6 Days, 5 nights, 4 cities and 4+ tribes!
Overview
We begin in Colorado Springs (CO) and overnight in Taos, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Abiqui (NM).
Explore the Rocky Mountains, Tribes and Arts of Colorado and New Mexico!
We will be heading south in my Jeep Renegade AWD.
You will see dramatic changes in landscapes from the "high county" and the San Juan Range and Sangre de Christo to the gentler, rolling range of the Sandia Mountains outside of Santa Fe.
In New Mexico there are 23 Native Tribes: 19 Pueblos, 3 Apache and the Navajo. We will focus on certain tribes and visit the Taos Pueblo, The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Bandelier National Monument and Acoma Pueblo or Sky City Culture outside of Albuquerque.
We will then head north and to Santa Fe for an overnight. We'll visit the Palace of Governors, Native crafts at the Plaza, understand how the past has merged with the present and the local cuisines of New Mexico. Onward to Georgia O'Keeffe country stopping at her Ghost Ranch and overnight at her beloved 1st home in Abiquiu.
Crossing the state line, again back into Colorado, and head home to Colorado Springs/Denver vicinity.
- Pick up at 8am at your hotel or airbnb.
- Our first stop will be to hike Garden of the Gods. During the Pleistocene Ice Age, 300 million years ago, magnificent rock formations were created. Erosion exposed brilliant rock formations creating this 862 acre National Natural Landmark.
- We will end our 1st day in Taos, NM.
- Night 1 in Taos.
- Depart for Taos Pueblo.
- After our guided visit of the historic Taos Pueblo (lunch included), we will head to and cross the Rio Grand Gorge Bridge. This 650' high bridge spans the 50 mile long gorge which cuts through the Taos Plateau volcanic fields.
- Afterwards, visit Earthship, NM. A self-sustainable community built of recycled/repurposed materials!
- We end our day in Albuquerque and an authentic New Mexican meal.
- Night 2 in Albuquerque. (Two nights)
- Depart Albuquerque for Acoma Pueblo/Sky City.
- Acoma Pueblo sits on a 365' mesa, Acoma Reservation, home to 40 Acoma Puebloans.
- We'll visit the museum, landmarks and have lunch (included).
- Return to Albuquerque and stop at the Indian Cultural Center, owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.
- Dinner and return for night 3 in Albuquerque.
- Depart for Santa Fe, NM and arrive for lunch.
- Afternoon, evening exploring Santa Fe: Palace of Governors, Loretto Chapel, Plaza, SF Cooking School, Flamenco!
- Dinner not included.
- Night 4 in Santa Fe.
- Depart for Abiquiu, NM via Bandelier National Monument.
- We'll hike to 1150-1300 ce Cavates (cliff dwellings) and climb inside to view Ancient Puebloan lifestyle.
- Onto Los Alamos, the location of the Manhattan Project and lunch.
- Ending for our overnight at Abiquiu Inn or Ghost Ranch, the home and work space of artist Georgia O'Keefe.
- Night 5 in Abiquiu.
Depart for Colorado Springs, CO.
- Transportation
- Guide
- Snacks/drinks
- All breakfast and some lunches are provided
- Entrance fees
- Hotel rooms, air transportation, adult beverages, dinners