New Mexico Multi Activity

A Cultural Inn-to-Inn Hiking, Biking, Whitewater Rafting and Anasazi Ruin Adventure into the Heart of the Land of Enchantment!

New Mexico is a spectacularly beautiful land of contrasts, from its crimson-hued mesas and snowcapped peaks to its vibrant blend of cultures and fine galleries. Hike through an unspoiled wilderness of alpine meadows and cycle forgotten backroads. Raft colorful box canyons and explore ancient cliff dwellings. Take in the region's culture and visit Indian pueblos and local artists, including the world renowned Taos Pueblo. Add distinctive cuisine and a selection of distinguished inns for the ultimate Southwest adventure!
Our autumn tour catches the aspens' radiant fall foliage. This tour is designed to accommodate both beginners and those seeking a more difficult trip. The routes we have chosen to cycle are generally on rolling terrain, and the hikes are 6-8 miles in length with elevation gains of 800'. If you're looking for a bit more challenge, some routes can be extended and include more difficult terrain.

Bandelier National Monument is an unexpected delight, with some of the most unusual and interesting ancient ruins in the Southwest, steep narrow canyons with plentiful wildlife, mountains rising to 10,000 feet, many acres of unspoilt backcountry and a colourful section of the Rio Grande river valley.

The Carson National Forest has 400 miles of mountain streams and many lakes, most of which are stocked with native trout by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. In addition to the mule deer, antelope, elk, mountain lion, black bear and bighorn sheep, the Forest is inhabited by many species of smaller animals, songbirds and raptors (red-tail hawks, falcons and bald eagles).

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Hike Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument,

Our group assembles at the Inn on the Alameda at 9:00 a.m. in Santa Fe. The inn is a lovely retreat peacefully set a few blocks from Santa Fe's historic central plaza. The inn is primarily built of thick adobe and boasts a lovely communal area and library. The rooms are exquisite and decorated with handmade furniture and local artwork. For a special treat this evening, enjoy a soak in one of the inn's open-air whirlpool spas. Following a short introduction and orientation, we will shuttle to Tent Rocks. Kasha-Katuwe or “white cliffs” in Keresan—the traditional language of the Pueblo de Cochiti—is an area that features large, tent-shaped rocks that hug the steep cliffs of Peralta Canyon. We hike among these cones that are wind- and water-eroded deposits of volcanic pumice and tuff. The formations vary in height from a few feet to 90 feet. We'll return to Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States, by mid-afternoon to allow for time to stroll the narrow streets and explore the plaza, cathedral, art galleries and craft shops. Tonight we have a relaxing evening and enjoy southwestern cuisine in one of the area's fine restaurants.

• Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks hike [3 miles, 600 feet of elevation gain, then loss]

Day 2. Hike Bandelier National Monument, Casa Escondida

Our hike today through Bandelier National Monument is unique as it starts high on top of Burnt Mesa, travels through a designated wilderness area, and drops into Frijoles canyon, ending at the heart of an ancient civilization.
Bandelier National Monument, rugged canyon and mesa country, is on the Pajarito Plateau nestled at the base of the Jemez Mountains. In this scenic landscape, we will discover remnants of an Anasazi farming community that began eight centuries ago. The numerous ruins consist of unique cave rooms hewn out of soft tuff rock, houses built on the talus slopes, and a circular community village.
We then head for Chimayo, a quaint village known for its historic church and its fine Spanish weaving. This evening we stay at Casa Escondida, an intimate adobe hacienda situated on six quiet acres. Dinner is enjoyed in the Restaurante Rancho de Chimayo, one of northern New Mexico's most renowned spots for authentic native cuisine. The restaurant is a beautifully remodeled ranch house that has been in the Jaramillo family for over 110 years.

• Frijoles Canyon [8 miles; approximately 1500 feet of elevation loss]

Day 3. Mountain Bike Taos Area, Casa Benavides B&B

We shuttle along the High Road towards Taos and wind through a number of tiny villages filled with local color and crafts. One highlight is the village of Truchas, a picturesque gathering of homes perched high on a ridge with outstanding views of the mountains that rise just to the east.
We then switch gears and roll out our mountain bikes for a leisurely backcountry cruise along one of the Taos area backcountry roads. We begin with a clinic on the operation and mechanics of our 27-speed mountain bikes and learn some of the finer points of bike handling and technique. Cisco Guevara, owner and operator of Los Rios River Runners, will join us for today's ride. Cisco was born and raised in the greater Taos region of Northern New Mexico and as a result is an invaluable source of information. Over lunch and along our ride, Cisco will cover such diverse topics as ghost stories dating back to the first Spanish settlers, special geological insights into the Rio Grande drainage, and western folklore of mountain men such as Kit Carson and Cerain St. Vrain. We cycle a forest service trail and then a backcountry road that leads to Taos and our hideaway for the next two nights, the Casa Benavides Bed & Breakfast. The inn is set on a quiet back street just a few blocks from Taos' central plaza. Built in the southwest tradition, the Casa Benavides features an adobe-walled garden courtyard and many rooms feature a kiva fireplace.

