Others

All sightseeing and activities stated as included.

Accommodation

Large spacious 4-person tent occupied by two guests

Transport

The group will travel in a 15-seater van with trailer for camping equipment and guest luggage.

Guide

Local expert, Wilderness First Aid trained Group Leader Camp manager to organize meals and camp

Meals

Our expert Camp Manager will prepare all breakfasts, lunches and dinners on this remote camping adventure and can catter to dietary ristrictions.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance isn’t required but highly recommended.

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Day 1 Acoma Sky City & Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Acoma Sky City & Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

After we meet our fellow travelers and Tusker guides we drive out of Albuquerque for an hour into the desert to visit Acoma Sky City. This mesa-top settlement is known worldwide for its unique art and rich culture. A federally recognized Native American Tribe, Acoma Pueblo is home to over 5000 tribal members and with more than 250 dwellings, none of which have electricity, sewer or water. The Pueblo is regarded as the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. Access to the pueblo is difficult as the faces of the mesa are sheer, in the past the only way to get to the pueblo was by cutting stairs by hand into the sandstone rock. We will meet a local native who will guide us through the city and offers insight on Acoma’s living history and culture. Permanent exhibits in the main hall take visitors on a historical journey of the Acoma Pueblo. We will enjoy our lunch at the Sky City. After our visit to Acoma Sky City we drive north to make our way into the desolate landscape of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness where we will dispurse camp under the stary skies!
Day 2 Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

Awaken your adventurous spirit with a hearty outdoor breakfast, for today, we delve into the captivating Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, cradled within the enchanting embrace of Navajo land. Behold the majesty of the Navajo Nation, a sovereign state spanning the mystical corners of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. As we venture forth, the desolate badlands of Bisti reveal their secrets, shaped by time’s gentle caress. Marvel at the enigmatic adobe formations, while the echoes of Dééł Náázíní, the “Standing Crane,” serenade your senses. Step by step, we navigate the 8-mile Bisti Wash loop, traversing a mesmerizing maze of hills, where direction dances with the winds, beckoning you to embrace the unknown. This surreal landscape during our hike, resembling an artist’s palette, unveils a geological wonderland with its hoodoos, sculpted rocks, and vividly colored clay formations. The trail winds through a labyrinth of eroded badlands, revealing the mysterious "Cracked Eggs" and the iconic "Stone Wings." Hikers traverse sandy washes, small hills, and vibrant sedimentary layers, immersed in a panorama of unearthly beauty. As the sun dances across the alien-like landscape, the Bisti Wash hike promises a captivating and ethereal experience amid nature’s stunning artistry.
Day 3 Chaco Culture National Historical Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Join your expert guides on the Penasco Blanco and Pueblo Alto Ruins hike within Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a voyage through time, immersed in the rich tapestry of ancestral Puebloan history. The trail, a blend of archaeology and natural beauty, unveils the enigmatic remnants of a once-flourishing civilization.

Beginning at the Chacoan great house, Pueblo Bonito, the trek leads adventurers through a juniper-studded landscape, revealing Penasco Blanco’s sprawling ruins. This site, adorned with multi-storied structures and kivas, whispers tales of a sophisticated society that thrived centuries ago. The intricate masonry and celestial alignments hint at an advanced understanding of architecture and astronomy. Ascending to the heights of Pueblo Alto, perched atop the sandstone cliffs, hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the park’s expansive terrain. The site’s strategic location amplifies the grandeur of Chaco Canyon, offering a vantage point to admire the interplay between human ingenuity and the breathtaking natural surroundings. Traversing these ruins invokes a sense of reverence for the ancient culture, where the past echoes through the stones. As the sun casts its golden hue upon these sacred remnants, the Penasco Blanco and Pueblo Alto Ruins hike becomes an unforgettable odyssey into the heart of Chacoan heritage.
Day 4 El Malpais National Monument & Mount Taylor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

