New Mexico Hiker
New Mexico
USA
An Inn-to-Inn Hiking Adventure and Anasazi Ruin Exploration in the Land of Enchantment
Join us for six days of backcountry travel as we explore by foot the trails through the Land of Enchantment. This mystical region of the southwest is a unique blend of Native American, Mexican, Spanish and Anglo cultures. Throughout the trip time is allowed for visits to Indian pueblos, local crafts people, art galleries and for exploration.
The trails we follow meander through varied landscapes from pristine wilderness areas and waterfall-filled box canyons to alpine tundra above tree line and into the heart of colorful canyon country. These inspirational surroundings have influenced poets, photographers and painters and will leave you awe-struck as we discover the region’s outstanding scenic beauty and relaxing slower-paced life in quaint New Mexican villages.
Our June trips feature the colorful array of wildflowers and our September tours catch the aspens’ radiant fall foliage at their peak. The routes we have chosen to hike are 6-8 miles in length with elevation gains of 600-1000’, with more challenging options. If you’re looking for a bit more challenge, each day's route can be extended and include more difficult terrain.
The conclusion of the September departure coincides with the mass ascension of 650 hot air balloons on the opening morning of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta--a spectacular event that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
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Meeting:
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Santa Fe at 9 AM
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Airport:
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Albuquerque
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Transfer:
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Santa Fe or shuttle from Albuquerque
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
16 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
All meals (lunch Day 1-lunch Day 6), all accommodations (double occupancy), T-shirt, support vehicle, national forest and park fees, 6 hiking days with professional guides.
| A | 2010 | 6 day hike, AP | 6d / 5n | $2298 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfers from Santa Fe hotel included
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$0
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2010
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Shuttle bus from Albuquerque to Santa Fe ~
- to be paid locally
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$43
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Gateway City Transfer: Public transportation is available from Albuquerque Airport to Santa Fe for $25 one-way, $43 round-trip, and reservations are required. The trip from Albuquerque Airport to Santa Fe typically takes about 70 minutes.
Trip ends: at 5 PM on last day. Shuttle services should be scheduled no earlier than 5:30 p.m. and airline departures should be scheduled no earlier than 8:00 p.m.
Rates do not include:
Airfare, personal insurance, miscellaneous hotel expenses (phone, fax, laundry, etc.), additional optional tours, services not specified in the tour itinerary, and guide gratuities (An appropriate gratuity to each trip leader is $75-$100 per guest).
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Day 1. Hike Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Our group assembles at the Inn on the Alameda at 9:00 a.m. in Santa Fe. The inn is a ovely 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 Atalaya Mountain, Inn on the Alameda
Our hiking objective today is the 9,117 foot summit of Atalaya Mountain with sweeping views of Santa Fe, across the Rio Grande River Valley. The trailhead is located at St John's College on the outskirts of the city just ten minutes from our inn.
The trail quickly drops into Arroyo de los Chamisos and then climbs through the drainage of the smaller side of Cabezon. Wildflowers are seen in abundance here on our June trips.
For much of the remainder of the ascent, we follow a ridge through forest of pinon pine and junipers and into larger growth Douglas and white fir as we approach the summit. The hike is somewhat steep in places but is easily navigable, with unparalleled views of the Rio Grande Valley below.
In the late afternoon, time permitting, enjoy a stroll through the many art galleries of historic Canyon Road. Wrap up in the afternoon with a glass of wine in the courtyard during the Inn on the Alameda's "happy hour". Dinner is enjoyed at another of the Santa Fe's many fine restaurants.
- Atalaya Mountain Trail (7 miles, 1900 feet of elevation gain, then loss)
Day 3. Hike Bandelier National Monument, Abiquiu Inn
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.
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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 explore 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. After our hike, we head for Abiquiu, originally a mid-eighteenth century Spanish settlement that later became the home of Georgia O’Keeffe. This evening we stay at the Abiquiu Inn, a lovely Bed & Breakfast constructed in 1880s southwest style.
