Santa Fe & Taos Walking
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.
- 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
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
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, explore 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 Tour 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 Loop through foothills clad in piñon and juniper 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.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying 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 More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Santa Fe & Taos Walking
Premiere Inns*
La Posada de Santa Fe
Santa Fe (2 nights) In the heart of town, a welcoming resort 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) Selected for Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List, this luxurious hacienda is described by Andrew Harper as an "enchantingly sited 225-acre desert retreat in the foothills of the Black Mesa."
Santa Fe & Taos Walking
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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
- Guided Walking Tour
Day 2
- Level 3 2 Route Option Available
- 8.3, 11.5 miles
- 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 6 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour 1 hour
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 6.7, 7.8 miles
- 800 - 1400 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 3, 5 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.