A TASTE OF THE NEW RIO GRANDE DEL NORTE NATIONAL MONUMENT

April-November Guided adventures

Be one of the first to experience this latest addition to our nation's national park system. New Mexico is celebrating the newly designated El Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, established by Presidential Proclamation on March 25 of 2013. The monument is located on the spectacular Taos Plateau in the northern part of the state.

At the monument's heart is the 800 foot deep Rio Grande Gorge, named for the river that runs through it. Surrounded by national forest, as well as cozy Northern New Mexico villages, there are ample opportunities to experience Northern New Mexico's treasures. The cultural history of the area combines with rare wildlife and unmatched landscapes that make this adventure a gem you won't want to miss. On summer mornings, bald eagles hover over the river gorge. Spring welcomes herds of pronghorn and elk. Bighorn sheep dot the cliffs and can be discovered by a discerning eye. And the entire monument is a prime flyway for migrating songbirds and Sandhill cranes.

The national monument covers more than 242,000 acres, dotted by volcanic cones and a variety of vegetation. It offers some of the most dramatic views imaginable. The recent designation of this extraordinary landscape means that cultural, natural and scenic resources will be protected for future generations to enjoy and experience.

While there are several areas with developed trails, more discerning travelers may wish to veer off the beaten path to explore the more remote areas of this national monument intimately. You can request tours of longer duration or get a taste of the region's wonders hiking for just a few hours.

During your hikes you can immerse yourself in hot springs, learn about the historic John Dunn Bridge, go ballooning into the Gorge in the early morning or enjoy the river with your raft. All trips have the opportunity to spot wildlife and our tour guides enjoy sharing their knowledge of the lifeways of people both past and present who are connected to this land.

Important notice: let us know how fit you are and if you have any restrictions we need to be aware of. If you have particular interests we will design the adventure accordingly.

Half day Eco Adventure

Meet your expert at the beginning of the trail we choose for you and forget about everything except taking in the beautiful nature and views. Seasons and weather will determine which way is the best for the day you want to experience El Rio Grande del Norte. Walking the rim or descending to the river's edge, all of our trips give you an immersion into both the ecology and history of this unique Northern New Mexico treasure.

Water and snacks are provided. You will be back in Taos in time for lunch.

Don’t forget to bring your camera and remember you will hike at high altitude, over 7,000 feet. Also, you may want to try the new celebratory Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Pale Ale!

Price. Starting at $158 per person. Based on 2 person group.
$116 per person. Based on 3 person group.
$96 per person. Based on 4 person group.

Please call if you are a larger group than 4 people, or if you are traveling alone.

Price includes: an expert guide, snacks and water, N.M. tax.

Book this tour here

$60 deposit per person is due at booking if made more than 8 days prior to the adventure, payable by check or using the PayPal link on this website. 50% of deposit is refundable if cancellation is made by written notice 48 hours prior to departure. Full refund for cancellations made by Seven Directions Tours.

Check payable to: Seven Directions LLC. 1027B Canyon Road. Santa Fe, NM 87501. USA.
Balance due upon invoicing, 8 days before departure. Payment in full before departure if booking is made less than 8 days prior to the adventure

Travel and Life & Health insurances are recommended. An “Indemnification and Hold Harmless” agreement has to be signed by each participant before starting the trip.

Please read our Mission & Values Statement here

One day Eco Adventure

For this longer adventure, you can customize your day to include another activity that perfectly integrates into the spirit of the day.

Before your half day hike in El Rio Grande del Norte National Monument you have a choice to make an early start and experience the awe-inspiring drama of a hot air balloon flight or you can go for the thrill of funyaking at the bottom of the Gorge.

Hot Air Ballooning: Gently glide deep into the Gorge as much as 600 feet in descent and then ascend to an altitude that gives you a striking view of the entire valley. You are picked-up from your hotel or preferred location and then meet your expert to begin the hike into the monument.

Funyaking: Hop into a one or two-person inflatable raft with your instructor for gentle water adventure that takes you right under the magnificent Rio Grande Bridge. Meet your raft instructor just outside Taos where you will later meet your hiking guide to take you to your afternoon on-the -ground experience in the monument's vast territory.

A light meal, snacks and water are provided, as well as all needed equipment

You can choose instead to spend the full day hiking in El Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and go deeper into its amazing territory. If you wish we can organize for you another final adventure. A night sky adventure to explore the dark sky above Taos which offers the most amazing universe exploration.

Price.

Hiking and air or water adventure

$221 per person. Based on 2 person group.
$178 per person. Based on 3 person group.
$156 per person. Based on 4 person group.

Add $180 per person if your choice is hot air ballooning.

Please call if you are a larger group than 4 people, or if you are traveling alone.

Full day hiking

$240 per person. Based on 2 person group.
$178 per person. Based on 3 person group.
$148 per person. Based on 4 person group.

Please call if you are a larger group than 4 people, or if you are traveling alone.

Price includes: an expert guide, lunch and snacks, water adventure, N.M. tax.

Book this tour here

$100 deposit per person is due at booking if made more than 8 days prior to the adventure, payable by check or using the PayPal link on this website. 70% of deposit is refundable if cancellation is made by written notice 48 hours prior to departure. Full refund for cancellations made by Seven Directions Tours.

Check payable to: Seven Directions LLC. 1027B Canyon Road. Santa Fe, NM 87501. USA.
Balance due upon invoicing, 8 days before departure. Payment in full before departure if booking is made less than 8 days prior to the adventure

Travel and Life & Health insurances are recommended. An “Indemnification and Hold Harmless” agreement has to be signed by each participant before starting the trip.

Please read our Mission & Values Statement here

For information please contact us:
Tel.877.992.6128 – 505.820.3305
e-mail: [email protected]