D1 ALBUQUERQUE

We suggest you to fly in a day early to Albuquerque and self transfer to the Airport Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel where the group will meet the following morning to start the trip. If you have time, one of our favorite places to send friends is to the International Folk Museum.

If you are arriving earlier and would prefer a more relaxed stay, we recommend a stay at Los Poblanos, because it's such a beautiful restoration of an old farm *2-night minimum for Fri-Sat. You could also elect to stay in the heart of Albuquerque in the Historic Old Town and new urban Sawmill districts at Hotel Chaco.

O/N Airport Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel

D2 jAMEZ - LOS ALAMOS

72 mi / 6,309 ft

The Jemez have lived in the Jemez Valley for hundreds of years and in Northern New Mexico for at least a thousand years. The Jemez People are primarily farmers, but also gather and hunt. After a 1-hour transfer from Abluquerque, we begin our ride from the Jamez Pueblo & Visitor Center, gradually climbing up through the Jamez Mountains. A quick side trip brings us to the Gillman Tunnels, built in 1920, hanging above the Guadalupe Box Canyon and the river below. If you have seen the movie ‘3:10 to Yuma’, you will recognize these scenic tunnels.

The highlight of the day comes when we bend a corner and the Grand Valles Caldera National Preserve comes into view. 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile wide circular depression now known as the Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. From 8,700’ feet, we roll across the mountain plateau before descending down into the rocky canyons and mesas of Bandelier National Monument, this area has seen human settlements from around 11,000 years ago. Wrapping up with at the White Rock Overlook, featuring a staggering 270 degree open space view of the beautiful Rio Grande River as it runs along the Jemez Mountains.

We overnight in the small town of Los Alamos, recognized as the birthplace of the first atomic bomb, the primary objective of the Manhattan Project by Los Alamos National Laboratory during WW II. Tonight we dine at the famed El Paragua Restaurant, El Paragua is the product of two ambitious youngsters, Larry and Pete, the oldest sons of Frances and Luis Atencio. In 1958, the two young boys set up a roadside stand on the corner of the historic Taos Highway and Santa Cruz Road, with the full intention of selling their Mama’s tacos and tamales.

O/N Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock

D3 LOS ALAMOS - ABIQUIU

60.3 mi / 3,235 Ft

From Los Alamos, we will transfer through the White Rock Canyon, carved through basalt and tuff by the south-flowing Rio Grande River before we carry on into the Santa Clara Pueblo, where Pueblo potters are best known for their black polished and red polychrome pottery. If Jeff Roller is in residence, we will start from his studio on the outskirts of town, providing you ample time to visit with this acclaimed artist.

We will pass through the railroad town of Española, where the first European colony in North America was settled 400 years ago.

From Española, we head deep into the arid and rugged El Rito Mountains, known as the pink mountains we will pass by the historic Ojo Caliente Hot-springs and through El Rito, one of the first Spanish settlements in Northern New Mexico, where we will visit the oldest church in New Mexico.

We finish our day in the historic outpost of Abiquiú, the starting point of the pioneering route of the Old Spanish Trail, a team of sixty mounted men set off with pack animals and goods towards California in 1829, an eighty-six day journey. Artist Georgia O’keeffe lived nearby at her Ghost Ranch and she owned a small studio here in Abiquiú.

Tonight we stay and dine at the Abiquiu Inn, set amidst some of the most pristine southwest landscapes in the US. The modern casitas finished in southwestern design with Native American-inspired viga ceilings, a truly unique experience.

Abiquiu is rich in history and culture, from dinosaurs that roamed the area 220 million years ago to Pueblo Ruins of 13th Century to more recent settlers like Georgia O’Keeffe and the Monks of Christ in the Desert.

O/N Abiquiu Inn

D4 ABIQUIU- TAOS

75 mi / 6,763 Ft

Anyone searching for solitude and mountain views will love today’s ride through an unfamiliar part of New Mexico. A section of today’s ride, a 49-mile stretch of quiet highway passes through the Carson National Forest, and climbs over the 10,507-foot Brazos Summit.

Between Tierra Amarilla and Tres Piedras, US 64 climbs up over a southern extension of the San Juan Range of the Rocky Mountains sometimes called the Tusas Mountains. Along the way, it passes some of the most extensive groves of aspens in the state. At 75 miles, we end our ride in Tres Piedras and shuttle the last 30 miles into Taos, along the way we will stop to take in the view above from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, resting 565 feet (172 m) above the Rio Grande River, it’s the seventh highest bridge in the US and 82nd highest bridge in the world. We arrive into Taos this afternoon and check into our Hacienda del Sol shines with traditional New Mexico aesthetic, with wood burning fireplaces and Mexican-tiled bathrooms.

The village of Taos & nearby Arroyo Seco has a vibrant and eclectic food scene. We head the the cozy bistro Aceq, tucked behind galleries in Arroyo Seco for farm-to-table food. The menu changes often but always features some dishes unusual for the area, such as pig head torchon with snap pea salad and mapo tofu with jasmine rice, ginger, peanuts, and a slightly piquant Szechuan sauce.

O/N Casa Benavides Bed & Breakfast Inn

D5 ENCHANTED CIRCLE

62.5 mi / 4,300 Ft

Considered one of the most scenic and challenging rides in the country, today we tackle the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. This 86-mile ride includes passing through Red River, Eagles Nest and Angel Fire and passing the high point of Bobcat Pass at 9,820’ feet. A second climb up to 9,109’ Palo Flechado, contains one of the most memorable descents all the way back into Taos. The Apache Indians, lived in the plains east of these mountains and often hunted the wild buffalo that grazed these open plains. We will descend back into Taos and enjoy the afternoon visiting the many galleries and shops in Old Taos.

Afternoon allows for time to explore the village of Taos and it’s many galleries. Dive deeper into the art of New Mexico with a visit to the Millicent Rogers Museum and its intimate exhibitions located in its 5000 square foot museum. Named for fashionista Millicent Rogers, the museum exhibits her private collection of extraordinary silver and turquoise jewelry. Millicent came to New Mexico to recover from a break-up with movie star Clark Gable and remained here for the rest of her life. Her family established the museum after her death to honor her interest and commitment to the cultures and communities of the region. With a collection of more than 6000 objects, the museum has exceptional holdings of Indian pottery, carvings, beadwork, contemporary jewelry and fine art.

Doc Martin’s- The old-world restaurant of the Historic Taos Inn takes its name from the building's original owner, a local physician who saw patients in the rooms that are now the dining areas. The creative menu hews toward innovative takes on comforting classics, with an emphasis on sustainable ingredients—a favorite is the relleno platter comprising a pair of blue corn–beer battered Anaheim chiles, green chile, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese cream.

O/N Casa Benavides Bed & Breakfast Inn

D6 tAOS PUEBLO
THE HIGH ROAD TO CHIMAYO

59.5 mi / 5,508 Ft

This morning, we will visit the ancient Taos Pueblo, the multi-storied adobe village that has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. We will walk amongst the pueblo this morning before we head out on our adventure over the High Road towards Santa Fe. The High Road is a 50+ mile scenic, winding and quiet road through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Taos and Santa Fe. It winds through high desert, lush forests, high mountains, tiny farms and small Spanish Land Grant Pueblo Indian villages dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

The High Road

Highlights along the route are many, including visiting the Mission in Truchas, the Las Trampas’ San José de Gracia cathedral and the Santuario in Chimayó, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the country, the picturesque adobe church draws 300,000 visitors a year. The exterior is captivating, but make sure to see the retablos, or devotional paintings, inside. We will stop along the way in the tiny mountain town of Truchas, where artisans along the High Road keep Spanish traditions alive with Spanish wood carvings, paintings and Indian quilting. We finish this remarkable day in Chimayó, where we go back in time and stay in a quiet country retreat in a restored adobe home offering cozy Victorian-style guest’s rooms opening onto a private garden-old world charm at its finest. The highlights don’t end here, as tonight we enjoy dining at Rancho de Chimayó one of New Mexico’s Culinary Treasures, celebrating 50+ years as a world-renowned restaurant in Northern New Mexico.

O/N Rancho de Chimayó Hacienda

Dinner tonight - Rancho de Chimayó
In October 1965, Arturo Jaramillo and his wife Florence envisioned a plan for the house built by Hermenegildo and Trinidad Jaramillo, and the Restaurante Rancho de Chimayó was born. Their restaurant would preserve the rich traditions of their family and its proud culture, welcoming guests into this comfortable and romantic piece of history. Fireplaces radiate warmth into cozy rooms and family photographs hang on the white washed adobe walls. The lovely terraced patio beckons you to exquisite outdoor dining. Join us at Rancho de Chimayó - a treasured part of New Mexico’s heritage and history and will always remain...a timeless tradition.

D 7 CHIMAYO - SANTA FE

62 mi / 6,277 Ft

El Santuario de Chimayo, a small shrine located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Chimayo, New Mexico, has been a place of worship since before its construction in 1813. For generations, American Indians, Hispanics, and other people of faith have traveled to the site of El Santuario to ask for healing for themselves and others, and to offer prayers of petition and of thanksgiving for favors received. Following a long tradition of miraculous shrines, El Santuario is now one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage centers in the United States and one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in New Mexico. Today El Santuario de Chimayo, also known as Lourdes of America, attracts over 300,000 pilgrims from all over the Southwest and elsewhere each year. Thousands of pilgrims walk to El Santuario from Santa Fe and other starting points during Holy Week. We will have plenty of time to visit this special sacred space.

Rise early this morning to take a morning walk amongst the Santuario in Chimayó and stop in for a visit to the Ortega’s Weaving, an iconic family store that has for generations, been producing authentic New Mexican wares. From Chimayó we descend down into the Pojoaque Valley, home to the Nambé Pueblo, one of the historic pueblos that participated in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, trying to expel the Spanish from the area. We ride through small settlements before our gradual climb into Santa Fe and further up to the Santa Fe Ski Area, a local hill climb favorite. We climb through forests of ponderosa and aspen in the Santa Fe National Forests on the Scenic Byway, we will summit at 10,305’ above town. Enjoy the descent all the way back into Santa Fe or if your up for it, stop off at the Japanese Onsen- 10,000 Waves before we wrap up todays ride.

Tonight’s dining takes in a favorite of Brad’s, he’s been dining here with groups for 20 years. Cafe Pasqual is indeed an American classic, celebrating for more than three decades, culinary traditions inspired by New Mexico, Old Mexico and Asia (especially Thailand) with a pronounced dedication to fresh, seasonal, organic and naturally raised foods. The bustling corner cafe in the ever-familiar pueblo style building first opened in 1979 and has experienced overflow crowds for years. Katharine Kagel’s philosophy, one which has guided her restaurant for years is to “gather together the best possible staff and ingredients to synergize unforgettable flavors in the most interesting and inspired way, with an eye to healthful preparation methods.”

O/N Hotel Chimayo - Santa Fe

d8 sANTA FE

A day of exploration. As far as capital cities go, Santa Fe is a bit of an anomaly. The New Mexico capital is surprisingly small, with just over 80,000 people, and is set in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Instead of skyscrapers, you'll find Pueblo-style architecture, and the entire city revolves around the traditional plaza, where arts and handicrafts are still sold to this day. Santa Fe's deep-rooted Native American heritage and stunning desert landscape have inspired countless artists, making the city one of the world's top art destinations.

Go gallery hopping in the Railyard and on Canyon Road. The vibrant Railyard District southwest of downtown is the place to be for contemporary art, live music, film screenings, and cool architecture. Canyon Road packs a punch. Over 100 galleries, restaurants, and boutiques are packed in a mere half mile. But don't think quantity negates quality. The road is a destination for art collectors who come to peruse everything from traditional to abstract art by artists from all over the globe.

Santa Fe is also rated One of America's Top hiking destinations! We will explore the mountains above town on an invigorating morning hike.

Sazón - The food focus in this handsome dining room warmed by a kiva fireplace and filled with Frida Kahlo and Day of the Dead–inspired artwork is one of Mexico's greatest dishes, mole. The realm of Mexico City–born chef Fernando Olea, who's been working his culinary magic at different Santa Fe restaurants since 1991, Sazón offers an upscale take on regional Mexican fare, complete with an exhaustive list of artisan tequilas and mezcals.

O/N Hotel Chimayo - Santa Fe

D9 SANTA FE - TURQUOISE TRAIL

48 mi / 1,828 Ft

Today we embark on our Turquoise Trail stroll. First off we leave Santa Fe via Canyon Road, passing many of the famous art galleries. We will then begin our ride along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, through the heart of central New Mexico linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The ride, about 50 miles takes you back in history through the old mining towns of Golden and Madrid now coming alive with art, crafts, music and many café’s and restaurants. We’ll stop along the way for one last strong coffee and allow you a few moments to peak around Madrid before we load up for an hour transfer into Albuquerque.

O/N Los Pablanos - Abq

D10 AM TRANSFER TO ALBUQUERQUE AIRPORT