It’s often said Europe has too much history, while America simply has space. Yet, trekking along the Rio Grande and New Mexico’s highest peak, Mount Wheeler brings the vestiges of 700-year old civilizations into sharp relief. In addition to exploring ancient adobe and cliff-dwelling settlements, we drop into Old Spanish colonias, more modern art colonies, and smart mountain resorts.
This area is a confluence of ecological zones: the Great Plains in the East, the Chihuahuan Desert South, and the Colorado Plateau to the West. With that kind of variety, the land is naturally perfect for multi-sport touring: outstanding road cycling and hiking options beckon at each compass point. While the nearby Rio Grande offers excellent whitewater rafting.
Along the way we savor a diverse tapestry of culture, architecture, and art that represent each of the state’s three distinct traditions: Indian, Spanish and Anglo. We can take as much time as we need to drink it all in! While the state bird is the Roadrunner, don’t expect that kind of pacing on this trek.
High Desert to high Alpine, admiring rock paintings and petroglyphs. From squeezing through slot canyons to admiring expansive mesas, our Land of Enchantment trip truly has something for everyone.
Day 1-2: Meet-up in Santa Fe. Shuttle to the village of Vadito. At 7400-ft, we ride the High Road Scenic Byway. Our tempo allows us to truly revel in the winding road through the Sangre de Cristo range, through badlands and wind-etched hoodoos. Arriving in Taos, we visit frontiersman Kit Carson’s home, as well as the unique shops and smart galleries that line the historic town center. The following day, raft the mighty Rio Grande through the Box – a scenic, deep cut canyon in the vast New Mexico desert.
Day 3-4: Departing Taos, we ride southwest towards the settlement of Pilar: an old Hispanic pueblo and camp for Jicarilla Apache. Cross the Rio Grande before turning into the Rio Grand Gorge. Inside the gorge we trend north through the National forest to Ojo Caliente mineral springs – our residence for the next two nights. Ride to Ghost Ranch. A 21,000-acre retreat/fine arts campus amidst soaring red cliffs, Ghost Ranch was originally part of a 1766 land grant to Pedro Martin Serrano from the King of Spain. The grant was initially called Piedra Lumbre (shining rock). The subsequent Ghost Ranch designation or the more local Rancho de los Brujos owes to persistent paranormal activity plus accounts of hangings throughout the Ranch’s history. A hike to Ghost Ranch crowns our afternoon followed with a shuttle back to our base at the Ojo Caliente hot springs.
Day 5-6: Trek to the Tsankawi Ruins: an isolated-detached section of 33,677-acre Bandelier National Monument. After exploring the ruins, an ancestral Pueblo site/archeological preserve we saddle up. Pedaling 11-miles through the town of White Rock, then into the main section of Bandelier, we stop for lunch in the canyon, lorded over by soaring cliffs and mesas. After lunch we hike along the river, through the impressively preserved ruins. After a stop in the visitors’ center we commence our day with a short stop in Chimayo’s historic Church and a shuttle to Santa Fe. Our last day, stroll through Santa Fe Plaza or join a finale ride down Artist Drive from the top of Aspen Basin Ski Area.
Escape Adventures operates under a special use permit on the Carson National Forest. Escape Adventures is an equal opportunity provider.
*ebike available for this tour
125 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte
Taos, NM 87571
A legend throughout New Mexico, the Historic Taos Inn delights guests with its quirky, quintessential Southwestern style. Long considered “the social center of Taos,” this award-winning inn in the heart of town’s charming historic district has been called “one of America’s great inns” by National Geographic Traveler. From its adobe-style architecture to its warm embrace of New Mexico’s storied community of artists, this much-loved retreat exudes the rich heritage of old-world New Mexico. Whether they’re sipping margaritas, listening to a live band in the Adobe Bar or building a fire in their in-room Kiva fireplace, guests of this Taos’ treasure are immersed in the rustic romance of a bygone era.
“The Taos Inn was such a quaint and great experience. The staff is so friendly and helpful. We had a little table and chairs outside our room to enjoy a drink and had delicious coffee in the morning there too. Our bed was super comfortable and my shower was nice and hot.”
Ojo Caliente, NM 87549
A unique resort destination in Northern New Mexico, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa has been a gathering place, healing mind, body, and spirit naturally for centuries. Built in 1916, the “new” mission revival style adobe hotel sets the easy pace of your stay at Ojo Caliente. The hotel is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Charming rooms with either double or queen beds are available in the hotel, and include half bathrooms (without showers), as all bathing has been done in the bathhouses for more than a hundred years.
