Where to Next???

I am very happy to finally booked our trip to Utah and Colorado for Spring Break. It was a tough choice. We have 4 free mileage to redeem. But the 2 tix are from AA and the other 2 from Thank You points from Citibank. Plus with the blackout dates our choices are limited and I have to match the airlines from 2 sites.

So rolling up my sleeves...I surfed AA and Citi TY point sites for 2 nights. Places that are popular spring break destinations cost too much points or too many layover or too cold of a place to visit. But I am determined.... Finally, I checked Salt Lake City and VOILA! It has a direct late flight going in and direct afternoon flight going out. We have enough AA mileage for 2 tickets and also for the Citi TY points. Both flights were available. I quickly did a mapquest fo the direction from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah and it's only about 4 hrs. drive. And the same to Durango, Co. Weather is also pefect for hiking in Moab. I AM THRILLED. We ended up just paying $5 tax fee at AA and for my daughter $5 tax and booking fee $20 over the phone. Yeah, I have to book hers over the phone because she's minor and she's using her own mileage. So total cost for 4 tickets - $30.

Here's our tentative itinerary so far:

Day 1: Fly to Salt Lake City

Day 2: Sightseeing Salt Lake City, then drive to Moab in the afternoon . (about 4 hrs.)

Day 3: Visit Arches National Park in Moab(hiking).

Day 4: Drive to Mesa Verde to see the Cliff Dwellings (3 hrs) then drive to Durango for the night (2 hrs.) ...hectic day so I'm not sure about Mesa Verde. If not we'll see a little more of Arches before driving to Durango.

Day 5: Durango Railroad Scenic Train ride.

Day 6: Half day rafting tour at the Lower Animas River or day trip to Mesa Verde.

Day 7: Drive back to SLC. (6.5 hrs.) See the Temple Square at night . Dinner at Cafe Rio?

Day 8: Fly back home.

I am very excited to see the Arches National Park. I need to research more and see if we need to stay there for 2 nights. Ok off to surf more.