Santa Fe & Taos Biking
New Mexico is a land of contrasts, where verdant mountain forests and arid crimson-hued mesas surround sophisticated cities and tiny rural villages. Like a colorful tapestry, these elements are woven together beautifully, attracting artists and travelers from around the world. In Taos, explore traditional pueblos and browse galleries showcasing the work of talented local artists. Pedal through the high desert, visiting Ancestral Pueblo ruins along the way. Enjoy lively Santa Fe, where the native culture and inspirational landscape are reflected in the architecture and handicrafts found throughout town. Evenings you’ll relish the best of the region’s flavorful Southwestern cuisine and luxuriate in stylish inns.
Days 1-2 taos
Meet in Santa Fe and shuttle to Taos 
Visit the Millicent Rogers Museum and view its fine collection of Southwestern art Warm up your biking muscles with a spin along a ridgeline overlooking Taos Ride part or all of the Enchanted Circle, or choose to explore the numerous shops, museums and galleries in Taos.
Days 3-4 espanola
Bike through the mesas and copper-colored hills of the High Road desert to the tiny village of Chimayó, established in 1680 Visit the revered El Santuario church, where the soil is believed to have miraculous healing powers Ride to Ghost Ranch and explore Georgia O’Keeffe’s famous homestead on foot Be sure to bring your appetite to tonight’s delicious Southwestern dinner.
Days 5-6 santa fe
Begin with a loop ride in the foothills of Los Alamos At Tsankawi Prehistoric Ruins, view fascinating Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings and petroglyphs hidden atop a mesa at Bandelier National Monument A leisurely ride around Santa Fe affords the opportunity to visit museums, galleries and boutiques Cap off your two-wheeled adventure in the Southwest with a farewell lunch.
SLUMBER IN STYLE: Premiere Inns
Casa Benavides (2 nights): Located less than a block from the Taos Plaza, guest rooms at this former artists’ residence feature such welcoming touches as down comforters and wood-burning stoves.
Rancho de San Juan (2 nights): This luxurious high-desert hacienda offers expansive views of the Jemez Mountains, award-winning cuisine and charming guest rooms with kiva fireplaces, wood-beam ceilings and tile floors.
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa (1 night): 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.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 14 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 4 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 45, 62, 85 miles
- 2000 - 5000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 33, 51, 74 miles
- 2000 - 5000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 33, 66 miles
- Hiking 3, 5 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 31 miles
- 1500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 1.6 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 14, 32 miles
- 500 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/30-6/4Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/13-18Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/5-10Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/26-10/1Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
Guest Trip Reviews
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
Great Trip. Really enjoyed the group and the leaders. I found the rides challenging yet I had enough energy to enjoy the surroundings and local culture.- Swarthmore, PA