New Mexico Hiking

An Inn-to-Inn Hiking Adventure and Anasazi Ruin Exploration in the Land of Enchantment.

Join us for six days of backcountry travel as we explore by foot the trails through the Land of Enchantment. This mystical region of the southwest is a unique blend of Native American, Mexican, Spanish and Anglo cultures. Throughout the trip time is allowed for visits to Indian pueblos, local crafts people, art galleries and for exploration.

The trails we follow meander through varied landscapes from pristine wilderness areas and waterfall-filled box canyons to alpine tundra above tree line and into the heart of colourful canyon country. These inspirational surroundings have influenced poets, photographers and painters and will leave you awe-struck as we discover the region's outstanding scenic beauty and relaxing slower-paced life in quaint New Mexican villages.

Our June trips feature the colorful array of wildflowers and our September tours catch the aspens' radiant fall foliage at their peak. The routes we have chosen to hike are 6-8 miles in length with elevation gains of 600-1000', with more challenging options. If you're looking for a bit more challenge, each day's route can be extended and include more difficult terrain.
The conclusion of the September departure coincides with the mass ascension of 650 hot air balloons on the opening morning of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta--a spectacular event that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Hike Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Our group assembles at the Inn on the Alameda at 9:00 a.m. in Santa Fe. The inn is a ovely retreat peacefully set a few blocks from Santa Fe's historic central plaza. The inn is primarily built of thick adobe and boasts a lovely communal area and library. The rooms are exquisite and decorated with handmade furniture and local artwork. For a special treat this evening, enjoy a soak in one of the inn's open-air whirlpool spas. Following a short introduction and orientation, we will shuttle to Tent Rocks. Kasha-Katuwe or “white cliffs” in Keresan—the traditional language of the Pueblo de Cochiti—is an area that features large, tent-shaped rocks that hug the steep cliffs of Peralta Canyon. We hike among these cones that are wind- and water-eroded deposits of volcanic pumice and tuff. The formations vary in height from a few feet to 90 feet. We'll return to Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States, by mid-afternoon to allow for time to stroll the narrow streets and explore the plaza, cathedral, art galleries and craft shops. Tonight we have a relaxing evening and enjoy southwestern cuisine in one of the area's fine restaurants.

Day 2. Hike Pecos Wilderness, Inn on the Alameda

The high country awaits and we are off for a hike in the Pecos Wilderness. We begin walking from the Santa Fe Ski Basin at over 10,000' and ascend to a large open meadow close to tree line. The views are extraordinary where we relax and enjoy lunch at the base of Santa Fe Baldy Peak high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Dinner is enjoyed at Maria's Restaurant, one of Santa Fe's most renowned spots for authentic native cuisine. Time permitting, enjoy a stroll along the enchanting streets that radiate from Santa Fe's central plaza.

• Puerto Nambe Trail [8 miles; 600 feet of elevation gain, then loss]
• Option: continue towards Baldy Peak [2 miles; 600 feet of elevation gain, loss]

Day 3. Hike Bandelier National Monument, Abiquiu Inn
Our hike today through Bandelier National Monument is unique as it starts high on top of Burnt Mesa, travels through a designated wilderness area, and drops into Frijoles Canyon, ending at the heart of an ancient civilization.

Bandelier National Monument, rugged canyon and mesa country, is on the Pajarito Plateau nestled at the base of the Jemez Mountains. In this scenic landscape, we will explore remnants of an Anasazi farming community that began eight centuries ago. The numerous ruins consist of unique cave rooms hewn out of soft tuff rock, houses built on the talus slopes, and a circular community village. After our hike, we head for Abiquiu, originally a mid-eighteenth century Spanish settlement that later became the home of Georgia O'Keeffe. This evening we stay at the Abiquiu Inn, a lovely Bed & Breakfast constructed in 1880s southwest style.

• Frijoles Canyon [8 miles; approximately 1500 feet of elevation loss]

Day 4. Hike Ghost Ranch
After a hearty relaxed breakfast at Cafe Abiquiu, we shuttle to the unforgettable Ghost Ranch. As steep, pastel-colored cliffs come into view, keep in mind that we are in the land that Georgia O'Keefe called home. Our hike to Kitchen Mesa features this unique canyon backdrop and provides a mesa-top view of the entire area. It includes some rock scrambling and a short trail section with some drop-offs. Hiking through this beautiful country, we experience first-hand the inspiration behind many of O'Keeffe's paintings. For those who prefer not to hike today, the morning is yours to explore the Ghost Ranch on your own. Following lunch at Echo we head across the valley to Taos where we spend the next two nights at the Casa Benavides Bed & Breakfast. This beautiful inn is set on a quiet back street just a few blocks from Taos' central plaza. Built in the southwest tradition, Casa Benavides features an adobe-walled garden courtyard and fireplaces in many of the rooms. Time permitting, this afternoon, feel free to explore Taos' quaint galleries and hidden hideaways on the narrow and crooked back streets.

• Moderate Hike: Kitchen Mesa [4 miles, some rock scrambling and drop-offs; 900 feet of elevation gain/ loss ]

Day 5. Hike in Carson National Forest in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Today we travel north into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Beginning at the Taos Ski Valley, we spend the day hiking in the Carson National Forest.Our secluded alpine hike takes us up the Bull-of-the- Woods trail. During lunch, we have breathtaking views of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest at 13,161 feet, and discover a kaleidoscope of brilliant wildflowers in the early summer and the brilliant golden glow of aspens in the fall. We have the option to return via the Long Canyon trail.

• Bull of Woods Trail [up to 7 miles; up to 2000 feet of elevation gain, then loss]
• Challenging Option: Bull-of-the-Woods/ Long Canyon loop [8 miles; 2500 feet of elevation gain, then loss]

Day 6. Hike in Wild Rivers Recreation Area
A scenic shuttle takes us to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area where we take part in a classic hike into the deep inner gorge of the Rio Grande River Canyon. Along the way to our trailhead, we take in several overlooks into this stunning gorge. After hiking down and along the Rio Grande, we rest and have lunch at the confluence of the Red and Rio Grande Rivers. A healthy climb back to the rim brings us to La Junta Point, a viewpoint suspended high above the confluence of the free flowing Rio Grande and Red Rivers, providing a fitting end to our New Mexico rambling. An afternoon shuttle returns us to Santa Fe at approximately 5:00 p.m. where our trip concludes.

• Wild Rivers Recreation Area Loop Hike [4.3 miles; 800 feet of elevation loss, then gain]

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Just a few blocks from Santa Fe's historic plaza, pamper yourself with a massage and enjoy your room's handmade furniture and local artwork at the Inn on the Alameda. The Abiquiu Inn provides for a restful evening in a quiet setting just a few blocks from Georgia O'Keefe's former home. Casa Benavides B&B, featuring adobe construction with viga ceilings, wood burning fireplaces, and extensive colourful gardens, is located just two blocks from the historic Taos Plaza.

Day 1 and 2: Inn on the Alameda

Nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, between the historic Plaza and the art-filled galleries of Canyon Road, the Inn on the Alameda is the ideal downtown location for Santa Fe Lodging, perfect for exploring the world-class museums, unusual shopping, fine restaurants and local Santa Fe festivities that define this unique destination.
Savor the seclusion of peaceful garden courtyards tucked behind adobe walls. Experience the tranquillity of 71 inviting rooms and suites, Santa Fe New Mexico accommodations that capture the timeless essence of Santa Fe, from the graceful curves of the kiva fireplaces to the authentic Southwestern décor and classic Pueblo-style architecture.

Day 3: Abiquiu Inn

The Abiquiu Inn – The valley of the Rio Chama River is rich with history. Abiquiu and the surrounding area has long been a tribal gathering place, even before the Anasazi settled here more than a thousand years ago. From the ancient Anasazi tribes to the 20th-century art of Georgia O´Keeffe, the area has long been a captivating destination for visitors. Since 1985, The Abiquiu Inn has been a part of that tradition, becoming a desert sanctuary for artists, couples and guests seeking solitude and enlightenment in northern New Mexico.

The Abiquiu Inn features rooms, private casitas and suites, all with rustic beauty inspired by the Southwest landscape. Pillow-top mattresses ensure a wonderful night´s sleep and high-speed wireless Internet in Abiquiu New Mexico lets guests keep up with events and email during their stay. Café Abiquiu features a range of sumptuous dishes and our Gift Store sells a variety of artwork and crafts from skilled artisans.

Day 4 and 5: Casa Benavides B&B

The gracious past is present at elegant Casa Benavides Taos Bed and Breakfast Lodging. Enjoy wood-burning fireplaces, private baths with Mexican tiles, patios, balconies and extensive gardens, handmade and antique furniture, cable TV, VCR's and free videos, two outdoor hot tubs, artistic treasures in individually decorated rooms. Hot water heat is individually controlled in each room. Down comforters and luxury linens are also in each bed and breakfast room. Free local calls in office and a private telephone room. Fax service available. Some rooms have kitchens and some have refrigerators, all have ceiling fans and/or air-conditioning and skylights.

Meals: All meals are included from lunch Day 1 to lunch Day 6