Santa Fe & Taos Walking & Hiking
- A weave of Spanish, Mexican, Anglo and indigenous traditions
- Hike centuries-old paths to ancient cliff dwellings and descend into a deep wildlife-rich river gorge
- Ghost Ranch: art history set amid a gorgeous red-rock landscape
- Explore artsy Santa Fe and authentic Taos
- Rancho de San Juan, combining European elegance with Southwestern style
Natural & Artistic Inspiration in New Mexico
It’s the convergence of art, history, geology... and chile peppers. Each day you spend in Santa Fe and Taos will inspire you. The lazy bends of the Rio Grande. Simple pueblos that are still standing after a thousand years. Flowers of the desert. The flowers of Georgia O’Keeffe. The spices of a southwestern meal. And some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ve ever seen. You’ll understand why artists seem to find their muses here. You may even find one of your own. But we only take care of your first six days here. If you decide to stay, the rest are yours to plan and enjoy.
Day 1 Explore historic Santa Fe, whose rich past is preserved in centuries-old adobe architecture and splendid European-style churches 
In Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, discover slot canyons and cone-shaped rock formations created millions of years ago.
Day 2 Hike an ancient route to fascinating cliff dwellings in Bandelier National Monument Imagine an Ancestral Pueblo community thriving amid the sculpted volcanic tuff of Frijoles Canyon.
Day 3 A weave of Spanish, Mexican, Anglo and indigenous traditions Visit the revered Santuario de Chimayó, where modern-day pilgrims flock to be healed The 1,000-year-old Taos Pueblo, a marvel of American Indian architecture, welcomes you Hike up to Williams Lake in Taos Ski Valley or get to know Taos.
Day 4 European elegance and Southwest style at Rancho de San Juan Descend into a deep gorge where the Red River and Rio Grande converge, and watch for red-tailed hawks, porcupines and mule deer.
Days 5-6 Ghost Ranch: art history set amid a gorgeous red-rock landscape Discover the striking scenery made famous in Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings A delectable candlelit dinner at the nationally acclaimed Three Forks awaits Hike to a point overlooking the Jemez Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Range.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
This was the best Backroads trip we've taken. The area is breathtakingly beautiful. And the accommodations, food and fellow travelers were super.- Miami, FL
I can't say enough wonderful things about our two leaders. They worked so well together, and made the journey enjoyable, stimulating, and educational. Their flexibility, understanding of individual needs, and enthusiasm for the area were key in making this trip so spectacular. They made the history of New Mexico come alive with the interpretive walks in Frijoles Canyon, the Ghost Ranch and Tsankawi Ruins. New Mexico is definitely the Land of Enchantment - I fell in love with the area. I was so impressed with how each day's hike could be so different from the day before - in such a short time, I got to experience so many different landscapes. I learned so much about the history of the Native Americans in that area - seeing is knowing! I would have repeated this trip immediately and enjoyed it just as much the second time around.- Greenwich, CT
Superlative! I plan on going on another trip and encouraging my family and friends to travel with Backroads. Thanks for a wonderful vacation.- Chicago, IL
Premiere Inns*
La Posada de Santa Fe
Santa Fe (2 nights) In the heart of town, a welcoming Condé Nast Traveler editor's pick featuring Pueblo revival architecture, viga and latilla ceilings, and an abundance of Southwestern art. (pool, spa)
Casa Benavides
Taos (1 night) With a name meaning "house of the good life," this 1930s former artist’s residence is located less than a block from the Taos Plaza.
* Casual Inn
Rancho de San Juan
Espanola (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." (spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
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 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour 2 hours
Day 2
- Level 3 2 Route Options Available
- 8.3, 11.5 miles
- 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 5 miles
- 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour 1 hour
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 6.1, 6.7, 7.8 miles
- 800 - 1400 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 3, 8 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 1.2 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
Terrain Description
Historic town walks, canyon trails, ladders to view ancient cliff dwellings.More Recommended Trips
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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 walking tours and hiking tours, USA biking tours and USA multisport tours.
