Santa Fe & Taos Biking
- Bike iconic routes like the Enchanted Circle
- Rancho de San Juan, combining European elegance with Southwestern style
- Artsy Santa Fe and authentic Taos
- Ride along the edge of the stunning Colorado Plateau to amazing Ghost Ranch
- A cultural weave of Spanish, Mexican, Anglo and indigenous traditions
New Mexico's Land of Enchantment
Vast cloudless skies. Piñon-scented air. Roads made for biking. Stark high desert beauty. You won’t want to get out of the saddle until you see your accommodations. Rancho de San Juan, for example: incredible luxury, amazing views and the promise of another memorable ride in the morning. Will it be as stellar as the Enchanted Circle towering above Taos? Or the high road to Chimayó? Absolutely - it’s the route to Ghost Ranch, where Georgia O’Keeffe once lived and painted. Santa Fe and Taos offer a ride, a destination and a vastness you won’t easily forget.
Days 1-2 A cultural weave of Spanish, Mexican, Anglo and indigenous traditions 
Check out the Millicent Rogers Museum’s fine collection of Southwest art Spin along a ridgeline overlooking Taos or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Taos Plaza Bike the iconic Enchanted Circle, a scenic byway that curves around the base of 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak.
Day 3 Rancho de San Juan, combining European elegance with Southwest style Pedal through the mesas and copper-colored hills of the High Road desert to the tiny village of Chimayó, established in 1680 Stop by the revered El Santuario church, where the soil is believed to have miraculous healing powers.
Day 4 Explore Ghost Ranch along the edge of the stunning Colorado Plateau Hike up to Chimney Rock for a birds eye view of the ranch 
Georgia O’Keeffe’s famous homestead is ideal for exploration on foot Bike past Abiquiu Lake in the Chama River Valley.
Days 5-6 Artsy Santa Fe Bike along a rolling loop in the Los Alamos foothills At Tsankawi Prehistoric Ruins in Bandelier National Monument, view fascinating Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings and petroglyphs hidden atop a mesa A leisurely Santa Fe spin swings you past cafés, galleries and boutiques - feel free to stop in!
Guests Reviews About This Trip
I have only been on two Backroads trips so far, but you distinguish yourself with the quality of your trip leaders. They far exceed your competition. The other benefit for us is that my husband is a stronger cyclist so the van support allows us to go on more challenging trips and both enjoy our vacation.- Encinitas, CA
This was without a doubt the most beautiful region I've ever ridden in. It was also the most challenging, but worth every mile.- Columbus, OH
Excellent trip - the rides were challenging and the scenery was incredible. Our leaders were great guides/hosts and really made everyone feel welcome. The trip was challenging in the areas I wanted it to be (cycling) and easy/stress free when off the bike.- Houston, TX
Premiere Inns
El Monte Sagrado
Taos (2 nights) With a warm inviting style inspired by American Indian and global cultures, this elegant haven is nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just outside of Taos. (pool, spa)
Rancho de San Juan
Española (2 nights) A Travel + Leisure favorite, this luxurious hacienda is described by Andrew Harper as an "enchantingly sited 225-acre desert retreat in the foothills of the Black Mesa."
The Inn of the Five Graces
Santa Fe (1 night) With a Thousand and One Nights aesthetic, this sumptuous abode, a Condé Nast Traveler editor's pick, is steps from the plaza on one of the city’s oldest streets. A Relais & Châteaux member. (spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 3-5
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 3 2 Route Options Available
- 15, 30 miles
- 300 - 600 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 31, 45, 62, 85 miles
- 2000 - 4730 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 33, 51, 74 miles
- 2330 - 3270 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 29, 42, 55 miles
- 1290 - 1800 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 3 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 23, 38, 55 miles
- 1000 - 3800 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hiking 1.6 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 3 2 Route Options Available
- 15, 32 miles
- 810 - 3500 feet elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the New Mexico tour experts. See our award-winning USA biking tours, USA walking and hiking tours and USA multisport tours.
