Transfer and Other Options:

Trip Rating: Moderately Easy

Activities: hike (2 1/2 days), bike (2 days), raft (1/2 to 1 day) horseback ride (optional 1/2 day)

Day 1. Hike Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument,
Inn on the Alameda
Our group assembles at the Inn on the Alameda at 9:00 a.m. in Santa Fe. The inn is a lovely retreat peacefully set a few blocks from Santa Fe’s historic central plaza. The inn is primarily built of thick adobe and boasts a lovely communal area and library. The rooms are exquisite and decorated with handmade furniture and local artwork. For a special treat this evening, enjoy a soak in one of the inn’s open-air whirlpool spas. Following a short introduction and orientation, we will shuttle to Tent Rocks. Kasha-Katuwe or “white cliffs” in Keresan—the traditional language of the Pueblo de Cochiti—is an area that features large, tent-shaped rocks that hug the steep cliffs of Peralta Canyon. We hike among these cones that are wind- and water-eroded deposits of volcanic pumice and tuff. The formations vary in height from a few feet to 90 feet. We’ll return to Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States, by mid-afternoon to allow for time to stroll the narrow streets and explore the plaza, cathedral, art galleries and craft shops. Tonight we have a relaxing evening and enjoy southwestern cuisine in one of the area's fine restaurants.
• Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks hike [3 miles, 600 feet of elevation gain, then loss]

Day 2. Hike Bandelier National Monument, Casa Escondida
Our hike today through Bandelier National Monument is unique as it starts high on top of Burnt Mesa, travels through a designated wilderness area, and drops into Frijoles canyon, ending at the heart of an ancient civilization.
Bandelier National Monument, rugged canyon and mesa country, is on the Pajarito Plateau nestled at the base of the Jemez Mountains. In this scenic landscape, we will discover remnants of an Anasazi farming community that began eight centuries ago. The numerous ruins consist of unique cave rooms hewn out of soft tuff rock, houses built on the talus slopes, and a circular community village.
We then head for Chimayo, a quaint village known for its historic church and its fine Spanish weaving. This evening we stay at Casa Escondida, an intimate adobe hacienda situated on six quiet acres. Dinner is enjoyed in the Restaurante Rancho de Chimayo, one of northern New Mexico's most renowned spots for authentic native cuisine. The restaurant is a beautifully remodeled ranch house that has been in the Jaramillo family for over 110 years.
• Frijoles Canyon [8 miles; approximately 1500 feet of elevation loss]

Day 3. Mountain Bike Taos Area, Casa Benavides B&B
We shuttle along the High Road towards Taos and wind through a number of tiny villages filled with local color and crafts. One highlight is the village of Truchas, a
picturesque gathering of homes perched high on a ridge with outstanding views of the mountains that rise just to the east.
We then switch gears and roll out our mountain bikes for a leisurely backcountry cruise along one of the Taos area backcountry roads. We begin with a clinic on the operation and mechanics of our 27-speed mountain bikes and learn some of the finer points of bike handling and technique. Cisco Guevara, owner and operator of Los Rios River Runners, will join us for today’s ride. Cisco was born and raised in the greater Taos region of Northern New Mexico and as a result is an invaluable source of information. Over lunch and along our ride, Cisco will cover such diverse topics as ghost stories dating back to the first Spanish settlers, special geological insights into the Rio Grande drainage, and western folklore of mountain men such as Kit Carson and Cerain St. Vrain. We cycle a forest service trail and then a backcountry road that leads to Taos and our hideaway for the next two nights, the Casa Benavides Bed & Breakfast. The inn is set on a quiet back street just a few blocks from Taos' central plaza. Built in the southwest tradition, the Casa Benavides features an adobe-walled garden courtyard and many rooms feature a kiva fireplace.
• Rio Grande del Rancho Trail and back roads to Taos [up to 25 miles; approximately 500 feet of elevation gain and 1500 feet of elevation loss]

