Santa Fe sits at the center of one of the most compelling gravel riding regions in the American Southwest—a UNESCO Creative City ringed by volcanic plateaus, ancient canyons, and miles of backcountry roads that open onto terrain most cyclists never reach. The riding moves from the doubletrack mesas of the Caja del Rio to the vast meadows of the Valles Caldera and the gravel switchbacks of Pacheco Canyon, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains marking the horizon throughout. Off the bike, the depth is just as striking, from adobe streets hung with chile ristras, a food culture rooted in centuries of Pueblo, Spanish, and Mexican influence, and the cliff dwellings of Bandelier National Monument a short ride from the Plaza. La Fonda on the Plaza, the only hotel on Santa Fe's beautiful historic square, is where the rides begin and days wind down in style.
Learn more about Gravel trips and if they're right for you »
Ride gravel roads through mountain meadows inside the Valles Caldera, one of New Mexico's most extraordinary volcanic craters
Step back nearly a thousand years among the ancient cliff dwellings and dramatic canyons of Bandelier National Monument
Discover the only UNESCO Creative City in the US—where adobe architecture, world-class galleries, and Southwestern cuisine converge
Climb gravel switchbacks through Pacheco Canyon's pine forest, then descend to Santa Fe with the Sangre de Cristo peaks behind you
Stay on Santa Fe's historic plaza at La Fonda, a landmark inn at the center of the City Different
Discover the cliff dwellings in Frijoles Canyon
Hike Bandelier National Monument
Climb wooden ladders into Frijoles Canyon's centuries-old cliff alcoves, where the Ancestral Pueblo people carved homes and kivas into volcanic tuff before dispersing to the Rio Grande pueblos still inhabited today.
The New Mexico Gravel Trip delivers everything I dream about in a cycling vacation. Where else can you ride gravel roads inside an ancient volcano, then spend your evenings in a city that has drawn artists and travelers for centuries? This one stays with you!
Read more
We had an incredible trip! Our guides went above and beyond—a truly memorable experience.
Read more
Each one is better than the last. Thank you for delivering meaningful experiences every time. You just nail everything.
Read more
This was my first Trek Travel trip and it exceeded all of my expectations. The itinerary was so incredibly thought out and well planned.
Read more
Great Ride
Pedal remote gravel roads through the floor of Valles Caldera, where mountain meadows stretch to the ponderosa pine forest and one of New Mexico's largest elk herds roams the open grasslands.
Book early for the best price
Guaranteed
Join Waitlist
Private
Limited Availability
Where to Arrive
Airport:
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
Pick-up location:
LaFonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Pick-up time:
11:00 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
Drop-off location:
LaFonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Drop-off time:
11:00 AM
Additional Arrival Information
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at LaFonda on The Plaza (100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After meeting at the hotel we'll shuttle a half hour to the ride start where you'll enjoy a fresh and delicious lunch, and a brief orientation and safety talk. Then it's time to saddle up for the day's ride back to the historic city of Santa Fe. Please come prepared to ride, dressed in your cycling clothes, and have your shoes and any riding gear easily accessible, separate from your luggage.
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the altitude, time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) or the Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF). SAF is a small regional airport with limited flights options, therefore guests tend to have more success flying through ABQ. For guests arriving at ABQ, we recommend the NMShuttle (505-545-2964) to get to Santa Fe. Shuttles can be booked in advance and are $63 per-person, one way or $119 round trip. If you plan to drive your own vehicle to the trip start and need a place to park it for duration, you may park at LaFonda for an additional fee of $30 per day.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call your first hotel, LaFonda on the Plaza (505-982-5511) and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. A taxi from Albuquerque International Airport to your ride start or first hotel will take about one hour and cost $140-180 one way.
Additional Departure Information
We will say our farewells at the hotel at 11:00 AM in Santa Fe. From here you may choose to stay for more time in town or return to the Albuquerque Sunport via NMShuttle or another transportation method of your choosing.
