My first visit to the Southwest was chock full of grand memories. You made the trip so relaxing and fun. It was like traveling with true "road sisters"! -- Regina E, MD

Adventure Trip to Northern New Mexico

New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, is a perfect playground for Canyon Calling adventurers that enjoy a softer adventure. We’ll hike and explore the beauty that is Northern New Mexico. We’ll soak in hot springs, explore ancient ruins and visit the UNESCO pueblo in Taos, and enjoy the galleries and museums in Santa Fe.  A highlight is our stay in Georgia O’Keefe country where we form a deep appreciation of the red canyons, magical mesas and soft light that Georgia O’Keefe loved so deeply. Spring is a perfect time in the high desert with mild day time temperatures and cool nights. Join us in the magic that is Northern New Mexico!

New Mexico Activities at a Glance

Northern New Mexico Magic Itinerary

Day 1

Your Canyon Calling Trip Leader will meet you at the Albuquerque Airport in baggage claim area at 2pm and we’ll drive north to Santa Fe to check into our hotel for two nights. Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills. It’s renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed. Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it has at its heart the traditional Plaza. The surrounding historic district’s crooked streets wind past adobe landmarks including the Palace of the Governors, now home to the New Mexico History Museum. A photographer’s delight! We’ll stroll around this fine southwestern art town and dine at a favorite local restaurant where we’ll sample the New Mexican cuisine. Overnight Santa Fe.

Day 2

After breakfast we’ll drive to Bandelier National Monument to hike Frijoles Canyon,containing ancestral pueblo homes, kivas, rock paintings and petroglyphs. Some of the dwellings were rock structures built on the canyon floor; others were “caveats” produced by voids in the canyon wall and carved out further by humans. We will enjoy a breathtaking morning in this beautiful and spiritual place. After our hike we’ll have lunch in the park and wander through the gift shop and visitor center.  We drive back to Santa Fe with a stop in the village of Chimayó. Chimayo is just 40 minutes from Santa Fe along a scenic byway in the Sangre de Christos mountains. This special place is known for its historic church, and features several shops and delectable foods. Then it’s back to Santa Fe to enjoy this fine town or just chill at the hotel pool this afternoon. We’ll enjoy another delicious dinner. Overnight Santa Fe.

Day 3

We’ll have a leisurely breakfast, check out of our hotel, and hit the road. We’re off to Taos! Taos is known for historic adobe buildings such as the Taos Pueblo, a multistory adobe complex inhabited by Native Americans for over a thousand years.  We’ll take a guided tour of the Taos Pueblo. It is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. We’ll have lunch in the Taos Plaza with time to enjoy the local shops. A longtime artist colony, Taos also offers many galleries and museums showcasing regional artwork. We’ll check  into our favorite Taos lodge, with some time to relax by the pool. A delicious dinner is in store. Overnight Taos.

Day 4

After a leisurely breakfast, we head north of Taos to visit the Rio Grande Gorge. It’s a scenic stop, created by the Rio Grande river and crossed by the iconic Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Next, we’re off to Abiquiu – yes, Georgia O’Keefe country!  We’ll get day passes and hike on the Ghost Ranch trail where Georgia O’Keefe was inspired to paint. This scenic hike is about 4 miles roundtrip and is rated moderate. After lunch at the Ranch, we travel the short distance to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort. We’ll check into the Historic Hotel at Ojo Caliente. For thousands of years, travelers and locals alike have been drawn to the wild, unspoiled oases brimming with pure, natural spring waters.  We’ll enjoy the therapeutic spring fed waters before a delicious dinner at their Artisan Restaurant. Overnight Ojo Caliente.

Day 5

For anyone who wants to join, we’ll have a sunrise hike at Ojo Caliente. We’ll meet for breakfast, then check out of our lovely hotel and hit the road south towards Albuquerque. Petroglyph National Monument stretches 17 miles along Albuquerque, New Mexico’s West Mesa, a volcanic basalt escarpment that dominates the city’s western horizon. We’ll hike in Boca Negra Canyon, a 70-acre section within the monument boundaries. Approximately 100 petroglyphs can be viewed within an hour of walking! The three trails offer a diverse view of the cultural and natural landscape within the monument. We’ll stop for lunch then we’ll have some free time to explore Historic Old Town Albuquerque. The narrow streets and century-old adobe houses are home to New Mexican eateries and tiny artisan shops. Old Town Plaza is a charming spot overlooked by 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church, where there are often live, public performances. We’ll drive to our hotel, check in and get cleaned up to enjoy our Farewell dinner at one of the many special Albuquerque restaurants. Overnight Albuquerque.

Day 6

After breakfast there is a complimentary hotel to airport shuttle for your convenience, or stay and play in Albuquerque!

What’s Included

• Five days fully guided tour by a Canyon Calling Trip Leader
• 5 nights accommodations in double occupancy
• All activities as specified in this itinerary
• All land transportation as specified in this itinerary
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 6
• All entrance fees, passes, and permits

What’s Not Included

• Round-trip transportation to/from Albuquerque, NM
• Alcoholic beverages, and other items of a personal nature
• Optional gratuity to your Trip Leader at the end of the tour

Womens Adventure Travel USA: Northern New Mexico Magic