- Frijoles Canyon [8 miles; approximately 1500 feet of elevation loss]
Day 4. Hike Ghost Ranch
After a hearty relaxed breakfast at Cafe Abiquiu, we shuttle to the unforgettable Ghost Ranch. As steep, pastel-colored cliffs come into view, keep in mind that we are in the land that Georgia O’Keefe called home. Our hike to Kitchen Mesa features this unique canyon backdrop and provides a mesa-top view of the entire area. It includes some rock scrambling and a short trail section with some drop-offs. Hiking through this beautiful country, we experience first-hand the inspiration behind many of O’Keeffe’s paintings. For those who prefer not to hike today, the morning is yours to explore the Ghost Ranch on your own. Following lunch at Echo we head across the valley to Taos where we spend the next two nights at the Casa Benavides Bed & Breakfast. This beautiful inn is set on a quiet back street just a few blocks from Taos' central plaza. Built in the southwest tradition, Casa Benavides features an adobe-walled garden courtyard and fireplaces in many of the rooms. Time permitting, this afternoon, feel free to explore Taos' quaint galleries and hidden hideaways on the narrow and crooked back streets.
- Moderate Hike: Kitchen Mesa [4 miles, some rock scrambling and drop-offs; 900 feet of elevation gain/ loss ]
Day 5. 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 Bull-of-the- Woods 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 Long Canyon trail.
- Bull of Woods 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]
Day 6. Hike in Wild Rivers Recreation Area
A scenic shuttle takes us to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area where we take part in a classic hike into the deep inner gorge of the Rio Grande River Canyon. Along the way to our trailhead, we take in several overlooks into this stunning gorge. After hiking down and along the Rio Grande, we rest and have lunch at the confluence of the Red and Rio Grande Rivers. A healthy climb back to the rim brings us to La Junta Point, a viewpoint suspended high above the confluence of the free flowing Rio Grande and Red Rivers, providing a fitting end to our New Mexico rambling. An afternoon shuttle returns us to Santa Fe at approximately 5:00 p.m. where our trip concludes.
- Wild Rivers Recreation Area Loop Hike [4.3 miles; 800 feet of elevation loss, then gain]
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Meeting:
Santa Fe at 9 AM
Airport:
Albuquerque
Transfer:
Santa Fe or shuttle from Albuquerque
Gateway City Transfer: Public transportation is available from Albuquerque Airport to Santa Fe for $25 one-way, $43 round-trip, and reservations are required. The trip from Albuquerque Airport to Santa Fe typically takes about 70 minutes.
Trip ends: at 5 PM on last day. Shuttle services should be scheduled no earlier than 5:30 p.m. and airline departures should be scheduled no earlier than 8:00 p.m.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Moderately Easy with Moderate options: This trip is hillier and more challenging than our Easy tours. The hikes are 4-8 miles, with options of up to 10 miles, and include climbs of up to 1200 feet with options of up to 3500 feet.
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
16 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
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. more
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Just a few blocks from Santa Fe's historic plaza, pamper yourself with a massage and enjoy your room's handmade furniture and local artwork at the Inn on the Alameda. The Abiquiu Inn provides for a restful evening in a quiet setting just a few blocks from Georgia O'Keefe's former home. Casa Benavides B&B, featuring adobe construction with viga ceilings, wood burning fireplaces, and extensive colorful gardens, is located just two blocks from the historic Taos Plaza.
Day 1 and 2: 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 3: Abiquiu Inn
The Abiquiu Inn – The valley of the Rio Chama River is rich with history. Abiquiu and the surrounding area has long been a tribal gathering place, even before the Anasazi settled here more than a thousand years ago. From the ancient Anasazi tribes to the 20th-century art of Georgia O’Keeffe, the area has long been a captivating destination for visitors. Since 1985, The Abiquiu Inn has been a part of that tradition, becoming a desert sanctuary for artists, couples and guests seeking solitude and enlightenment in northern New Mexico.
The Abiquiu Inn features rooms, private casitas and suites, all with rustic beauty inspired by the Southwest landscape. Pillow-top mattresses ensure a wonderful night’s sleep and high-speed wireless Internet in Abiquiu New Mexico lets guests keep up with events and email during their stay. Café Abiquiu features a range of sumptuous dishes and our Gift Store sells a variety of artwork and crafts from skilled artisans.
Day 4 and 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.
Meals: All meals are included from lunch Day 1 to lunch Day 6
Pre & Post Trip Accommodation:
If you are to come to Santa Fe the evening before a trip, or stay over after the trip, we recommend Inn on the Alameda, 800-289-2122 / 505-984-2121; please let them know you are with the World Outdoors. Below is a listing of additional accommodation:
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Moderately Easy with Moderate options: This trip is hillier and more challenging than our Easy tours. The hikes are 4-8 miles, with options of up to 10 miles, and include climbs of up to 1200 feet with options of up to 3500 feet.
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
16 riders
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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.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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