“The springs are Ojo Caliente are wonderful, healing, and somewhat magical. Nothing better than soaking in hot mineral waters under a blue New Mexico sky. Stay over if you can, and make sure you eat in the restaurant, food is well-prepared and delicious. I’ve been several times and can’t wait to go back. If you get tired of soaking there are several trails on the property to explore.”
-JustaMaven
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Located in downtown Santa Fe, Inn of the Governors features rooms with Wi-Fi and southwestern design. This inn features a full buffet breakfast eachmorning. The air-conditioned rooms at the Inn of the Governors are designedwith Spanish art work and include amenities such as bathrobes andrefrigerators. Del Charro Restaurant serves burgers and sandwiches. The fullbar features margaritas and other cocktails. A tea and sherry reception isprovided daily in the late afternoon. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, theheated outdoor pool is open year-round at Governors Inn.
“The Inn was a huge reason we returned to Santa Fe this year on vacation. The rooms and ambiance are great! The service is very polite and efficient. Very clean, very quiet, within easy walking distance of the Plaza. The breakfast is outstanding! A plethora of pastries, scrambled eggs with chiles or without, housemade salsa, green chile sauce, bacon, ham and sausage, toasts, fresh fruit, coffee, juices.”
-Douglas M.
There is nothing better than rolling into camp to fresh made chips and salsa, homemade guacamole, and Dutch oven enchiladas. Then making your way to a sweet and inviting campfire, sharing your favorite anecdote or image from the day’s activities while marshmallows roast. Enjoy a small-batch, local beer before retiring to your tent. Inside: a sturdy raised cot, fluffy sleeping bag, and a plush full size pillow. Wow. You earned this. Sweet dreams.
The majority of our selected campgrounds feature indoor facilities and showers. Conversely, in more remote backcountry camping scenarios, we’ll provide portable toilets and private solar showers.
Camping gear may be rented or you may bring your own. All of our camping gear is tested and hand-chosen from top manufacturers to ensure you get a good nights’ sleep. Our camp gear package includes a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp.
Nights 1 & 2: Taos Campground
Nights 3 & 4: Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Campground
Night 5: Black Canyon Campground
While every Escape Adventure trip is designed to appeal to active adventure seekers, and in many cases, particular skill levels, there is always a different idea of what that exactly means. That is why we have designed the chart below to help make sure you join the proper tour. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions’ may differ as well. We present a range of mileage options on each tour as well as provide support vehicles as much as possible. That way you can take a break and do as little or as much as you would like each day.
| Day | Activity | Easy | Moderate | Seasoned | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles | Feet Gain | Miles | Feet Gain | Miles | Feet Gain | ||
| Day 1 | Road Biking | Easy: 14.4 Miles | 202 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 26.2 Miles | 1619 Ft. Gain | ||
| Day 2 | RAFTING ALL DAY -THE BOX | Moderate: Miles | Ft. Gain | ||||
| Day 3 | Road Biking | Easy: 11 Miles | 68 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 28.3 Miles | 1928 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 44.8 Miles | 2413 Ft. Gain |
| Day 4 | Road Biking | Easy: 19 Miles | 364 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 45.6 Miles | 1996 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 91.2 Miles | 3728 Ft. Gain |
| Hike Ghost Ranch | Easy: 2.5 Miles | 633 Ft. Gain | |||||
| Day 5 | Hiking Bandelier Alcove House & Tsankawi | Easy: 2.6 MilesEasy: 1.6 Miles | 252 Ft. Gain236 Ft. Gain | ||||
| Road Biking | Easy: 14.3 Miles | 901 Ft. Gain | |||||
| Day 6 | Road Biking | Easy: 16 Miles | 850 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 31 Miles | 4968 Ft. Gain | ||
Find out more about Choosing a Tour.
Weather predictions in this area are often unreliable due to the elevation, so it is best to be prepared for cold nights and inclement weather. Please use the following locations when checking the weather online: TAOS, NM
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of your tour. This means from the time we pick you up at our meeting point, until we drop you back off to head home, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations (lodging) are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.
We rent high-quality camping gear for all of our camping tours. These include a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp. Your Trip Leaders will always help to ensure your equipment is set up properly each night.
Camp Gear Kit Rental: $100.00
When you join an Escape Adventures tour in 2024, you will receive a FREE custom sublimated Limited Edition Jersey!
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. On every road bike tour, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our bikes meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped with carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have e-bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
Specialized has perfected the road bike. Ride confidently and comfortably for longer distances on any of our trips around the world. All of our bikes are equipped with the latest components and our 2019 models include disc brakes.
Specialized hybrid bikes are the most comfortable bikes available. Our most popular bike for multi-sport and moderate road bike tours is the proven Sirrus. This bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. This bike sits upright, is equipped with a very comfortable seat, and the gearing has a wide range of speeds.
