Santa Fe-Taos Bike Tour

Meet us in Santa Fe (public shuttle available from/to Albuquerque). Santa Fe boasts the third-largest fine art market in the United States, and it’s one of the greatest cities in the world for dining!  Galleries and museums abound on the famous Canyon Road; local artists peddle their jewelry and crafts in the city’s plaza. Go for a morning bicycle ride on the outskirts of Santa Fe.  Explore the town’s rich culture this afternoon. Stay tonight at the Inn of the Governors, in the heart of downtown. Savor one of the city’s fabulous restaurants for tonight’s dinner.

Head to Bandelier National Monument. Stroll through ancient cliff dwellings carved high on the canyon walls, where Ancestral Pueblo people made their home nearly 1,000 years ago. Ride north after lunch – through mesas and red hills to the town of Chimayo, famous for its weavings and its church.  Spend tonight at the intimate Casa Escondida, with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountain ranges.

Bicycle the scenic High Road to Taos today, through endless panoramas of pine forests, snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountain range, and remote cottonwood-filled valleys. Stop along the way for a weaving demonstration by local artisans. Spend the next three nights at Hacienda del Sol in Taos.

Raft the Rio Grande Canyon today! Paddle Class II and III rapids carved through the desert rock, with the help of local guides and instructors. If it is open, we will pay a visit to storied Taos Pueblo this afternoon. This is the largest existing multi-storied Pueblo structure in the United States, and home to Taos Native Americans for more than 1,000 years. Today, it is the only living Native American community that has been designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a National Historic Landmark. You can also opt to find your thrills on a ride to Blueberry Hill, or if you are hankering for downtime, explore Taos’ shops and artists’ galleries, or get a massage. Lunch and dinner are on your own today.

Ride the Enchanted Circle, a view-crammed loop north of Taos circling the highest peak in New Mexico: Wheeler Peak. The landscape is quite diverse: alpine forests, open range, cattle country, lakes, and fascinating small towns. The eastern half of the Enchanted Circle features long, gradual downhills through peaceful valleys of pasture and forest as it winds back to Taos. Bicycle 62 miles of this amazing loop (with boost options for the climbs) or the whole enchilada: 85 miles.

Visit the Little Rio Grande in the morning and choose from two cycling options: Pedal your bicycle down a quiet side road beside a creek, into beautiful Arroyo Seco valley, or challenge yourself with a ride up to Taos Ski Valley.

*Bicycle Adventures operates under special use permits while on Federal Lands managed by the National Forest Service (USDA), National Parks and Bureau of Land Management. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.