Fairly easy drive unless there is a blizzard, which is highly unlikely in the summer.

4 lane part of the way, passing lanes on hills and not too difficult. Be aware of oil/gas trucks, slow moving local vehicles and wildlife, but you will be just fine. Takes about 4 hours.

Not many places to stop along the way, so make sure you have full tank of gas and some snacks. You could stop in Cuba for lunch, good Mexican place there. Otherwise, not much until Bloomfield/Aztec area.

Also maybe make a stop at Aztec Ruins NM in Aztec south of Durango. Count on some 4 hours for the direct stretch ABQ-Durango. Easy drive.

How is the trip from Sante Fe to Durango in October??snow that early? Also from Durango to Mesa Verde and Monument Valley...how long a drive do you think? Anyone been to Lake Powell? Any help appreciated.

Usually October is a very nice month for travel between Santa Fe and Durango. Normally we get snow/ice/cold just in time for Halloween at the end of the month!

It is a 1 hour drive from Durango to Mesa Verde, no problems in Oct usually.

From Mesa Verde to Monument Valley, maybe 3 hours.

What questions do you have about Lake Powell?

Maybe put your questions for Lake Powell in the Az (or Ut) forums.

Well, most everyone in Durango goes to Lake Powell atleast once a year; so they're not completely off. It takes about 3 hours to get to Lake Powell, to the marina on the Utah side, that is.

Wondered if Lake Powell was worth the travel out of the way to Grand Canyon. Have seen thru the travel channel boat trips and it looked like a whole day trip, but very nice. Had trouble locating a hotel nearby, tripadvisor had some bad recommendations on some of them. Any suggestions? Are there many boat trips etc? It appears there is no place to stay near Monument Valley. Probably trying to cram too much stuff with too little time! :)

Lodging for Lake Powell is mostly in Page AZ. There is one hotel in Monument Valley Gouldings. Other than that, Kayenta as a couple.