For those of you who have always wanted to join a bike tour but feared your fitness would hold you or the group back, fear no more. Our incredible e-bike option allows you to do more, go twice as fast and far. The all new Specialized Turbo has one goal and one goal only—to inspire you to get out, get moving, and to have some fun along the way. E-bike available on most casual and luxury inn trips for an additional price.
Take a deep breath, turn on the power and enjoy a beautiful adventure on the all new Escape Adventure’s Electric Road Bike. The new road e-bike from Escape Adventures now allows you to travel further distances and explore new areas. The pedal assisted technology also allows beginner and novice riders to join in on more challenging routes and terrain.
The Allez Junior is specifically designed for younger riders looking to keep up (or pass) mom and dad. The Allez gives young riders all the performance they need to look, feel, and go fast! Your tour price includes bike rental.
Escape Adventures is one of the only tour companies to provide a specific selection of kid’s bikes for touring. Even though it is a “kids” bike, the performance of the bicycle is not compromised in any way. Optional 20 and 24 inch wheels are configured to fit any size youngster. Our professional bike shop staff will fit your child to the correct bike (and color) once you have reserved your tour. Your tour price includes bike rental.
Our Family trailers are ideal for those little ones on tours who are not quite ready to ride but want to hang with mom and dad. These trailers are optional on all Family Getaway Tours at an additional cost. Burley Trailer seats up to two kids and converts to stroller.
For over 25 years, the hallmark of an Escape Adventures tour is personalized, hands-on service. Before, during, and after each trip. We are a company of honesty and integrity and we stand behind our product 100%. From the moment you learn of our trips, to the time you return home and start planning your next trip, we are here to bring you the best possible experience. From our Guaranteed Trip Departure Confirmation Policy, making sure your trip is never cancelled*, to our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, backing the unrivaled consistent quality of all our tours, our commitment to you is never compromised. * Scheduled Domestic trips only.
Our environmental commitment is second to none. We run our tours the same way we run our company, with an eye on the triple bottom line: People, Profit & Planet. At Escape Adventures, we elected to pursue a more comprehensive approach to actually reduce our carbon footprint, rather than just offset it. We overhauled our entire operation — from our vehicles, to our buildings, to our procedures — to become an outdoor industry leader in the charge to help our people and our planet.
Leading tours naturally followed from our passion of exploring our favorite places with our friends. Our support staff includes our reservation team who is there to answer your questions about the tours, our service team who prepares your bike and gear for the tour, and our guide team – the ones who take you into the great outdoors. The highest level of responsibility, good nature, integrity, and dedication are standard traits of all those who work at Escape Adventures. We our proud of it and we think you should know it.
Having custom-made vehicles allows us to take you to places few other outfitters can, or will go. Every Escape Adventures tour is accompanied by at least one support vehicle, trailer, and in some cases a second and third transfer van. As you thumb through our catalog, you will also notice our vehicles are big, tough, and different. These are not stock vehicles. After purchase, we custom engineer our trucks, vans, and trailers by our on-staff mechanic to meet the unique needs of different tours. Each of our guides is required to be trained in safe vehicle operation, 4X4 driving, and basic maintenance. Our experienced guides make it look easy, transporting you and up to 12 guests, along with their bikes, fresh food, camping gear and plenty of drinking water to a remote location.
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle-free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have ebikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.
Food represents a big part of the Escape Adventures experience. Our guides prepare all of your meals on our camping trips. Expect three delicious meals a day consisting entirely of freshly prepared foods. These include fresh organic fruits and vegetables, as well as meats. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you’re enjoying a ride. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! An increasing number of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we not only accommodate but also pleasantly surprise. Should you possess special diet requirements and/or limitations, just let us know at sign-up. We’ll work with you to meet those critical needs.
The idea of taking your friends or family somewhere cool and amazing is actually pretty easy. Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll make it happen.
Any trip in this catalog, any specific time frame, any group size, we can custom-fit if not comfortably accommodate. A Custom and Private Escape Adventures trip affords the ultimate bonding, or team-building experience for:
To shape a Custom or Private Trip, we begin a dialogue: first, to develop a group specific itinerary, tailored to respective abilities and preferred tempo. Next we schedule, bookmarking and working in your optimum or ideal getaway dates. Size-wise, we can build a multi-day trip for as few as two people, scaled up to as many as 30 plus. Contact us today to start the custom trip building process.
All Private Escape Adventures Trips are priced in the structured method below. Some Custom tours are priced differently if they vary from the Classic Escape Adventures itinerary and price. In this situation we will provide your group with a custom itinerary and price.
* Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. All private tours on The White Rim must meet a 13 person paid minimum. All private tours on The Maze must meet a 7 person paid minimum.
