High Road to Taos Day Trip

Journey from Santa Fe to Taos through the scenic and historic High Road

BOOK NOW

Full-Day Tour Available in Santa Fe, NM:

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

March 1 - November 30*

FLY DIRECT to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Taos Learn More ›
MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - Inn & Spa at Loretto
RETURN TO: H.I. Travel Hub - Inn & Spa at Loretto
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat and/or sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Layered, weather-appropriate clothing
- Water
- Includes entry fees into Taos Pueblo, a local lunch and wine tasting. Your guide will tip Taos Pueblo Guides, but we do recommend more gratuity for our tribal partners.
- Gratuity for your inspired guide.
At high elevations and in a dry climate, proper hydration, warm breathable layers, and sun protection is a necessity. New Mexico weather can also change without much notice.
1 = Easy | 3 = Moderate | 5 = Difficult
1. Easy – Leisurely-paced walking tours with minimal physical exertion. Includes cultural explorations such as gallery visits, shopping tours, or cooking experiences. Suitable for all fitness levels.
2. Mild – Slightly more active than Level 1, these tours may include some walking on uneven terrain or short, easy hikes. Includes beginner-friendly outdoor activities and luxury glamping experiences with minimal hiking.
3. Moderate – Involves a mix of walking, hiking, or light physical activities such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Also includes the luxury stargazing glamping tour, which involves moderate exploration. Suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level who enjoy being active.
4. Challenging – Requires a higher level of fitness and stamina. May include longer hikes, paddling for extended periods, or multi-hour activities in rugged terrain. Some glamping experiences that involve more intensive exploration also fit here.
5. Difficult – Physically demanding adventures designed for experienced and fit participants. These could involve full-day strenuous hikes, technical outdoor activities, or rugged backcountry experiences.
Taos Pueblo Closed February & March. Taos Pueblo can close at any time due to cultural or ceremonial reasons. When this occurs we replace our visit with another cultural partner.

Our Private Tours are not part of our regular Regional Tour Schedule, please fill out our inquiry form or reach our via email to tours@heritageinspirations.com directly to inquire about availability and include the Tour Title in your subject and we will get back with you within 24-48 hours upon your request.

4 GUEST MIN / 12 GUEST MAX

BOOK NOW

CANCELLATION POLICY

“On a recent retreat week that I organize in Taos, I took 9 people from my group on the wonderful Heritage Inspiration’s High Road to Chimayo tour on a snow globe of a day. This is the 9th trip I’ve organized for my group (since 2018) with Angelisa and each one has been a unique adventure. Navigating the snowy roads in her trusty and comfortable van, we traversed the road gaining elevation up to Trampas, NM where we were able to see not only the historic exterior, but the magnificent 18th C interior (currently under restoration), of the San José de Gracia church. Winding our way down the hill to the little village of Chimayo, we had time to wander the sacred and historic Santuario de Chimayo and visit 2 weaving studios still run by storied, multi-generational weaving families. Then lunch! We tucked into steaming plates of enchiladas, filled with the adventure, history, beauty and weather of the day! I would recommend this excellent tour to anyone wanting to learn more about the deep, scared and artistic history of Northern New Mexico. ”

- fran8716

What to Expect: High Road to Taos Day Trip

Travel North from Santa Fe via the scenic High Road, a byway that traverses a historic mountainous route and ventures into remote artistic enclaves delighting in ancestral roots. Be ready for a full day of New Mexico history, architecture and culture.

First, we’ll arrive in Chimayó on the doorstep of the Santuario de Chimayó, where a sacred shrine built in the early 1800s has become the most important Catholic pilgrimage site in the United States. Continuing on from Chimayó, we’ll visit charmingly bucolic villages, meet local artists, and take in sweeping vistas. Before long you will begin to appreciate the blend of culture, tradition and natural beauty that makes this region so special.

Along our route we visit the tiny village of Las Trampas to visit the San Jose de Gracia Church, that has regularly been in use for 225 years and has been declared a National Historic Landmark. This church is one of the most beautiful colonial-era churches in the country. Continuing on, we wind upward along the High Road, we’ll catch a view of the elusive Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s tallest mountain, before descending the verdant canyon road into Taos.

From there we’ll head to the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, the multi-storied adobe buildings of the Pueblo will provide a rare glimpse into the ancient past. After our tour enjoy a traditional Puebloan lunch prepared by Bertha’s at Al’Thloo’s Café. Al’Thloo means grandmother in Tiwa and reflects the locally inspired home-made specialties like chicken stuffed fry bread and pinon coffee. Take in the local hospitality of extended family and partners.

Next we’ll explore the Rio Grande Gorge and venture onto the famous bridge to peer over the 565-foot-deep chasm. The thrilling setting helps to illuminate the complicated geology that has produced the famed Rio Grande Rift. We will begin our trip back to Santa Fe by traversing the rim road that follows the rift, winding slowly down into the belly of the gorge. This lightly-traveled path will have you marveling at the expanse of multi-colored basalt walls towering around you!

Finally, a stop at Vivác winery for. Vivác means “high-altitude refuge” in Spanish and that is exactly what this winery emulates. Choosing only the highest quality New Mexico-grown grapes, they’ve perfected hand-harvested and hand-sorted processes that rival the finest international vineyards.

Our High Road to Taos tour will introduce you to the history, the heritage and the people that makes this mountain region so spellbindingly unique. Allow us to introduce you to this authentically New Mexican place – one you are sure to be enchanted by for years to come.