Roll the gravel arroyos of the Santa Fe Rail Trail
Overview
Welcome to Santa Fe, the City Different. Your guides will meet you in the lobby of La Fonda on the Plaza at 11:00 AM for a half-hour shuttle to Lamy, a historic railroad town where your bikes and a lunch of New Mexico-style saloon fare at the Legal Tender await. After lunch, you'll set out along the Santa Fe Rail Trail as New Mexico's high desert opens around you—gravel path winding through open grasslands, piñon-dotted hills, and landscapes shaped by centuries of Native American, Spanish, and railroad history. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains rise on the horizon as Santa Fe draws closer, its adobe skyline a first glimpse of one of America's most distinctive cities. This evening we'll gather for introductions, drinks, and dinner at Paloma, the perfect start to a week in the Land of Enchantment.
Hotel
La Fonda on the Plaza
Meals included
Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Featured Meal | Paloma
Contemporary Southwestern cuisine with deep Mexican roots, from Marja Martin and Executive Chef Marcos Canacio—one of Santa Fe's most talked-about tables.
Ride Options
Ride Option1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Lamy To Santa Fe - Approximately 20 mi | 32 km and 1,220 ft | 372 m
Pedal the volcanic mesas of Las Campanas and Caja del Rio
Overview
After breakfast, roll directly from the hotel and into the Caja del Rio Plateau, where quiet gravel roads and doubletrack cross volcanic terrain, expansive grasslands, and dramatic mesas shaped by millennia of geologic forces and Indigenous history. Wide-open views reach to distant mountain ranges, the landscape wild and untamed in a way that feels particular to New Mexico. After lunch in Santa Fe's Railyard District, ride back to the hotel and take the afternoon at your own pace with the city's renowned museums, galleries, and adobe-lined streets yours to explore. Dinner is on your own tonight. Your guides are happy to point you toward their favorites.
Hotel
La Fonda on the Plaza
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
Caja del Rio Plateau
The Caja del Rio is a volcanic field of roughly 60 cinder cones across 84,000 acres, sitting just 15 miles from the Santa Fe Plaza yet delivering some of the most remote riding terrain in the Southwest.
Ride Options
Ride Option1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Las Campanas Loop - Approximately 35 mi | 56 km and 1,980 ft | 605 m
Ride Option2
AVID OPTION:
Las Campanas Loop with Upper Canyon Spur - Approximately 42 mi | 68 km and 2,450 ft | 745 m
Ride Option3
SHORT OPTION:
River Trail Loop - Approximately 29 mi | 47 km and 1,620 ft | 495 m
Ride the Valles Caldera, the crater of an ancient volcano
Overview
A one-hour drive through the Jemez Mountains brings you to the rim of the Valles Caldera this morning, where gravel roads wind through mountain meadows and towering ponderosa pine forests inside the crater of an ancient volcano. Enjoy a signature Trek Travel picnic prepared by your guides, before a short van ride to Bandelier National Monument. Here you'll hike into cliff alcoves carved into volcanic rock above Frijoles Canyon, home to the dwellings and legacy of the Ancestral Pueblo people. After a 40-minute shuttle back to Santa Fe, dinner is served at the hotel at your leisure, allowing you time to unwind after a full day out.
Hotel
La Fonda on the Plaza
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Bandelier National Monument
Hike into Bandelier’s cliff alcoves to explore ancient Ancestral Pueblo dwellings carved into volcanic rock above Frijoles Canyon.
Ride Options
Ride Option1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Valles Caldera Loop - Approximately 31 mi | 50 km and 1,840 ft | 560 m
Ride Option2
SHORT OPTION:
Valles Caldera Short Loop - Approximately 22 mi | 36 km and 1,490 ft | 454 m
Activities
Activity 1
TODAY'S ACTIVITY:
Hike cliff dwellings of Bandelier National Monument - Approximately 1.5 mi | 2.4 km and 260 ft | 79 m
Climb Pacheco Canyon's gravel switchbacks to the big descent
Overview
The day's big effort awaits just outside Santa Fe—11 miles of gravel climbing through the switchbacks and shaded forest of Pacheco Canyon to high-mountain terrain in the Sangre de Cristo foothills. At the top, desert and peaks spread out in every direction before a fast, sweeping paved descent brings you back toward town. Lunch is on your own in Santa Fe, and the cafés and plazas reward a slow hour of wandering. This evening, we'll gather for a celebratory toast and dinner at Santacafé, a locally sourced fine dining institution in a historic Santa Fe courtyard and a fitting close to the trip's biggest day on the bike.
