Originally Posted by
davescharf
The only 'must do' things on this trip from my perspective are the National Parks (Black Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Sand Dunes) and the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
One suggestion: consider booking the
Silver Vista car when you ride the Durango & Silverton. It costs about twice as much as a regular open-air car, but you get more room and you have a better view since you are able to look straight up.
Here's the link to the railroad's webpage describing the car:
Silver Vista car: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad