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Be enchanted by surreal, multihued rock formations, explore the vast beauty of the Southwest, and experience the rich cultural and spiritual character of Northern New Mexico on this five-day hiking adventure through Santa Fe and Taos.
From comfortable hotel bases in both towns, explore Santa Fe’s 400-year history and stroll its lively streets before traveling into the landscapes beyond. Discover more than 10,000 years of human history at Bandelier National Monument, hike beneath piñon, juniper and ponderosa pine, and take in expansive views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains. At Ghost Ranch, encounter the remarkable colors and geology that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe. Continue north to Taos to experience the region’s living Indigenous heritage and hike along the dramatic Rio Grande Gorge. Experienced local guides share insight into Northern New Mexico’s history, culture, geology and natural wonders along the way.
Day 1
Meet in Albuquerque and head to Santa Fe
Meet the group in Albuquerque at 8:00 a.m. and begin the day at Petroglyph National Monument, where a morning hike reveals hundreds of designs carved into volcanic rocks by Indigenous peoples and early Spanish settlers. Later, travel north to Santa Fe and join a docent from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science for a guided walk through the city’s historic streets. Along the way, discover the stories, architecture and cultural influences that have shaped “The City Different.” In the evening, shuttle to a well-loved local restaurant for a classic New Mexican meal. | Overnight: El Sendero Inn or similar. | Drive time: 1.5 hrs. | Hiking: 3.5 miles; elevation gain/loss minimal
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Bandelier National Monument
After breakfast, take a scenic drive northwest to Bandelier National Monument, a landscape of mesas, sheer-walled canyons and thousands of Ancestral Puebloan dwellings. The area’s human history reaches back more than 10,000 years, when nomadic hunter-gatherers followed migrating wildlife across the region. Begin by exploring archaeological sites in Frijoles Canyon, including centuries-old walls and petroglyphs. After a picnic lunch, continue toward the Tsankawi area to learn more about the people who lived there, their culture, and how they adapted to the landscape. In the evening, walk to dinner near the hotel and, conditions permitting, watch the sunset from the Cross of the Martyrs overlooking Santa Fe and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. | Overnight: El Sendero Inn or similar. | Drive time: 2 hrs. | Hiking: Approximately 4.5 miles; elevation gain/loss 500 feet
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Chimayó and Ghost Ranch
Depart Santa Fe and travel north toward Abiquiú and Ghost Ranch. Stop along the way at El Santuario de Chimayó, an adobe church and pilgrimage site associated with faith, prayer and healing. Continue into O’Keeffe Country and arrive at Ghost Ranch, where the colorful cliffs and rock formations reveal why the artist was so drawn to this landscape. Hike through juniper and sage to expansive views of the ranch and surrounding formations. If time allows, explore the museums at Ghost Ranch before continuing to a comfortable inn in Taos. Please note today hike is self-guided due to permit regulations. | Overnight: El Monte Sagrado or similar. | Drive time: 3 hrs. | Hiking: approx. 3–4 miles; elevation gain/loss 350–750 feet
Meals: B,L
Day 4
Taos Pueblo and Rio Grande Gorge
Begin the day with a scenic drive across the sweeping Taos Plateau before descending into the volcanic depths of the Rio Grande Gorge. This steep but rewarding trail passes ancient petroglyphs and a natural spring before reaching the Rio Grande below. This afternoon, enjoy a guided cultural experience at Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. During our visit, learn about the Pueblo’s remarkable adobe architecture, history and enduring traditions directly from a local guide. This evening, gather for a celebratory farewell dinner and reflect on the experiences shared throughout the trip. | Overnight: El Monte Sagrado or similar. | Drive time: approximately 2.5 hrs. | Hiking: approximately 2.4 mi; elevation gain and loss: 800 feet
Day 5
Return to Albuquerque
Take in one final view of the Rio Grande Gorge before returning to Albuquerque. After breakfast at the hotel, visit the iconic Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which rises approximately 650 feet above the river and offers sweeping views across the Taos Plateau. Continue south to Albuquerque, where we enjoy a final lunch together before transferring to Albuquerque International Sunport. Say goodbye to your fellow travelers and depart with lasting memories of New Mexico’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultures and shared adventures.
What's included
What's not included
All of our USA tour leaders are certified in First Aid and CPR and registered as official guides with the national parks.
This trip is rated as introductory to moderate (4). Participants should have prior hiking experience and be comfortable on terrain that may include loose rock, roots, exposed sections and some steep stretches of trail. Trails at Bandelier may require climbing a few sections of wooden ladders. Daily hikes range from approximately 2–5 miles, with elevation gains and losses of up to 800 feet on multiple consecutive days. Some trails have limited shade. Hiking takes place above 7,000 feet, which can make the activity feel more strenuous for travelers who train at lower elevations. Guides brief participants on each hike before setting out.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be traveling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.
Quality services at the best price make our active trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.
We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in North America, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.
We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.
7Days
Introductory to Moderate
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