Where else can you ride the back roads between three distinct cultures housed for 1,000 years in small villages secreted away in red cliffs, deep river gorges and piñon-scented forests. New Mexico, a land of enchantment that inspired luminaries such as Georgia O'Keeffe. Vast cloudless skies. Stark high desert beauty. The scent of roasting chiles in the air. Roads perfect for biking. Can it get any better than riding the Enchanted Circle towering above Taos? Or the high road to Chimayó. And then there's the route through the Jemez Mountains past the Valle Caldera and down into the melting landscape and intriguing cliff dwellings of Bandelier National Monument. You won't want to head indoors until you see your accommodations: the promise of incredible luxury awaits. Santa Fe and Taos offer a ride, a destination and a vastness you won't easily forget.
Day 1 Explore Abiquiu and El Rito along the edge of the stunning Colorado Plateau
Welcome to Georgia O'Keeffe country, where the subjects of some of the artist's most iconic paintings come to life 
Enjoy a picnic lunch of traditional local specialties Bike past stark white and glowing golden spires and into the Chama and Ojo River Valleys.
Days 2-3 A cultural weave of Spanish, Mexican, Anglo and indigenous traditions
On your way to Taos, ride up the wide rift valley of the Rio Grande River and across the Gorge bridge, the fifth highest in the U.S. Spin along a ridgeline overlooking Taos or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the plaza Bike the iconic Enchanted Circle, a scenic byway that curves around the base of 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak encompassing endless vistas, quaint ski towns and a respite at Eagle Nest Lake.
Day 4 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 on our way to Santa Fe, where the soil is believed to have miraculous healing powers.
Days 5-6 Artsy Santa Fe
With its historic Spanish and Indian ruins, geologic phenomena and oases of hot springs and waterfalls, our ride through the Jemez Mountains ends with a wander through centuries-old cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument In Santa Fe, art galleries and gourmet cuisine await your exploration Top it off with a ride through aspens to the ski basin or a more leisurely spin in the old neighborhoods past cafés, galleries and boutiques - feel free to stop in!
Trip Highlights
- Bike iconic routes like the Enchanted Circle
- Artsy Santa Fe and authentic Taos
- Ride along the edge of the stunning Colorado Plateau
- Soak in ancient hot springs thought to be sacred
- A cultural weave of Spanish, Mexican, Anglo and indigenous traditions
Premiere Inns
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa (1 night): Blending seamlessly into the cliffs, this remote desert oasis features ancient mineral springs believed to be sacred by American Indians. (pool, spa)
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. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List. (spa)
Inn of the Five Graces (2 nights): With a One Thousand and One Nights aesthetic, this sumptuous abode is steps from the plaza on one of the city's oldest streets. A Relais & Châteaux member. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List. (spa)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 14* | 1000 | 29 | 1400 | ||||||
| 2 | 18* | 400 | 32* | 600 | 43 | 1700 | 55 | 2000 | ||
| 3 | 28* | 1200 | 32* | 1900 | 42* | 3100 | 61* | 4300 | ||
| 91 | 5100 | |||||||||
| 4 | 24* | 2100 | 33* | 2300 | 51* | 3100 | 62* | 3400 | ||
| 80 | 4800 | |||||||||
| 5 | 29* | 1400 | 34* | 1800 | 45* | 2500 | 54* | 4000 | ||
| 67 | 4800 | |||||||||
| 6 | 15 | 800 | 32 | 3500 | ||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/26-31 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1060 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/9-14 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1060 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1060 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1060 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1060 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/6-11 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1060 for sgl. occ.)
*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
I'm ready to plan my next vacation! Too many trips and too little time. Backroads has not disappointed me yet. You guys have the formula down. I have no desire to try another company - why mess with success? The second van support is a wonderful addition. Hope to see you on the roads again.- Chatham, NJ