Peaks and Balloons - The Land of Enchantment

This is a hiking adventure that includes most of what New Mexico has to offer.

Do not be fooled by hikes statistics; the altitude, terrain, climate, some witching hours, and several lengthy drives while City-hopping between different locations will be demanding, yet every day is bursting with wonder and amazement. 

Highlights

- Ancient Cliff Dwellings at ancestral sites

- Breathtaking natural gorges, golden Aspen groves, and rocks formations

- Immersive experience: a deep dive into art and history

- Enjoy the views from the highest peaks in New Mexico and Texas

- Spectacular performance: the Fiesta Sunrise Mass Ascension, and Balloon Glows 

- Hiking and Sunset on white sand dunes, stalactites and stalagmites

Climate

- New Mexico daylight in early October generally from 6:30am, to 6:30pm.

- Clear skies, Dry climate, cool breeze, temp averages in the 70s°F, and lows are around 45-50°F.

- Dress for intense sun and high winds.

Game Plan

Sat 26^th Travel Day

-        Meeting in Albuquerque airport by 1pm the latest

-        Drive about 3 hours to our hotel accommodations in Farmington, NM

-        Dinner (location TBD)

Sun 27^{th "} D2 Moon Land Exploration

The trails are merely a suggestion, we will follow AllTrails for general direction purposes.

The hike is a self-guided exploration across an undeveloped wilderness.

These trails are under The National Conservation Lands, Bureau of Land Management, and our drive will be through The Navajo Nation Off-Reservation Trust Land.

Rain (though unlikely) makes the terrain unpleasantly muddy, excessively slippery, and appeals for a shorter outing.

The hiking is mostly flat, but you may need to scramble over low passes and around formations.

The ground is a mix of hard-packed earth, soft sand, and rocky areas.

It’s an area with full sun exposure, hence the early start.

Bisti Badlands 7 miles - AllTrails bisti-badlands

Trailhead https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Udj9atVMskmpL2d8

Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trail 4 miles - AllTrails ah-shi-sle-pah

Trailhead https://maps.app.goo.gl/hgH94EMLRwnJtS4Y6

2 Photos below are courtesy of AOC member Paresh Rasania

Next, we will drive 3.5 hours to our accommodations in Santa Fe, NM

Mon 28^th D2 Golden Canopy

This trip is in 2 parts; we will have to drive a short distance in between:

Part a- Trailhead is at Aspen Vista Picnic Ground, Out and back 4 miles

Part b- Vista Grande Overlook 

Free 1/2 day to experience the heart of Santa Fe and historic downtown.

Tue 29^th D5 Deception Peak and Lake Peak 

AllTrails deception-lake-peaks

Trailhead https://maps.app.goo.gl/TKrneh1H2fSAsTDSA

Out and back 7 miles, 2530ft elevation gain, expected duration 5-6 hours.

This trail is straight up, no switchbacks, with 10k ft altitude at the trailhead.

We will start at Winsor Trail, 0.8m, turn right on Raven Ridge for 2.7m to Deception Peak, we will take the same way back.

The last part to Lake Peak is brief, involves climbing over boulders, difficult but passable, lots of fun!

Wed 30^th Caves and Canvas

Part 1) D2 Pueblo Loop Trail at Bandelier National Monument

AllTrails Pueblo Loop Trail

Trailhead https://maps.app.goo.gl/KmgRNRkirynNLeJz5, about 75 minutes from accommodations.

The trail begins and ends behind the visitor center. If you choose, a trail guide with 21 numbered stops is available at the park store.

The trail winds through ancient archaeological sites such as:

• Tyuonyi: A large, circular pueblo site 
• Big Kiva: A large, underground ceremonial room 
• Long House: A multi-story dwelling built into the cliff base 
• Cavates: Small, hand-carved rooms in the cliff face that visitors can access using ladders 
• Petroglyphs: Carvings left by former inhabitants can be seen on the rock faces

Part 2) You are free for the rest of your day, or join the group for one of these options:

a) Georgia O'Keeffe House Museum 

Driving Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/XpZeuP59XfmwVYa1A

Tickets https://www.okeeffemuseum.org/home-studio-tickets/

The Georgia O'Keeffe Home and Studio in Abiquiú (pronounced Ah-bih-cue), New Mexico, is a museum that preserves the artist's adobe house and studio, which she purchased in 1945. It showcases her living and working spaces, filled with her art, personal objects, and Mid-Century Modern furniture, all arranged to reflect her aesthetic and creative process. 

