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 represents a distinct overlay or confluence of ecological zones: the Great Plains in the East, the Chihuahuan Desert and Sierra Madre to the South, and the Sonoran Desert and Colorado Plateau to the West. Given those varied attributes, the land naturally lends itself to multi-sport touring: outstanding mountain biking 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, not to mention art, reflective of the state’s three distinct traditions: Indian, Spanish and Anglo. From tone to tempo now: while the state bird is the Roadrunner, don’t expect that kind of pacing on this trek.
High Desert to high Alpine, interpreting rock paintings and petroglyphs to drinking in slot canyons and expansive mesas, our Land of Enchantment trip truly has something for everyone.
Day 1-2: Meet in Santa Fe. Shuttle to Taos then up to Garcia Park. Spend the next two nights above 9000 feet in beautiful alpine environment. Ride on the South Boundary Trail and descend to Taos along the Rio Chiquito. Visit Pot Creek Indian ruins. Stroll through Taos Plaza.
Day 3-4: Descend Bobsled Trail to Angel Fire.. Spend the afternoon riding and hiking Angel Fires world class lift access trail system. Guides will pick best rails based on abilities. Shuttle to Red River for the night. Ride the Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area with a descent down Old Red River Pass. Hike to Middle Fork Lake in the afternoon then stroll through the small town of Red River.
Day 5-6: Raft all day through the exciting Taos Box section of the Rio Grande. Hike the Indian ruins of Bandelier National Monument. Shuttle back to Santa Fe.
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