El Malpais National Monument & Mount Taylor

Embark on a thrilling 2-hour drive southward, unveiling the wondrous El Malpais National Monument. Brace yourself for an otherworldly adventure as we venture into mesmerizing caves and lava tubes, venturing across the very continental divide of the USA. But hold tight, for this isn’t your typical lifeless volcanic expanse! Amidst the rugged badlands, nature has defied all odds, as tenacious plants and lichens claim dominion over every crevice, adding hues, scents, and textures to the ancient, charred basalt landscape. Witness the majesty of the American Southwest’s oldest Douglas Fir trees, boasting an astounding 1,300 years of wisdom! Amidst this untamed splendor, we relish an on-the-go picnic before journeying to our remote campground on Mount Taylor, nestled within the untamed Cibola National Forest. With the expertise of our seasoned camp host, we’ll find the perfect spot to create our dispersed camp, savoring two unforgettable nights amidst the wilderness.
Day 5 Mount Taylor, Nm - 11,305 Feet
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mount Taylor, Nm - 11,305 Feet

Adventure on the 9-mile Mount Taylor Nordwest Loop in New Mexico is an immersive journey through diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. This trail, veiling the slopes of the sacred Mount Taylor, showcases a blend of lush forests, alpine meadows, and panoramic vistas that stretch across the Land of Enchantment. Beginning amidst fragrant pine forests, the trail gradually ascends, revealing sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks. As hikers venture higher, the terrain evolves, transitioning into open meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers during the blooming seasons. Reaching the timberline, the trail unveils breathtaking panoramas, treating adventurers to expansive vistas of the rugged landscape below. As the path winds around the mountain, glimpses of the diverse flora and fauna offer a serene communion with nature. The ascent culminates with awe-inspiring views from the summit of Mount Taylor, a dormant volcano revered by local Native American tribes. The journey down unveils a different perspective, guiding hikers through the changing terrain and a sense of accomplishment. The Mount Taylor Nordwest Loop, with its ever-changing scenery and cultural significance, stands as a testament to the beauty and spiritual significance of New Mexico’s diverse wilderness.
Day 6 Silver City, Nm
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Silver City, Nm

Prepare for an enthralling 5-hour driving expedition, an early start to seize the day’s boundless opportunities. Our journey along Hwy 117 weaves through the captivating El Malpais National Monument, granting us precious moments to savor its wonders. Behold the La Ventana Natural Arch, a colossal sandstone marvel, proudly boasting a 120-foot-wide span, the grandest accessible arch in New Mexico. A brief trail leads us to its very base, where ancient secrets whisper through the stone. Our odyssey continues as we venture into the northern expanse of Gila National Forest, venturing to the legendary Catwalk. Here, the name itself evokes echoes of history, harkening back to the bygone era of ore processing, where wooden walkways danced upon steel pipes that once quenched the thirst of industry. Embark on the riveting 2-mile loop trail, an immersive voyage into the geological and historical bedrock of southwest New Mexico. As twilight descends, delight in the pleasures of a sumptuous dinner and the comfort of a hotel bed at Bear Mountain Lodge, an exclusive haven nestled in the heart of the Gila National Forest. Let the aura of the Gila Wilderness, the nation’s oldest wilderness area, caress your soul, unraveling a tale of timeless beauty etched into the very fabric of the United States.
Day 7 Gila National Forest - Natural Hot Springs
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Gila National Forest - Natural Hot Springs

Venture into the wild and visit Gila National Forest, where the call of adventure beckons you to stow away your phones, for in this untamed wilderness, reception is but a distant memory. Here, amidst the rugged terrain, we establish our base camp, a sanctuary of exploration for three unforgettable nights. Embark on a profound journey into antiquity as we visit the awe-inspiring Gila Cliff Dwellings, where nomadic spirits sought refuge for millennia. In the late 1200s, the Mogollon Culture found their haven, crafting lives within these stone chambers for two decades before moving on, leaving behind a timeless legacy for us to cherish. Our drive back gifts us a soothing delight, the natural embrace of Gila Hot Springs, where our muscles find solace in warm waters beneath the starlit sky. The Melanie Hot Springs hike in Gila National Forest leads natural hot springs, nestled amidst the wilderness, offer a soothing respite, a chance to soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. This adventure into Gila’s enchanting wilderness rewards explorers with the perfect blend of nature’s tranquility and therapeutic relaxation, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of New Mexico’s natural beauty.
Day 8 Gila National Forest, Little Bear Canyon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Gila National Forest, Little Bear Canyon

A new dawn unfolds with a spirited heartbeat as we gear up for an exhilarating second day, delving into the enchantment of Little Bear Canyon, a 10-mile odyssey through hoodoos and cliffs, a true testament to the wilderness’ allure. Oh, behold the majesty of the Gila River Canyon, where its convergence with Little Bear Canyon renders a breathtaking spectacle, perhaps the zenith of our New Mexico sojourn. Crossing the river’s and get your feet wet, we do rest our feet at the Middlefork natural hot springs, restoring our souls before returning to camp for a great dinner and campfire under the stars!
Day 9 Gila National Forest, Black Peak
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Gila National Forest, Black Peak

On our final day, we ascend to greatness, summiting Black Peak via a portion of the Continental Divide trail, an 8-mile journey culminating at the majestic 9K summit, where the world below seems to bow to our triumph. Let this daring expedition etch its indelible mark upon your heart, a testament to the untamed spirit within. The one-way trail goes by Twin Sisters, Twin Sisters Ridge, Black Peak, and Sapillo Group Area Campground. The hike offers stunning views from the 9,000-foot summit. Black Peak is the highest point in the Pinos Altos Mountains and one of five Black Peaks in New Mexico.
Day 10 Quarai Mission And Manzano Mountains State Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Quarai Mission And Manzano Mountains State Park

Leaving the wilderness and into the wide open we drive to Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to go bird watching. The name of the refuge means “woods of the Apache” in Spanish, named for the Apache tribes that once camped in the forests along the Rio Grande. A twelve-mile-long loop road ” give affords good views of the fields where crops are grown for the benefit of the birds under cooperative agreements with farmers. There have been 374 different bird species observed in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge since 1981, making it one of the most diverse areas for bird species in the United States. The wetlands attract the huge flocks of wintering cranes and geese that are the refuge’s most interesting feature. Many other species as waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey also winter in the refuge. The diversity of birds is also high in spring and although the area is hot in the summer still many water birds can be found, including such New Mexico rarities as the least bittern and occasionally the little blue heron. We will make photo stops and stretch our legs on one of the short trails along the wetlands. After a short drive we stop at the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument to explore the ruins of the Quarai Mission. The mission, one of the three sets of pueblo and mission ruins at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument are located where the Great Plains meet the Manzano Mountains. Quarai is home to a seventeenth century Spanish mission church and convento, the mostly unexcavated and covered ruins of a Tiwa pueblo. Heading into the Manzano Mountains Wilderness our short drive brings us into our last dispersed camp where we spend our last two nights of the trip. Embark on the thrilling 7-mile day hike along the captivating Spruce Spring trail. Traverse diverse biological zones, venture through enchanting fern canyons, and marvel at the granite rock walls. Reaching Gallo Peak, at 10K feet, relish the breathtaking vistas of the Manzano Mountains, a triumphant finale to our unforgettable journey through New Mexico.
Day 11 Gallo Peak - 10,010 Feet
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Gallo Peak - 10,010 Feet

Embark on the thrilling 7-mile day hike along the captivating Spruce Spring trail. Traverse diverse biological zones, venture through enchanting fern canyons, and marvel at the granite rock walls. Reaching Gallo Peak, at 10K feet, relish the breathtaking vistas of the Manzano Mountains, a triumphant finale to our unforgettable journey through New Mexico.
Day 12 Albuquerque
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Albuquerque

Today we pack up our camp and end the tour in the city of Albuquerque where we arrive around noon. Your expert guide can support you on your travels home or your continuing adventures.

12 days tour

Southwest Adventure. Legends Awaken: Native Trails & Mystica

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Southwest Adventure. Legends Awaken: Native Trails & Mystica

Acoma Sky City & Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

El Malpais National Monument & Mount Taylor

Mount Taylor, Nm - 11,305 Feet

Silver City, Nm

Gila National Forest - Natural Hot Springs

Gila National Forest, Little Bear Canyon

Gila National Forest, Black Peak

Quarai Mission And Manzano Mountains State Park

Gallo Peak - 10,010 Feet

Albuquerque

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