High Road Adventure to Taos Pueblo & Chimayó – Driving Tour
Journey north from Santa Fe along the High Road, a scenic byway that threads through high desert mesas, historic villages, and mountain valleys. This all-inclusive day trip combines sacred sites, Native traditions, and panoramic New Mexico views, all led by guides whose families have lived here for generations.
Tour Destinations
This journey includes four main stops, each offering a different window into northern New Mexico’s culture, history, and landscape.
Where to Meet
Santa Fe Railyard District
1608 Alcaldesa St, Santa Fe, NM, 87501
Under the Santa Fe water tower!
Experience
Santuario de Chimayó
The first stop is the Santuario de Chimayó, often called the “Lourdes of America.” Built in 1813, the adobe church is known for its healing earth and remains one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the United States. Over 300,000 pilgrims travel here each year, especially during Holy Week, the days between Palm Sunday and Easter. Chapels filled with prayer offerings, centuries-old religious art, and artisan shops nearby provide time for reflection and connection before continuing on.
Taos Culture & Cuisine
Lunch is included at a local Taos restaurant, where dishes feature staples like green chile, Pueblo specialties, and seasonal produce. It’s a chance to sit down, enjoy a meal, and take in the atmosphere of a town long known for its artists, makers, and storytellers.
Taos Pueblo
From Chimayó, the tour winds north to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Multi-storied adobe buildings rise against the mountains, and guided visits with Pueblo members offer context on traditions that remain central to community life today. Here, history is not abstract — it is lived, spoken, and shared.
Taos Pueblo has been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years, and about 150 people live here full-time.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Just west of Taos lies one of New Mexico’s most incredible sights: the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Standing 650 feet above the river, it’s among the five highest bridges in the country. From its deck, the view opens over the volcanic canyon and across the northern plateau. It’s a moment for photos, for peace, and for taking in the vast scale of the land.
Comfort & Convenience
Every detail of the journey is included: transportation in a Mercedes-Benz van, entry fees, lunch, and snacks. With a small group capped at 13 guests, the pace remains relaxed, flexible, and personal. Guides share stories rooted in family history, providing context that cannot be found in guidebooks.
For travelers comparing options, the High Road Adventure pairs well with our other Santa Fe driving tours, such as the Northern New Mexico Wine Country Tour or the Ghost Ranch Adventure.
Why Choose This Tour
The High Road Adventure combines sacred pilgrimage, Native heritage, and dramatic scenery in one seamless experience. Instead of navigating routes and logistics alone, guests are free to focus on the journey itself — learning, tasting, and seeing more in a single day than they could on their own.
The tour also includes a stop at the Earthship community outside Taos, where radically sustainable architecture stands in stark contrast to the high desert landscape.
If your interests lean toward ancient history, consider extending your travels with our Ancient Pueblos Day Trip, which visits Bandelier National Monument and Puye Cliff Dwellings.
Plan Your Trip
Duration: 7–8 hours, full day
Meeting Point: 100 East San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Price: $250 per adult
Group Size: Up to 13 people
Age Requirement: 10+
Check-in: Please arrive early, as the tour departs on time
What to Bring: Water, hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket
Weather: This tour runs rain or shine
Not Included: Guide gratuities
Cancellation Policy: 48-hour cancellation policy. Contact Vigilante Guides at 505-336-1799 or info@vigilanteguides.com.
Private tours and Spanish-language guiding are available on request.
FAQ
-
The tour lasts 7–8 hours, making it a full-day trip.
-
Entry fees, lunch, snacks, and luxury van transportation are included. Gratuity for the guide is not.
-
Yes. The tour runs year-round, though guests should dress warmly for colder months.
-
The Santuario de Chimayó is believed to have healing earth that draws more than 300,000 visitors annually.
-
Yes, the tour is capped at 13 guests to keep it small and personal.
Cancellations
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy, but please contact us if you need to cancel or reschedule: call 505-336-1799 or email info@vigilanteguides.com.
Ready to Go?
Seats are limited to keep groups small. Reserve your spot now for an all-inclusive day trip that links Santa Fe, Chimayó, Taos, and the Rio Grande Gorge in a single day.