Day 4. Raft Rio Grande River, Optional Horseback Ride to Picuris Mountain, Casa Benavides B&B
Our day begins with a hearty home-cooked breakfast. We then move to the Rio Grande River for a morning of white water rafting. The section of the Rio Grande we run is the Pilar racecourse, one of the region's most popular, with its Class III rapids. For the thrill seeker yearning for an adrenaline rush, choose to raft the Taos Box if water levels are high enough. The Box is one of the West's most spectacular Class IV whitewater journeys. This wild and wet ride beneath sheer 600’ canyon walls is only offered on the June trips. For those who prefer not to raft, the morning is yours to bicycle or explore the Taos area on your own.
This afternoon you are free to explore Taos' galleries and hidden hideaways on the narrow and crooked back streets. As an option, you can relive the days of the Old
West and swing into the saddle for a horseback ride around the foothills of Picuris Mountain, one of the oldest mountains in New Mexico. Your route explores the
majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains offering both wilderness adventure and peaceful solitude.
• Pilar Racecourse Rafting [5 miles]
• Option: Taos Box [13 miles] (additional cost)
• Option: Picuris Mountain Horseback Ride [2 hours] (additional cost)

Day 5. Mountain Biking Wild Rivers Recreation Area, Santa Fe, Casa Benavides B&B
A shuttle takes us high over Red River from where we rejoin our bikes for a glide down Cabresto Creek. As we depart the narrow mountain canyon our views change to wide-open mesa vistas. We continue to pedal through the Wild Rivers Recreation Area where we enjoy numerous overlooks into the stunning gorge formed by the Rio Grande River. A fitting end to our New Mexico sampling is at La Junta Point, a viewpoint suspended high above the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red Rivers.
• Cabresto Creek to Wild Rivers [up to 25 miles; 2500 feet of elevation loss]

Day 6. Hike in Carson National Forest in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Today we travel north into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Beginning at the Taos Ski Valley, we spend the day hiking in the Carson National Forest. Our secluded alpine hike takes us up the Long Canyon trail. During lunch, we have breathtaking views of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest at 13,161 feet, and discover a kaleidoscope of brilliant wildflowers in the early summer and the brilliant golden glow of aspens in the fall. We have the option to return via the Bull-of-the-Woods trail. A late afternoon shuttle returns us to Santa Fe where our trip concludes.
• Long Canyon Trail [up to 7 miles; up to 2000 feet of elevation gain, then loss]
• Challenging Option: Bull-of-the-Woods/ Long Canyon loop [8 miles; 2500 feet of elevation gain, then loss]

-- subject to change --

Activities:
1. Hiking (2 full & 1 half days)
2. Biking (2 full days)
3. Rafting (1 half day)
4. Horseback Riding (1 half day, optional)

Day 1:    Inn on the Alameda
Nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, between the historic Plaza and the art-filled galleries of Canyon Road, the Inn on the Alameda is the ideal downtown location for Santa Fe Lodging, perfect for exploring the world-class museums, unusual shopping, fine restaurants and local Santa Fe festivities that define this unique destination.
Savor the seclusionof peaceful garden courtyards tucked behind adobe walls. Experience the tranquility of 71 inviting rooms and suites,
Santa Fe New Mexico accommodations that capture the timeless essence of Santa Fe, from the graceful curves of the kiva fireplaces to the authentic Southwestern décor and classic Pueblo-style architecture.

Day 2:    Casa Escondida
Casa Escondida is a country inn located in the historic village of Chimayo, NM. Offering wonderful views of the beautiful Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains, our B&B is surrounded by Northern New Mexico's beautiful wine country. We provide both peaceful seclusion and a convenient location near to the many intriguing attractions and activities of the area.

Day 3-5: Casa Benavides B&B
The gracious past is present at elegant Casa Benavides Taos Bed and Breakfast Lodging. Enjoy wood-burning fireplaces, private baths with Mexican tiles, patios, balconies and extensive gardens, handmade and antique furniture, cable TV, VCR's and free videos, two outdoor hot tubs, artistic treasures in individually decorated rooms. Hot water heat is individually controlled in each room. Down comforters and luxury linens are also in each bed and breakfast room. Free local calls in office and a private telephone room. Fax service available. Some rooms have kitchens and some have refrigerators, all have ceiling fans and/or air-conditioning and skylights.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.