The property is a National Historic Landmark that allows visitors to experience the home and the landscape that inspired much of her work.

b) Visit Los Alamos History Museum, Bradbury Science Museum, Oppenheimer House. Please check opening hours for each of them to plan accordingly.

Next, we will drive to our accommodations in Taos

Thu 01^st D5 Wheeler Peak Via Williams Lake Trail

AllTrails Wheeler Peak via Williams Lake Trail

Trailhead https://maps.app.goo.gl/PQmxVPJ56DZJY18M8

Out and back 9.5 miles, 3000ft elevation gain, expected duration is 5.5-6 hours.

This Trail is to New Mexico's highest point, Wheeler Peak (13,161 feet). The hike is considered difficult due to high altitude and rugged terrain in some parts. The trail passes through forests, a scenic alpine lake, and then above the tree line is 1.5 miles of scree and exposed slopes leading to the summit.

I was a bit concerned about the rocky section, but it turned out to be quite reasonable. The rocks are not loose, so you don’t need to be overly concerned. Just remember to use poles, and be careful, especially on the descend to enhance your stability. Don’t let that part scare you off this gorgeous hike!

Fri 02^nd Taos: Gorge and Pueblo

Part 1) D2 Rio Grande Gorge

AllTrails: Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail

West Rim Trail https://maps.app.goo.gl/RRYEt3C25TtquYdD6

Out and back 4 miles, 250ft elevation gain. 

The West Rim Trail is located on the western edge of the Gorge, features an abundance of scenic desert views and overlooks, it offers views of the 800ft deep Rio Grande Gorge, and the Gorge Bridge. The trail is a full-width road of packed dirt and rock surfaces.

Part 2) We have 2 options, photos of both locations below.

a) Visit the nearby Taos Pueblo, cost is $25 per person

b) Free time in Downtown Taos, walk around art galleries, adobe buildings, and hats shops, pretty cool places.

Next, we drive to our accommodations in Albuquerque

Sat 03^rd Game Day: Balloon Fiesta

This is a massive affair, yet somehow it brings gentle emotions of calm happiness, it is weather dependent and tickets are nonrefundable.

When I visited in Oct 2025, the hot air balloons did not ascend because the wind was over 5mph, but that’s ok, I got to enjoy all other festivities and special moments, and I walked between all +500 inflated balloons, a splendid experience.

In addition, the next day, I got to witness them soaring gracefully in the sky from Vista Del Norte Park, one of the designated landing spots, where the local community gathers to enjoy the day.

-        Leave accommodations at 3am, and drive to the closest shuttle location.

-        The main event begins with the national anthem at sunrise, which is then concluded by “Candle Lighting”.

-        All the balloons’ burners are ignited simultaneously in salute during a flyover by a fleet of historic aircrafts.

-        It’s a great scene, walk around to see different balloons from close distance or settle in your favorite spot.

-        Lay down on the lawn and watch the Mass Ascent into the sky.

-        Enjoy lunch and afternoon festivities in Albuquerque historic downtown.

-        Cheer for Ballet Folklórico performed by passionate young dancers in the historic downtown of Albuquerque.

Insights:

-        Tickets are nonrefundable $25 for general admission and shuttle service

-        Dress in layers, temp will rise from high 40s to low 70s

-        Bring a lightweight barrier between you and the dew-covered lawn

-        You will need that breakfast burrito before heading to the lawn, otherwise it’s a crisis!

-        Avoid standing in needless long checkout lines, Visit the official merchandise tent only

-        The perfect plan for the day includes a quick nap before lunch

Sun 04th White Sands

We will load up the cars, make our favorite warm drink, and drive about 3.5 hours to our next adventure at White Sands, 275 square miles of Snow-white gypsum sand, where we will learn to enjoy hiking with sand in our shoes, and maybe our pants!

White Sands Visitor Center hours is 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, but the park gate is open till sunset.

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NXdVGC2AEi1z1yuV9

The entrance to the park can be found between mile markers 199 and 200 on Highway US-70.

