New Mexico Hiking
Natural & Artistic Inspiration in New Mexico
Ansel Adams. Georgia O’Keeffe. D.H. Lawrence. These are just a few of the artists and writers to be captivated by New Mexico. The source of their inspiration? The varied landscape of richly hued deserts, lush river valleys and alpine forests, and the fascinating layering of American Indian, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo cultures. Our hikes in northern New Mexico take you into pristine wilderness, historic town plazas and artists’ enclaves, showcasing the range of the region’s appeal. Add chile-fueled cuisine and a collection of distinctive inns and you have a true Southwestern treat for the body and soul.
- 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
Days 1-2 Santa Fe
Meet in Santa Fe 
Enjoy a delicious welcome picnic lunch Take a short hike through cone-shaped tent-rock formations and slot canyons outside of town Look for original artwork and handmade jewelry in Santa Fe’s many shops and galleries Hit the trail in Bandelier National Monument, following Ancestral Puebloan routes through the sculpted volcanic tuft of Frijoles Canyon.
Day 3 Taos
Tour Santuario de Chimayó, one of the most revered places in the Southwest, where modern-day pilgrims flock to be healed Visit the 1000-year-old Taos Pueblo, a marvel of American Indian architecture.
Days 4-6 Espanola
In the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, hike to the dramatic convergence of the Red River and Rio Grande Shuttle to Ghost Ranch, Georgia O’Keeffe’s beloved summer home Explore the gorgeous red-rock landscape and stunning vistas made famous in her inspired paintings Indulge in an exquisite dinner as the sun casts shadows on the dramatic Black Mesa Enjoy our last hike together through the Ancient Pueblo dwellings at Tsankawi Ruins and soak up views of 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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New Mexico Hiking
EXQUISITE ABODES: Premiere Inns*
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa
Santa Fe (2 nights) This plush Leading Hotels of the World member showcases Spanish-Colonial décor complete with handcrafted stone mantels, viga and latilla ceilings and opulent fabrics, as well as the deluxe RockResorts Spa.
Casa Benavides
Taos (1 night) Located less than a block from the Taos Plaza, this 1930s adobe artists’ residence is lauded as one of the town’s best inns, with elegant décor and such luxurious touches as down comforters and wood-burning stoves.
* Casual Inn
Rancho de San Juan
Espanola (2 nights) Recognized by Travel + Leisure, this high-desert hacienda offers expansive views, award-winning cuisine, and charming guest rooms with kiva fireplaces, tile floors and wood-beam ceilings.
New Mexico Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 3.3, 6.6 miles
- 0 - 1800 feet elevation gain
- Guided Walking Tour
Day 2
- Level 3 2 Route Options Available
- 8.3, 11.5 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 6 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 6.7, 7.8 miles
- 500 - 1500 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
- 1.6 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain