Exploring New Mexico - Land of Enchantment

The trip begins at 1 p.m. in Albuquerque, where we meet as a group at our hotel. We have the afternoon to meet each other and hike in the Petroglyph National Monument. The site has hundreds of petroglyphs that were created by both the earliest and the most recent inhabitants. Our hike on the Mesa Point Trail passes lots of petroglyphs as it winds its way to the mesa top. From here a 360-degree view provides views of Albuquerque and the Sandia mountains to the east, the Sangre de Cristos to the north, and the extinct volcanoes to the west. We will have a picnic dinner and watch the sunset over Albuquerque. (D)

After breakfast we will pack up and head out for kayaking on the Rio Grande River. The Rio Grande is the reason Albuquerque is located where it is, and our kayak trip is down a stretch of river that encompasses the area where the Coronado campaign wintered in 1540. We will put in among a beautiful stand of cottonwoods in Algodones, then traverse approximately 9.5 miles of remarkably secluded Rio Grande valley. The river is wide, and the waters are gentle in this section of the river. After finishing our kayak, we will head to the El Malpais National Monument for another type of river. This time, it’s an ancient lava flow. We will explore one of the newest flows just 3,000 years old. Here we will look for lava toes, ancient craters, lava falls, xenothlithes, rope pahoehoe; we will learn what these all are and gain a new appreciation for lava. Overnight, Grants NM (B, L, D)

We get an early start this morning so that we can have a full day at Chaco Culture National Historic Park. Chaco Canyon, the focal point of Ancient Puebloan culture, contains over a dozen major pueblo ruins. While the Ancient Puebloans lived over the entire Four Corners area, their civilization is generally regarded as having reached its pinnacle in Chaco. Advanced building techniques, irrigation systems, and astronomical observations, are all evidence of a very advanced civilization that flourished there around 1000 AD. That civilization collapsed after 1200 AD for reasons that are still unclear, and the people dispersed to become the forefathers of today's Rio Grande Pueblo people. The isolation and vastness of the Canyon contribute to its sense of mystery and majesty. We start at the very informative Visitors Center. From there we can visit some of the ruins, possibly including one that is a three-mile hike up on the rim. There is more to see than we can fit in, and we'll leave with a much better appreciation of this amazing culture.

Note: The drive to Chaco Canyon takes almost 2 hours each way on rough roads, the reason why it receives fewer visitors than you would expect. Is it worth it? We think so! Overnight Cuba (B, L, D)

In the morning we head to Bandelier National Monument, home to the Ancestral Pueblo people from the 12th to the 16th century, modern compared to those who lived in Chaco Canyon. We'll start with a hike outside the main canyon, the 1.5-mile Tsankawi Loop trail that goes over the top of an unexcavated large Ancestral Pueblo Ruins site on a mesa top and passes some cliff dwellings along the cliff face. We then continue to the main section of Bandelier, Frijoles Canyon. After stopping by the Visitor Center we'll hike out on a paved trail through the middle of Frijoles Canyon that showcases not only several well-preserved easily accessible ruins but also the beauty of this red rock canyon. After spending time exploring the trails and ruins of Bandelier, we head for Santa Fe, our home for the next three nights. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of Santa Fe which will get us oriented to the city and introduce us to some of the famous sites. Overnight Santa Fe (B, L, D)

Today we hike in the mountains behind Santa Fe on a 4.5-mile loop that drips down into a shady valley full of aspen, fir and pine trees. After stopping for lunch and a break at a beautiful spot along Tesuque Creek, we will head back up onto the ridge along sweeping switchbacks to complete the loop. At an elevation of 8,900 feet we will certainly take time to enjoy the flowers! When we return to town you have the rest of the afternoon free to explore Santa Fe's many museums and galleries or the option to visit Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-style health spa with hot tubs situated on the side of the mountain. Your guides will coordinate rides to the spa. You can also book a 'treatment' for yourself anytime between 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore one of Santa Fe's other culinary options. (B, L)

We'll leave early for the drive to Taos Pueblo. Continuously inhabited for over 1000 years, the Pueblo is featured in the paintings of many of New Mexico's artists, and its multi-storied pueblo buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a guided tour and time to look around on our own, we'll head out to the rafting put-in spot for our picnic along the beautiful and graceful Rio Grande river. The river was designated as an American Heritage River in 1998 and the 1,800-mile river is as beautiful as it is long. After a picnic lunch, we will get ready for our incredibly fun whitewater rafting on the class 2 and 3 rapids of a section of the Rio Grande called the Racecourse. We will return to Santa Fe in the early evening after having dinner on the way back. Overnight Santa Fe (B, L, D)

In the morning we will head to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. The 1.5-mile hike will take us to a mini canyon, around rock cone formations, and to the top of the mesa for an excellent view of the valley and mountains that surround us. The distance is short but the climb (630-feet) will remind us we are working. We will then head south to Albuquerque and a visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will help to wrap up everything we have learned about the history and culture of the Pueblo people cultures. You could also explore Old Town or perhaps Albuquerque's Botanical gardens on your own. Tonight, we will get our final taste of New Mexican cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Overnight Albuquerque (B,L,D)

Sadly, our trip comes to an end. You are free to leave anytime today. The hotel shuttle begins at 7:00 am. If you need to leave before 7am, there are taxis or ride-shares available.