GPS Coordinates     32° 46' 45" North, 106° 10' 19" West

Park Closures: Due to missile testing on the White Sands Missile Range, the roads are closed occasionally for periods of up to three hours, check the park closure web page the day before:

https://www.nmroads.com/ and/or https://www.facebook.com/WhiteSandsNPS/

• Visitor Center: An excellent example of Spanish Pueblo-style adobe architecture. We can browse the park store and gift shop; purchase sledding saucer, wander through the native plant garden; explore the interactive museum; enjoy by the award-winning film: A Land in Motion.

• Dunes Drive: an eight-mile scenic drive, leads us from the visitor center to Alkali Flat Trailhead. The 16-mile round-trip drive takes roughly 45 minutes. The first four miles are paved and the last four miles are a hard-packed gypsum road. 

• Alkali Flat Trail (flat it’s not) - 5 miles, follow the red markers: Explore the dunes and enjoy the silence and solitude of the dune field with unique formations and stunning views of the endless pristine dunes with a mountain range in the backdrop. The trail skirts the edge of the vast remnants of Lake Otero. The dunes provide a challenging but rewarding experience, it's a rewarding experience that’ll give you a true taste of the desert’s rugged beauty.

• Sledding down the slip face of the dunes is fun, the Alkali Flat trailhead has the tallest dunes.

• The Sunset Stroll: I’m guessing this will be the most beautiful part of this visit. We will drive back to the designated trail, expected sunset around 6:30pm.

Monday 05th Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The largest accessible cave chamber in North America.

During our drive, we will make a quick stop at Mexican Canyon Trestle overlook in Lincoln National Forest. Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m67RmeHCDsLKSi678

Carlsbad Caverns Logistics

-        Purchase a $1 time entry reservation days earlier.

-        Plan to spend about 3 hours underground.

-        Underground Lunchroom is inside the cavern, with a snack bar and a gift shop.

1-     Thoughts 

-        Listen attentively to the sound of water dripping.

-        The caves are large; it doesn’t feel Claustrophobic.

2-     Visiting: Hike down the paved path to the entrance, 1.25-mile, 750ft, 66 switchbacks.

Go downhill to Whale’s Mouth, followed by the green lake room (no access to the lake without a ranger), followed by a half million years old Iceberg Rock, to the main attraction:Big Room Loop.

We will take the elevator back up and out to the visitor center at the end of the walk.

3-     Hiking: 

We can choose one of the following trails to hike based on our remaining battery life:

slaughter-canyon-cave-trail 1 mile out and back, 450ft elevation gain.

yucca-canyon-trail 4 miles out and back, 1500ft elevation gain.

Tuesday 06th Guadalupe Peak     

AllTrails Guadalupe Peak Trail

Trailhead https://maps.app.goo.gl/qKTdwvSXCeArNQJL8

The highest point in the state of Texas (8,749). Out and back 8 miles, 3000ft elevation gain. 

check-in at the Pine Springs Visitor Center, turn right out of the parking lot, follow the signs for Guadalupe Peak Trail and follow the hiker trail, the horse trail is less steep but adds 1 extra mile.

The first 1.5 miles are the steepest part; the trail becomes less steep as it passes a cliff and then turns around to the north-facing slope. Let’s discover a small forest of pine and Douglas fir.

The forest exists here because of a slightly cooler and shadier climate on the north-facing slope.

After three miles, the trail tops out at a false summit, don’t stop for another mile.

After passing the backcountry campsite, the trail descends slightly and crosses a wooden bridge. After the bridge, the trail begins the final climb to the summit. 

Following a few switchbacks, the top of El Capitan will dominate the view to the south. 

This Photo is courtesy of AOC members Lynn and Alice G.

Wednesday 07th Travel Day    

We will drive about 2.5 hours to El Paso airport

Accommodations

We’re staying in hotels, and each room has two queen beds. I did my best to balance quality and cost, so fingers crossed!