Hotel
La Fonda on the Plaza
Meals included
Breakfast | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
The Sangre de Cristo Foothills
Named for the deep red hue that colors the peaks at dusk, they frame Santa Fe's eastern skyline and deliver the day's defining panorama from the top of Pacheco Canyon.
Ride Options
Ride Option1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Pacheco Canyon Loop - Approximately 33 mi | 53 km and 3,890 ft | 1,185 m
Ride Option2
AVID OPTION:
Pacheco Canyon Loop with Ski Santa Fe Overlook - Approximately 36 mi | 58 km and 4,400 ft | 1,340 m
Ride Option3
SHORT OPTION:
Pacheco Canyon & Hyde Park Rd - Approximately 22 mi | 36 km and 2,875 ft | 875 m
Spin a final loop through the high desert
Overview
Your time in Santa Fe closes with an 11-mile morning loop north of Santa Fe, where gravel roads open onto high desert terrain with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains wide on the horizon and piñon and juniper catching the early light. It's a quieter ride, a chance to take in the landscape one last time before the city pulls you back in. Those who prefer a slower morning are free to linger over breakfast instead. Your guides will say their farewells at La Fonda at 11:00 AM, leaving the rest of the day yours, whether that means more time in Santa Fe or the road back to Albuquerque.
Meals included
Breakfast
Ride Options
Ride Option1
TODAY'S RIDE:
North Santa Fe Loop - Approximately 11 mi | 18 km and 930 ft | 285 m
There are a variety of non-riding options on this trip for riders who want to take the afternoon off or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Except as specified in the itinerary, expenses and transportation to these activities are not included in the trip price. Some non-riding options are:
Looking for a break from traffic and the usual routes? Our gravel rides are the perfect escape! While the amount of pavement varies from destination to destination, you can count on minimal traffic once you hit the dirt. And since you'll be off the beaten path, you may encounter fewer services—that's where our guides come in handy. They'll make sure you have everything you need, whether it's a flat tire fix or a local recommendation for the best post-ride treat. And with support from our team available on and off the bike, you'll have everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable ride— even through some of the bumps on the trail.
The only hotel on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, La Fonda has anchored this corner since 1922, on a site where travelers have gathered since the 1600s. Skylights wash the lobby in New Mexico light, terra-cotta tile and hammered tin chandeliers carry the Southwestern aesthetic throughout, and rooms with hand-painted headboards and original artwork feel rooted in place. Above it all, the Bell Tower Bar is the best place to watch the sun drop.
New in 2026! The Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 is a carbon gravel bike built for epic rides. Its lightweight frame features Gravel Endurance geometry with IsoSpeed comfort tech, while 45 mm tires smooth out rough terrain. With a wireless SRAM Force XPLR AXS drivetrain featuring a wide 10–46T 13-speed 1X gearing, and powerful disc brakes—everything you need to go wherever the gravel leads.
Learn more
New in 2026! Trek’s Checkpoint+ SL6 AXS is a lightweight e-assist bike built for miles of fun. The TQ HPR60 electric-assist motor adds a quiet boost up to 15 or 28 mph (region specific), making climbs and long days easier. Carbon wheels and frame, plus IsoSpeed technology, keep it quick and responsive. Gravel riders will use 45 mm tubeless, knobby tires, while Classic riders will be on 38mm road tires—showcasing the bikes versatility. With SRAM’s 12-speed AXS wireless shifting and disc brakes, every move is in your control.
Upgrade to the Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS for $399 (3-6 day trips) or $599 (7+ day trips). Available in limited quantities. See specific trip dates for available bike options.
Trek Travel Guides
From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.
Certified Guides
Know Before You Go!
We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.
Your Trip Need to Knows:
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Few cities in North America carry as much history as Santa Fe. Founded by the Spanish in 1610, it is the oldest state capital in the United States, and its adobe architecture—low, earthen, and deeply rooted in the landscape—gives the city a character unlike anywhere else on the continent. Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences layer through every street, market, and plate. Regarded as one of the country's leading art markets and a destination in its own right for its cuisine, Santa Fe is a city that reveals more the longer you stay. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre- and post-trip hotel:
Where to Stay
La Fonda on the Plaza
The only hotel on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, La Fonda has occupied this corner since 1922, on a site where an inn has stood since the 1600s. Original skylights, terra-cotta tile, and hammered tin chandeliers carry the Southwestern aesthetic through the public spaces and wellness area, while rooms are individually furnished with hand-painted headboards and original artwork. La Plazuela, the hotel’s signature restaurant, sits at the heart of the building. Please note: This is also your trip hotel if you wish to extend your stay. www.lafondasantafe.com
Inn of the Turquoise Bear
The Inn of the Turquoise Bear brings New Mexican and Southwestern history to life. Once home to Witter Bynner, it hosted icons like O’Keeffe, Stravinsky, and Lawrence at its lively gatherings. Today, this historic adobe inn offers a peaceful escape, with 11 unique rooms featuring piñon-filled kiva fireplaces, thick adobe walls, and vibrant gardens that once inspired artistic legends. www.turquoisebear.com
Hilton Vacation Club Villas de Santa Fe
A well-located condominium-style property in the heart of Santa Fe, a short walk from the Plaza and the city's galleries and restaurants. Spacious one and two-bedroom suites are decorated in classic Southwestern style with fully equipped kitchens, in-room fireplaces, and private balconies on select rooms. A heated outdoor pool and hot tubs make it a relaxed end to your day. www.hilton.com
At 7,000 feet above sea level (about 2,130 m), Santa Fe’s altitude keeps temperatures moderate. Temperatures in May and June can range from the mid 60s to the high 80s F (23-30°C) during the day in May and June and lows in the 40s or 50s F (6-10°C) in the evenings. Humidity is very low, and the sun can be intense during the middle of the day. Please come prepared for all weather conditions and include waterproof and windproof layers as well as sun protection in your riding and hiking attire. For all gravel trips, we recommend wearing cycling shoes with recessed cleats on the off chance you have to walk with your bike.
View our Packing List
To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.
*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.
**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.
Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip.
Click here to view our full guaranteed policy.
Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your tour.
Read our Cancellation Policy
Our Trip Consultants are available to assist and can answer your questions. Please call us at 866-464-8735.
Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us.
Learn more about our Travel Protection
We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services
Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments
Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this Gravel trip, we recommend between $200-$250 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.
Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:
Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.
Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.
You cannot put a price on a wow. But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See Gravel FAQs
Want to learn more about our trips? Watch our recorded Guide-Led Virtual Events—just visit our Trek Travel Youtube Channel and search for your trip.
Log in to see upcoming trips, preferences, and much more.
Sign up to personalize your experience and trips.
Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Click here to view our full guarantee policy.
Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.
This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.
If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.
Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more.
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Trek Travel offers three hotel levels to match your style. Luxury hotels provide elegant, thoughtful touches with exceptional hospitality. Explorer hotels blend modern amenities with local charm in unique settings. Comfort hotels are casual and conveniently located near Trek Travel activities.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Explore beautiful destinations with a curated blend of guided activities, local cuisine, handpicked accommodations, and itineraries to suit every traveler, from laid-back adventures to luxurious escapes.
Venture off the beaten path to unforgettable places, with fully-supported routes that combine gravel and paved roads in classic Trek Travel style.
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Step into adventure with carefully designed routes, unparalleled hospitality, and deep-routed local connections.
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself
