Northern New Mexico Magic

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. On the way, we’ll get to know our road sisters. 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 enjoy 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’ll 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 local artisan crafts. Then it’s back to Santa Fe to enjoy this fine town or just chill at the hotel pool a bit before we 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 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.  We’ll travel the short distance to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa to check in for two nights. A delicious dinner is in store at the onsite Artisan Restaurant. Overnight Ojo Caliente.

Day 4

We’ll meet as a group for breakfast and what a fine place to be to enjoy our leisurely morning. Perhaps a stretch, some yoga, soak in the mineral springs, and enjoy being alive. Late morning, we’re off to Abiquiu – yes, Georgia O’Keeffe country!  We’ll have lunch here at Ghost Ranch and get day passes to hike on the Ghost Ranch trail or Kitchen Mesa, where Georgia O’Keeffe was inspired to paint. This scenic hike is about 4 miles roundtrip and is rated moderate. There are museums and more to explore at this historical learning center. This afternoon, we head back to 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 which is included in our stay, or this is a good time to arrange for a massage or other spa treatment (at Guest’s expense). We’ll meet back up for dinner. Overnight Ojo Caliente.

Day 5

For anyone who wants to join, we’ll have a sunrise hike at Ojo Caliente. It’s a wonderful way to greet the day.  The group will meet for breakfast, then check out of our lovely cottages 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 and 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 to check in and get the complimentary hotel to airport transfers arranged. We’ll get cleaned up to enjoy our Farewell dinner at one of the many special Albuquerque restaurants. Our adventure has come to an end, but the memories you’ll make on this trip will last a lifetime. Overnight Albuquerque.

Day 6

After breakfast there is a complimentary hotel to airport shuttle or stay and play on your own!

• 5 days/5 nights fully guided tour by a Canyon Calling Trip Leader
• Hotel accommodations in double occupancy (single rooms available w/supplement)
• 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 taxes

• Round-trip transportation to/from our meetup in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Alcoholic beverages, and other items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your Trip Leader at the end of the tour