Top 10 New Mexico Experiences
#5: Grandmother/Granddaughter Escapade
Multi-Day Multi-Generational Experiences
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is an ideal destination for families who want to learn about the history and culture of the Native American people, engage in a myriad of outdoor activities, and bring out the creative energy that exists in each one of us.
Santa Fe Mountain Adventures has hosted hundreds of families over the past fourteen years, customizing adventures and experiences that best suit our clients' interest and abilities. Our most memorable multi-day excursion in 2021 was for an extremely active grandmother and her equally adventurous granddaughter. They requested a mix of fun outdoor adventures along with enriching and creative art experiences. Here's what we put together for them!
Jump to:
DAY 1: Downtown Walking Tour
Our recommendation for visitors who are arriving from sea level is always to take it easy the first full day, and to enjoy downtown Santa Fe. Book a downtown walking tour with our favorite guide, Tom Gallegos. Learn about the oldest capital city with its amazingly rich Native American and Spanish cultures.
In the afternoon, explore more of the Plaza area on your own, or walk up Canyon Road which is home to over 100 galleries.
True New Mexico with Tom Gallegos
Call, text or email Tom to setup & register for your walking tour
NMTourGuide@gmail.com
(505) 577-2980
Santa Fe Plaza
Canyon Road
DAY 2: Bandelier & San Ildefonso Pueblo
Visit Bandelier National Monument where you can view the ruins of Tyuonyi Pueblo, walk along the cliff dwellings, climb into three of many cavates, and explore the Alcove House located 140 feet above the floor of the canyon. A popular destination, it is best to drive out to Bandelier in the morning when temperatures are cooler and there are fewer people on the trails. Visitors will be astounded by the beauty of the place and feel a deep appreciation for the history and culture of the people who once inhabited this canyon.
After visiting Bandelier, we always highly recommend a stop at San Ildefonso Pueblo to share a traditional meal, partake in a pottery making demonstration and walk with Elmer Torres, a former Governor of the Pueblo. Deborah and Elmer Torres own and operate Passport to Pueblo Country, and are exceptional hosts.
Santa Fe Mountain Adventures offers private tours to Bandelier National Monument and will gladly arrange a unique visit to San Ildefonso Pueblo.
Santa Fe Mountain Adventures
To book a private Bandelier/San Ildefonso Pueblo tour with us, call:
or email sue@santafemountainadventures.com
Book via website
Office hours
Monday 9AM–5PM
Tuesday 9AM–5PM
Wednesday 9AM–5PM
Thursday 9AM–5PM
Friday 9AM–5PM
Bandelier National Monument
Monday 9AM–5PM
Tuesday 9AM–5PM
Wednesday 9AM–5PM
Thursday 9AM–5PM
Friday 9AM–5PM
Saturday 9AM–5PM
Sunday 9AM–5PM
Passport to Pueblo Country
Book your tour w/ Passport to Pueblo Country - click here
DAY 3: Whitewater Rafting
In the summer months, whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande is a perfect outdoor activity. Temperatures may be in the 80s, even 90s, but the water will feel refreshing! Get started early, if possible, since July and August are our monsoon months and you may experience a sudden and delightful downpour.
Santa Fe Mountain Adventures does not offer whitewater rafting adventures but we work with several outfitters like Kokopelli Rafting and New Mexico River Adventures.
Kokopelli Rafting Adventures
Hours: Monday 8AM–7PM
Tuesday 8AM–7PM
Wednesday 8AM–7PM
Thursday 8AM–7PM
Friday 8AM–7PM
Saturday 8AM–7PM
Sunday 8AM–7PM
New Mexico River Adventures
DAY 4: Explore Santa Fe
Take more time to explore downtown Santa Fe. For those who love art, we highly recommend the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. We also love the museums up at Museum Hill, especially the Museum of Indian Art and Culture.
For O'Keeffe enthusiasts, check out the O'Keeffe Home and Studio Tour in Abiquiu, or visit Ghost Ranch. The O'Keeffe Landscape Tour is a special experience as you will get to see many of the landscapes that she captured in her paintings.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
Hours: Monday 10AM–5PM
Tuesday 10AM–5PM
Wednesday 10AM–5PM
Thursday1 0AM–5PM
Friday 10AM–5PM
Saturday 10AM–5PM
Sunday 10AM–5PM
The O'Keeffe: Welcome Center
Hours: Monday Closed
Tuesday 8:30AM–4PM
Wednesday 8:30AM–4PM
Thursday 8:30AM–4PM
Friday 8:30AM–4PM
Saturday 8:30AM–4PM
Sunday Closed
DAY 5: Fat Biking in New Mexico
One of our favorite trails is along the Rio Chama near the town of Abiquiu. Join us on mountain bikes or fat bikes and ride next to the Rio Chama and up to Abiquiu Dam. It is a moderate half day bike adventure with a steep uphill climb to the dam and Abiquiu Lake. Santa Fe Mountain Adventures will provide you with the bikes and helmets, and we will also arrange a picnic lunch by the river.
For those who still have energy after the ride, we can drive through the town of Abiquiu, catch a glimpse of O'Keeffe's home and visit La Morada, a sacred meeting place for the Penitente Brotherhood, before returning to Santa Fe.
Rio Chama Bike Ride w/ Santa Fe Mountain Adventures
To book Rio Chama Bike Ride:
Phone 505-988-4000
Duration: 6 hours including travel time
Season: Year round, depending on weather conditions
Level of difficulty: Easy ride with moderately challenging climb to the dam / 17 miles round trip
Pricing: $300 per person plus tax for a party of 2. $240 per person plus tax for a party of 3 or more. Bike rental - $95 per person, plus tax.
DAY 6: Art in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is a wonderful place to tap into your inner creative self!
After a day of fat biking (or mountain biking) and being out in nature, make time to take a painting class or a pottery making class in downtown Santa Fe.
We highly recommend Robbi Firestone at Santa Fe Art Classes, who promises that anyone can learn how to paint. It is indeed true as she will walk her guests through simple steps that allow you to produce a work of art.
Another artist we have worked with and recommend is Heidi Loewen who can put together a private pottery making class at her ceramic gallery. Again, no prior art experience is required and Heidi will guide you as your create your special piece.
Santa Fe Art Classes
Hours: Monday 9AM–8PM
Tuesday 9AM–8PM
Wednesday 9AM–8PM
Thursday 9AM–8PM
Friday 9AM–8PM
Saturday 9AM–8PM
Sunday 9AM–8PM
Heidi Loewen Pottery & Ceramics Classes
Hours: Monday 12–6PM
Tuesday 12–6PM
Wednesday 12–6PM
Thursday 12–6PM
Friday 12–6PM
Saturday 12–6PM
Sunday 12–6PM
DAY 7: More Art ... and Chocolate!
Santa Fe is the third largest art market in the United States, which often surprises visitors since it is a relatively small city. The City Different has long drawn artists of all calibers and is home to about 250 galleries along Canyon Road and throughout the downtown area.
Join another of our favorite colleagues and friend, Elaine Ritchel on her Immersive Art and Chocolate Tasting Tour. Elaine will take you to three amazing galleries, activating your senses, and then stop at one of Santa Fe's renown chocolatiers.
Santa Fe Art Tours
Hours: Monday Closed
Tuesday 10AM–5PM
Wednesday 10AM–5PM
Thursday 10AM–5PM
Friday 10AM–5PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
PS: Share this Experience with your friends & family on Social Media, or with a text/email link. Choose an option below.