The Enchanted Hiker - Sante Fe, Taos & Bandelier
Hiking/Trekking in New Mexico with Escape Adventures
Highlights
- Visit Bandelier National Monument, home to ancient cliff dwellings and pueblos
- Hike the pristine Wheeler Peak Wilderness
- Experience the quaint towns of Taos and Red River
Full Description
Explore high-mountain countryside, ancient desert ruins, and modern art colonies as we sample the best hiking in southern New Mexico.
The Enchanted Circle in northern New Mexico radiates around the state's highest point, Wheeler Peak, which at 13,161 feet, dominates the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Here, visitors are captivated by a distinctive blend of nature, art, and history. In the high desert country we find ancient ruins, old adobe settlements, and modern art colonies. In the mountains, tiny Spanish and Native American villages and mountain resorts dot the otherwise wild countryside.
Our tour begins in Bandelier National Monument where ancient cliff dwellings and pueblos remind us of early civilizations existing over 700 years ago. The Rio Grande River runs through the park, and a dip in its cool waters is a welcome treat after our vigorous day's hike. Inside the 100-mile circle of enchantment, New Mexico's highest mountain draws us to the pristine Wheeler Peak Wilderness, where hikes among its forested flanks and lost lakes are nothing short of phenomenal. In the evenings, the quaint towns of Taos and Red River welcome us with local hospitality and natural hot springs. Our tour concludes with a visit to the ancient church in Chimayo and a scenic shuttle back to Santa Fe. The hiking is moderately paced with two semi-strenuous days at high elevation.
Includes:
- Two guides
- All meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day
- Support vehicle
- Snacks
- First-aid
- Community gear
- Souvenir shirt
Excludes:
- Airfare to and from our departure point
- Lodging before or after the tour
- Gratuities to Escape Adventures guides
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Bandelier National Monument
After meeting in Santa Fe, we shuttle for 1 hour to Bandelier National Monument. In Bandelier we travel through a designated wilderness area before dropping into Frijoles Canyon at the center of an ancient Anasazi civilization. This area is a spectacular visit back in time! Our late afternoon shuttle takes us to Taos where we will spend the next two days. Mileage | 2-5 Miles Inn | Adobe Wall Inn
Day 2: Rio Grande Gorge
In the Wild Rivers Recreation Area high on Cebolla Mesa, we hike to the dramatic convergence of the Red River and Rio Grande. The spot where these two rivers meet is a truly special place. The Rio Grande Gorge, known as "The Box," is about 70 miles long. We'll hike down to the rivers edge, and have lunch on the shore, before hiking back up the Mesa. On our shuttle back to Taos, we make a quick stop to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge – At 650 feet above the canyon floor, it's one of America's highest bridges! Total Mileage | 2.5 miles, 800-foot descent (and gain) Inn | Adobe Wall Inn
Day 3: Mt. Wheeler Wilderness
We head north via a shuttle into the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) Mountains to begin a beautiful hike to an expansive ridge overlooking the base of Mt. Wheeler (el. 11,000 feet). The more adventurous in the group, can continue on to the majestic Lost Lake, which is set in a beautiful glacial valley with the towering Mt. Wheeler as its backdrop. In the early summer, enjoy a kaleidoscope of brilliant wildflowers and in the fall, the aspens don their brilliant golden glow. A shuttle takes us back to Red River. Total Mileage | 10-12 miles Camping | Red River Inns | Golden Eagle Lodge
Day 4: Mt. Wheeler Wilderness
We have one of our favorite hikes in store for you today—Goose Creek. A lift at the Red River Ski Area takes us up the mountain. We hop off the lift at the midpoint of the mountain and hike up the remaining 1,800 feet to Goose Lake and the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. From here, a short hike to the saddle unveils the entire Taos Ski Valley on one side and the peaks of Colorado on the other! Look for mountain sheep on this hike too! We descend along Goose Creek back to Red River. Total Mileage | 10 miles, 1800-foot ascent and 3000-foot descent Camping | Red River Inns | Golden Eagle Lodge
Day 5: Wheeler Peak and Taos Pueblo
After breakfast we embark on one last short hike in the Wheeler Peak wilderness. After our hike, we shuttle back to Taos to explore the town. In addition to a relaxed stroll through town, we visit the 800-year-old Taos Pueblo, a marvel of American Indian architecture. Treading through these postcard-perfect scenes is a great way to spend our last evening on tour. Total Mileage | 3 miles Inn | Adobe Wall Inn
Day 6: Chimayo/Santa Fe
After breakfast, we shuttle the high road to Santa Fe where we make a stop at Chimayo. The Santuario de Chimayo is one of the most revered places in the Southwest. Modern-day pilgrims flock to place because of its heralded healing power. If time permits, we will shuttle to Ghost Ranch, Georgia O’Keeffe’s beloved summer home, where we can explore the gorgeous red-rock landscape and stunning vistas made famous in her inspired paintings. After lunch we will shuttle back to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Total Mileage | 2-5 miles
About The Operator:
Escape Adventures
Headquarters:
Las Vegas, Nevada
Specializing in western North America, Escape Adventures is a leader in first-class eco-friendly cycling and multi-sport adventure. In 2006, we became the world's first carbon neutral outfitter, bringing sustainable adventure to all the places we visit, from Alaska to Belize and beyond. By simply joining a tour with us, outdoor enthusiasts are now helping to preserve the beautiful backcountry areas they enjoy.
Whether cycling, hiking, climbing, or rafting, tour our guests claim that improving the environment has never been more fun. For example, by eating delicious organic menus prepared fresh on the trail, guests are supporting local and organic growers. They also do not contribute to pollution when riding in our brand new support vehicles powered by 100% renewable vegetable oil. And, by simply joining a tour and riding their bikes through some of the finest natural treasures of North America, guests are supporting the many efforts made by Escape Adventures to enhance and protect these areas.
With proven conviction for the land and people we serve, Escape Adventures maintains the highest standard of service in the industry. With over 16 years of experience and 50 destinations, we offer a wide variety of tours for a wide variety of active travelers. From road bikers to mountain bikers, from hikers to multi-sport enthusiasts, from first timers to accomplished athletes, Escape Adventures has just the adventure for you.
Escape Adventures is a proud partner of the Leave no Trace program, a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands.