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!
Trip Highlights
- 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
Premiere Inns
El Monte Sagrado (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 (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 (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)
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/20-25Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1240 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/17-22Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1240 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/9-14Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1240 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/23-28Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1240 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel variation: On Day 5 we stay at La Posada in Santa Fe. - 10/7-12Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1240 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
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