Antonio is probably the coolest TX city, especially on the Riverwalk in the evening, and I say that without any vested interest and the realization that many (less enlightened people?) may disagree.

Any thoughts?My first thought was: Carlsbad is in New Mexico, not Colorado. :D :D :D But your kids will like the Carlsbad Caverns tour.

Also consider Roswell for some campy UFO/alien fun.