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Cycle New Mexico: Santa Fe & Taos
6 Days Starting and ending in Santa Fe
Visiting: Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument, Cycle Santa Fe to Taos, Taos, Cycle to Arroyo Seco to Taos Ski Valley , Cycle Eagle Nest to Taos return to Santa Fe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSXNM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
It’s not called the Land of Enchantment for nothing – New Mexico will soon have you under its spell. Vast, varied and totally captivating, these landscapes are best explored on two wheels, and with a local leader by your side you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the region. Jumping off from the creative capital of Santa Fe, cycle your way past canyons, mountains and adobe churches, taking in scenes that have inspired painters and photographers for centuries. Explore the ancient relics of Bandelier National Monument and pedal to the communities surrounding Taos, home to artisans and artists alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Santa Fe
Location: Santa Fe
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Welcome to Sante Fe, New Mexico, a city that marches to the beat of its own drum. Not only is Santa Fe the oldest and highest capital in the U.S, it’s also a hub for creativity, artistic endeavours and First Nations culture. Your adventure begins with a midday (12pm) welcome meeting where you’ll meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers. After your meeting, it’s time to get your wheels in motion with a warm-up ride around town, learning about its layered history and pedalling through the historic plaza, then head west of Santa Fe across New Mexico’s parched, rolling landscape. Take in endless views across the Caja del Rio Plateau before looping back and joining a small section of the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail as you cycle back into town, soaking up stunning views of the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains all the way in. The evening is free for you to explore this fascinating city – perhaps stroll the art gallery-lined Canyon Road, the Railyard Arts District or enjoy a group dinner with your new cycling friends.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Bandelier National Monument
Location: Bandelier National Monument
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning, hit the road and make the 1-hour drive to the immense Bandelier National Monument. Swap your shoes from cycling to hiking as you explore sections of this incredible 33,000-acre site while your leader provides insight into ancient Ancestral Pueblo history. Hidden among yawning canyons and dramatic mesas you’ll find petroglyphs, rock-carved dwellings and masonry walls – evidence of human life stretching as far back as 11,000 years. Start at the Ancestral Pueblo village of Tsankawi to view cavates and petroglyphs, then drive up to the main site at Frijoles Canyon. Witness five centuries of history at the village of Tyuonyi, a circular pueblo site that once stood up to three stories tall, and the talus houses and cliff dwellings along the route. If you’re feeling energetic (and don’t have a fear of heights) perhaps push on to ascend the four wooden ladders up to the beautiful Alcove House before returning to Santa Fe for the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Cycle Santa Fe to Taos
Location: Cycle Santa Fe to Taos
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Get ready for a challenging yet unforgettable ride today. Make the 40-minute drive north to the enchanting Santuario de Chimayo, a church often cited as the most important Catholic pilgrimage centre in the U.S, then saddle up and get on the aptly named High Road to Taos. After a short downhill, the road turn upwards, carving its way from stark desert up through the tree-lined Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the small town of Truchas. Take a rest and admire the views across the valley before continuing on undulating roads, then tackle the last climb of the day up through pine forest to the towering McGaffey ridge. At 2500 metres/8000 feet this is the high point of today’s ride and the rare air rather than the gradient is usually the biggest test. With challenge comes a reward, and yours comes in the shape of a 25 km/15 mile gentle descent all the way into the mesmerising art colony town of Taos, your home for the next three nights.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Taos
Location: Taos
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After yesterday’s challenging ride, it’s time to take it easy with a flatter route around the main attractions of this intriguing town – you’ll soon discover why these landscapes inspired the legendary works of photographer Ansel Adams and artist Georgia O’Keeffe. The morning ride begins at your hotel and winds through Taos to San Francisco de Asis, one of the most photographed and iconic churches in the U.S. Continue past Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, then finish up at the soaring Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the second highest bridge on the U.S. Highway System. From here, it’s a quick 20-minute drive back into town where the afternoon is free for you to explore the Taos Historic District. The streets are full of interesting traditional history, art galleries and shops, plus there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby to enjoy a quiet (or lively!) evening.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Cycle to Arroyo Seco to Taos Ski Valley
Location: Cycle to Arroyo Seco to Taos Ski Valley
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
The spectacular hills of New Mexico are waiting for today’s ride. Along with the mountainous surroundings, this area is known for its eclectic arts scene, and today you’ll explore some of the small communities that help drive this local industry, including the tiny artisanal village of Arroyo Seco. This colourful village is home to artists, sculptors, jewellers and a tempting array of eateries, making it a great place to fuel up before climbing up to the famed Taos Ski Valley in the heart of New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Located just 50 miles south of the Colorado border, Taos Ski Valley is one of the highest municipalities in the US and a fantastic place to test your legs (and lungs) as the road makes its way skywards. Enjoy a well-earned rest and refreshment at the summit, then turn around for a cruisy 30 kilometre/18 mile mostly downhill ride all the way back into Taos. As ever, if you’d prefer the thrill of the downhill without the climb, you can hitch a ride in the support vehicle.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Cycle Eagle Nest to Taos, return to Santa Fe
Location: Cycle Eagle Nest to Taos, return to Santa Fe
Meals Included: breaksfast
Rise bright and early, departing after breakfast for one last magical ride in New Mexico. A short drive over the mountains leads to the sparse landscapes of the Eagle Nest State Park, then it’s back onto your bike for the ride back to Taos. Retrace your tires’ tracks alongside the flat and stark surrounds of the lake, then it’s back up through the pines and switchbacks to Palo Fletchado Pass. From here you can rest your legs and enjoy a gentle 30kms/19 mile descent, following the Fernando de Taos River all the way back down to Taos. Finish up with ample time to return to the hotel and freshen up, then make the 1.5-hour drive back to Santa Fe, where on arrival your cycling adventure comes to an end.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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6 Days Included Bicycle Hire
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Santa Fe Loop Guided & Vehicle-supported Cycling
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5 Days Included Bicycle Hire
Transport
- While there are occasions we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. These vehicles range from a minivan in most regions up to a full sized coach or overland vehicle in others.
- Your main luggage is transported in the support vehicle
- An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
- BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE
- While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you.
- SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE
- Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a 'mountain' or 'hybrid' style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike.
- OUR BIKES
- We use Cannondale Quick 6 ‘hybrid’ bikes on this trip. These bikes are a hybrid/fitness bike-style with an alloy frame, flat bars, rim brakes, a fixed front fork and 21 gears. For more specific information please see https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/active/fitness/quick/quick-6
- We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike.
- BEFORE THE TRIP
- We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy.
- DURING THE TRIP
- Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together).
- In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees.
- While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts).
- TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION
- Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes.
- A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities.
- Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle.
- Due to the large distances involved on this trip - and to best ensure your comfort - we use our support vehicle often to transport us between cycling legs. There are also some long climbs on this trip - you are always free to use the support vehicle, especially in very hot or cold conditions, if you feel uncomfortable.
Accommodation
- The accommodation we use on this itinerary is a mixture of simple 2 star hotels and motels, chosen for their comfort, position, service, and facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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