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.
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, discover 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
Visit 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 Hike up to Williams Lake in Taos Ski Valley or get to know Taos.
Day 4 Soak in Ojo Caliente's pools, the only hot springs in the world with four kinds of geothermal mineral water
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 There's time to relax at Ojo Caliente: Visit the resort's award-winning spa or rejuvenate in the hot springs Hike to a point overlooking the Jemez Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Range.
Trip Highlights
- 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
- Soak in ancient hot springs thought to be sacred
Premiere & Casual Inns
La Posada de Santa Fe (2 nights): In the heart of town, a welcoming property featuring Pueblo revival architecture, viga and latilla ceilings, and an abundance of Southwestern art. (pool, spa)
El Monte Sagrado (1 night): 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)
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa (2 nights): Blending seamlessly into the cliffs, this remote desert oasis features ancient mineral springs believed to be sacred by American Indians. (pool, 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 | 3.0 | 600 | ||||||||
| Santa Fe guided walk (2.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 2 | 4.0 | 500 | 5.5 | 500 | 8.0 | 700 | 8.0 | 700 | 9.5 | 700 |
| 12.5 | 400 | |||||||||
| 3 | 1.0 | 200 | 6.0 | 1200 | ||||||
| Santuario de Chimayó visit (30 minutes) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 6.1 | 100 | 6.7 | 800 | 7.8 | 1400 | ||||
| 5 | 3.0 | 600 | 5.0 | 600 | ||||||
| Museum visit (30 minutes) | ||||||||||
| 6 | 1.6 | 200 | ||||||||
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 9/1-6 Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
I can't say enough wonderful things about our two leaders. They worked so well together, and made the journey enjoyable, stimulating, and educational. Their flexibility, understanding of individual needs, and enthusiasm for the area were key in making this trip so spectacular. They made the history of New Mexico come alive with the interpretive walks in Frijoles Canyon, the Ghost Ranch and Tsankawi Ruins. New Mexico is definitely the Land of Enchantment - I fell in love with the area. I was so impressed with how each day's hike could be so different from the day before - in such a short time, I got to experience so many different landscapes. I learned so much about the history of the Native Americans in that area - seeing is knowing! I would have repeated this trip immediately and enjoyed it just as much the second time around.- Greenwich, CT
Superlative! I plan on going on another trip and encouraging my family and friends to travel with Backroads. Thanks for a wonderful vacation.- Chicago, IL
With this being our fifth trip with Backroads, we are completely convinced that quality, service, respect are continually presented to us. We have learned and experienced that we have never been disappointed in your company. Throughout the five trips, from beginning to end, we have enjoyed great adventures within the utmost service. Your leaders are Backroads personified. The Backroads experience is a constant in our lives. We have selected our sixth trip and will be calling within the next several weeks to register. Backroads simply adds a great deal to our lives.- White Bear Lake, MN