• Rio Grande del Rancho Trail and back roads to Taos [up to 25 miles; approximately 500 feet of elevation gain and 1500 feet of elevation loss]

Day 4. Raft Rio Grande River, Optional Horseback Ride to Picuris Mountain, Casa Benavides B&B

Our day begins with a hearty home-cooked breakfast. We then move to the Rio Grande River for a morning of white water rafting. The section of the Rio Grande we run is the Pilar racecourse, one of the region's most popular, with its Class III rapids. For the thrill seeker yearning for an adrenaline rush, choose to raft the Taos Box if water levels are high enough. The Box is one of the West's most spectacular Class IV whitewater journeys. This wild and wet ride beneath sheer 600' canyon walls is only offered on the June trips. For those who prefer not to raft, the morning is yours to bicycle or explore the Taos area on your own.

This afternoon you are free to explore Taos' galleries and hidden hideaways on the narrow and crooked back streets. As an option, you can relive the days of the Old West and swing into the saddle for a horseback ride around the foothills of Picuris Mountain, one of the oldest mountains in New Mexico. Your route explores the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains offering both wilderness adventure and peaceful solitude.

• Pilar Racecourse Rafting [5 miles]
• Option: Taos Box [13 miles] (additional cost)
• Option: Picuris Mountain Horseback Ride [2 hours] (additional cost)

Day 5. Mountain Biking Wild Rivers Recreation Area, Santa Fe, Casa Benavides B&B
A shuttle takes us high over Red River from where we rejoin our bikes for a glide down Cabresto Creek. As we depart the narrow mountain canyon our views change to wide-open mesa vistas. We continue to pedal through the Wild Rivers Recreation Area where we enjoy numerous overlooks into the stunning gorge formed by the Rio Grande River. A fitting end to our New Mexico sampling is at La Junta Point, a viewpoint suspended high above the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red Rivers.

• Cabresto Creek to Wild Rivers [up to 25 miles; 2500 feet of elevation loss]

Day 6. Hike in Carson National Forest in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Today we travel north into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Beginning at the Taos Ski Valley, we spend the day hiking in the Carson National Forest. Our secluded alpine hike takes us up the Long Canyon trail. During lunch, we have breathtaking views of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest at 13,161 feet, and discover a kaleidoscope of brilliant wildflowers in the early summer and the brilliant golden glow of aspens in the fall. We have the option to return via the Bull-of-the-Woods trail. A late afternoon shuttle returns us to Santa Fe where our trip concludes.

• Long Canyon Trail [up to 7 miles; up to 2000 feet of elevation gain, then loss]
• Challenging Option: Bull-of-the-Woods/ Long Canyon loop [8 miles; 2500 feet of elevation gain, then loss]

Trip Rating: Moderately Easy with Moderate options
Activities: hike (2-1/2 days), bike (2 days), raft (1/2 to 1 day), horseback ride (optional 1/2 day)

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Day 1: Inn on the Alameda
Nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, between the historic Plaza and the art-filled galleries of Canyon Road, the Inn on the Alameda is the ideal downtown location for Santa Fe Lodging, perfect for exploring the world-class museums, unusual shopping, fine restaurants and local Santa Fe festivities that define this unique destination.

Savour the seclusionof peaceful garden courtyards tucked behind adobe walls. Experience the tranquility of 71 inviting rooms and suites, Santa Fe New Mexico accommodations that capture the timeless essence of Santa Fe, from the graceful curves of the kiva fireplaces to the authentic Southwestern décor and classic Pueblo-style architecture.

Day 2: Casa Escondida
Casa Escondida is a country inn located in the historic village of Chimayo, NM. Offering wonderful views of the beautiful Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains, our B&B is surrounded by Northern New Mexico's beautiful wine country. We provide both peaceful seclusion and a convenient location near to the many intriguing attractions and activities of the area.

Day 3-5: Casa Benavides B&B
The gracious past is present at elegant Casa Benavides Taos Bed and Breakfast Lodging. Enjoy wood-burning fireplaces, private baths with Mexican tiles, patios, balconies and extensive gardens, handmade and antique furniture, cable TV, VCR's and free videos, two outdoor hot tubs, artistic treasures in individually decorated rooms. Hot water heat is individually controlled in each room. Down comforters and luxury linens are also in each bed and breakfast room. Free local calls in office and a private telephone room. Fax service available. Some rooms have kitchens and some have refrigerators, all have ceiling fans and/or air-conditioning and skylights.