New Mexico's Land of Enchantment - October 10-15, 2010
Introduction
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The landscape that inspired artist Georgia O'Keefe is our territory for this walk in enchanting New Mexico in the deep Southwest of America.
The major art center of Santa Fe is our starting point for exploring a landscape of rock formations, mountain ranges, aspen and cottonwood, forests under expansive skies.
At Bandelier National Monument we find ancient cliff dwellings, kivas and petroglyphs and walk a juniper and pinion pine route through Frijoles Canyon to the Rio Grande.
Walk Summary
| Date | 10-OCT-10 - 15-OCT-10 |
| Trip | 6 days, 5 nights |
| Terrain |  Walk Rating: Moderate. Mostly good, easy trails, sometimes rocky in places, with elevation gains of 300-500 ft. Altitude to 7000ft. 5-7 miles per day. |
| Price |
US$2595.00 per person double occupancy |
Walk begins in The Inn on the Alameda, Santa Fe and ends in Santa Fe, with departure from Santa Fe Airport or downtown.
Walk Itinerary
Sunday
We meet mid-afternoon to explore the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the heart of the historic city of Santa Fe before gathering for a wine tasting early evening. The Welcome Dinner is at La Casa Sena where the performance of light operatic hits compliment the scrumptious fare.
Monday
After breakfast we walk the 5-10 mile Aspen Vista Trail with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains followed by lunch at The Shed, a converted 17th- century adobe mansion nestled behind The Plaza. Choose either a relaxed afternoon seeing some of the city’s famous museums and landmarks, such as the Loretto Chapel, or enjoy a gentle hike to nearby Dorothy Stewart trail. We dine at the home of a local artist and gourmet chef, who prepares a fabulous Southwestern feast for us.
Tuesday
In the morning we follow the Borrego-Bear-Wallow Trail, used for centuries by shepherds bringing their flocks to the start of The Santa Fe Trail. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, Evergreen forest and a clear rushing stream. We lunch at an outdoor café enroute to Chimayo, where we stop at the famous Santuario, and then visit the Centinela weaving studio, which has been worked by the award-winning Trujillo family for 7 generations. We arrive in Abiquiu for a casual sunset stroll before dinner at the inn.
Wednesday
We spend the day at nearby Ghost Ranch, first taking our time to make the ascent to Chimney Rock, with unforgettable views of the colorful desert and Pedernal, which featured prominently in Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings. After a picnic lunch, either walk into Box Canyon or visit the museum, which chronicles the Late Triassic period 200 million years ago as well as more recent anthropologic finds from this region. Late afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of O’Keeffe’s home from 1947 to 1985.
Thursday
We head south through the Jemez Mountains, pausing at an Native American Pueblo to see and learn about their artistic traditions of pottery and jewelry. We then arrive at Bandelier National Monument to explore 800 year-old cliff dwellings, kivas and petroglyphs. After a picnic lunch we walk a juniper and pinion pine route through Frijoles Canyon, where the energetic will reach The Rio Grande River. We take a short drive back to the outskirts of Santa Fe for our last night and Farewell Dinner at the landmark Bishop’s Lodge and Spa, rated by Conde Nast as “North America’s most outstanding spa” in 2004.
Friday
Spend the morning enjoying some of the many indoor or outdoor amenities offered by the Lodge or go to the Shidoni Gallery, an 8-acre compound presenting a bronze foundry, sculpture gardens and contemporary art gallery. We transfer you back to Santa Fe for onward connections.
This itinerary represents a typical Walk. We prepare itineraries well in advance of the trip and therefore we reserve the right to make changes due to weather, local events or other circumstances - but always to improve the experience of our guests.
Hotels
To see the complete list of hotels, please login or register.
This hotel list is a provided as an example. We may use different hotels of the same quality and style on specific trips. The Wayfarers will notify confirmed travelers of any changes to the hotels.
Photo Gallery
Travel Information
Before & After Your Walk:
- Santa Fe and other parts of New Mexico that we visit are between 7,000 to 8,000 feet. Consider arriving a few days ahead of the walk to acclimatize to the higher elevation and enjoy the many other benefits that Santa Fe has to offer
- Arrive early to attend the Santa Fe Chili Festival
- Visit Albuquerque, with an elevation of 5,000 feet, to spend a very pleasant day in the Old Town as well as sampling the excellent choice of shopping, museums, art galleries and many fine restaurants
- Extend your stay in Taos, two to three hours north of Santa Fe, and visit the thousand year-old Taos Pueblo, art galleries and the town plaza
- Rental vehicles are available in Albuquerque, Santa Fe or Taos if you plan to extend your trip
Weather:
New Mexico enjoys some of its best weather in September and October. It might be a little cool at the beginning of the day but temperatures will soon heat up to the mid-70º F with no humidity. Once the sun goes down the evenings will be cooler in the mid-50ºF so you will probably need a light jacket or sweater. Although rain is possible, it is unlikely.
To see more Travel Information and a list of our recommended tips please register or sign in. Once you confirm a booking for this walk, as a registered website member, you will be able to access detailed Joining Instructions including exact arrival and departure points and times as part of the Travel Information.
FAQs
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Are there any hidden costs?
Our Vacations do not include the cost of air or rail fares to and from the destination or tips for your walk leader and manager. -
How large are the Groups?
Our maximum group size is 16, but groups average between 8-12 people. -
Will I feel welcome as a single traveler?
Yes! Our walks are the perfect environment of comfortable camaraderie for the single traveler. -
Can you accomodate special diets?
Yes! -
How physically fit do I have to be to do a Wayfarers Walk?
If you are in good health and reasonably fit you will be comfortable participating in a walk.
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What's Next?
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