Hampton Inn & Suites Farmington https://maps.app.goo.gl/aaDBA9YGZXKqtUcv5

Inn at Santa Fe, SureStay Collection by Best Western, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zpp9K5ecBywv3iWM8

Sagebrush Inn & Suites, https://maps.app.goo.gl/oo9WPVr7MxnmRAgL9

Holiday Inn ABQ Airport, https://maps.app.goo.gl/wE7x39GC81hPvRUP8

The Classic Desert Aire Hotel Alamogordo, https://maps.app.goo.gl/k2vvKJ63EFEE6MJK8

Baymont by Wyndham Carlsbad NM,  https://maps.app.goo.gl/DYA2v7APtKuojVM3A

The cost is refundable only if the TL can find a suitable replacement for your roommate.

Food

   -  Grocery: Given frequent accommodation changes, it’s best to avoid stocking up on bulky and perishable items.

      Still, we will always carry plenty of bottled water in all the cars (and tissue boxes, because the dry air will get you)

   -  Dinner: We will primarily rely on dining out, which in NM, is a Tex-Mex wild ride, think happy taste buds, bit of a sinuses sneeze party, and a spiritual sweat session.

Communiqué

   -  WhatsApp group text messaging to share information and pictures.

   -  AllTrails links and driving directions are in the write-up, please be prepared before getting out of the door.

   -  Google Maps is our tool for driving directions.

Open Positions

We will share all responsibilities:

   -  Driving: Each car must have 2 drivers to spread the workload

   -  Research Guru: Monitor weather and climate change

   -  Grocery shopping / Fuel Up

Logistics

We will meet at ABQ Sunport on September 26th, no later than 1pm, and start our journey together from the car rental location. If you decide to make travel plans separate from the group, please discuss with trip leader in advance at sign up time.

All the trailheads and sites are about a 45-minute drive from our hotels, in addition to all the city-hopping drives we’ll be doing, so we’ll need 2 or 3 drivers per car to help share the workload.

C'est la vie

Travel presents unforeseen circumstances, necessitating adjustments to itinerary based on flights schedule, weather, unforeseen, and natural events. The group will need to adapt to any challenges that arise with flexibility and a positive outlook.

We have a solid plan, but sometimes, things happen, bring an open mind and a fun spirit, that's all we need for an amazing time.

Make a well-considered choice

Although I am known for my brisk hiking pace, I intend to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery and seize every opportunity for an immersive experience.

Due to the high altitude of Deception and Wheeler Peaks, your physical capabilities will not be the same. Consequently, you will need to exert conscious effort to synchronize the speed of your footsteps with the capacity of your lungs.

Many solid hikers use a prescribed medication for altitude sickness, make sure to discuss with your physician.

Each trailhead is approximately 45-60 minutes from our hotel. We will also drive in and out of multiple towns, yet the time spent in the car will be compensated by the diverse and extraordinary activities that await us. 

Joining The Event 

In building this group, I will emphasize ability, sociability, roommates’ compatibility, and GRIT.

While physical fitness is required for this event, having a positive attitude and being determined to have fun is just as important.

An essential aspect of the selection process is to ensure the utmost comfort of all participants. I understand that this will require prompt and coordinated arrangements for accommodations well in advance of any payment being made.

In addition, an important quality is collaborative efforts and the willingness to be an active participant, we’ll need, at minimum, two drivers for each car to spread the workload.

Please sign up for this event if all of the following statements apply to you:

- I’m excited to participate in all the planned activities.

- I carefully considered the schedule and hiking trails. I am confident that the itinerary doesn’t exceed my limits.

- I am a sensible and collaborative individual.

- I totally get the historical and geological significance of the places we’ll be visiting, so I promise not to bring back any cool-looking rocks from Bisti Badlands.

AOC fee to be paid via PayPal: $25 AOC fee (Nonrefundable)

·        The cost per person in a double occupancy room is: $1510

         Total payment is required by February 14 2026 at 5pm.

·        Payments to trip leader includes Accommodations, Car Rental and Insurance, Gas.

·        Payment to trip leader needs to be processed via Zelle or Venmo.

·        The plan is to have two members in each room and four members per car.

·        If you want a single occupancy room or rent a car, let me know when you register.

·        The car rental and gas cost for each individual will be their proportional share.

         This cost may increase if there are fewer than four people per car or if gas prices significantly change.

·        The cost is refundable only if the TL can find a suitable replacement.  

Cost Fine Print

·        AOC fee is nonrefundable

·        Parking permits (if needed) are not included.

·        Flight is not included.

·        Food, water, and household items like detergent costs are not included.