Weekend Sherpa

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08.26.10

Something New

"Land of enchantment" might be an understatement. New Mexico is a captivating crossroads of colorful culture and accessible adventure in the high desert. Take an (extra) long weekend to enjoy its earthy adobe architecture, sunsets splashing across hundred-mile skies, ethereal art, and Native American traditions. It's time for something new!  

Santa Fe Plaza

Ease Into Santa Fe

It's not hard to fall in love with New Mexico's 400-year old capital. Revered as the art Mecca of America, one might expect an air of pretentiousness. Not so in Santa Fe where the only thing that creeps into this air is the smell of sagebrush. Get acquainted with its distinctive adobe architecture and high-desert hospitality by strolling the vibrant central plaza. Live music often floats in the afternoon breeze, and vendors from painters, jewelry makers, and kettle-corn gourmets charm the sidewalks. Grab a balcony table at the Marble Brewery Tap Room for an afternoon refresher and a bird's-eye view of the scene. Later, walk a few blocks to explore Canyon Road—home to 90 of Santa Fe's 300 art galleries, ranging from modern abstract to intricate Native American works. For dinner, The Shed is an authentically Southwestern hole-in-the-wall with mouthwatering blue corn enchiladas and green chile burritos (make a reservation); afterward, watch the sun cascade in periwinkle shades over the mountains from La Fonda Hotel's rooftop Bell Tower Bar. Wind things down away from the plaza with live music (Thursdays and Saturdays) at the low-lit, low-key Dragon Room (a celebrity haunt) that showcases Warhol-esque Native American paintings by local artist Stan Natchez.

TIP: Want to really ease into Santa Fe? Warm your bones and slip out of stress at Ten Thousand Waves—a quiet mountain spa inspired by the Japanese onsen. The Nose to Toes massage will leave you feeling like a buttered noodle.

There are flights to Santa Fe by way of LAX. Or, there are direct frights to Albuquerque from Bay Area airports. It's about a one-hour drive to Santa Fe from Albuquerque. Santafe.org has a list of all the hotels in town. The closer to the plaza the more expensive the hotel: Two of the best plaza-side ones are the Inn and Spa at Loretto and Hotel St. Francis.

Activity
Relax, Overnights
Region
Points Beyond
Hike Wheeler Peak New Mexico

Taos Quest

Santa Fe's smaller, mellower and more-freewheeling sibling, Taos, is a natural beauty with an eccentric vibe and a dramatic gorge cutting across its gloriously rugged landscape. Head to Taos Ski Valley for a hike with two persuasive attractions—a beautiful lake that's an ideal picnic setting, and a beckoning summit meant for those who want to test their mettle. (On your way, you'll pass through the tiny town of Arroyo Seco; pick up some fresh deli sandwiches at Taos Cow, also famous for its award-winning ice cream.) The trail to Williams Lake ascends 2 miles (one-way) through spruce-fir forest paralleling the Lake Fork of the Rio Hondo. Pop out at the lake and behold the stunning serrated mountain peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range. Cool your feet in the glacier-fed water, eat some of your sandwich, and contemplate your next move. Still have some pep in those legs? Take things to the next level by bagging the summit of the highest mountain in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak. This feat's a little easier said than done. Getting to the top requires climbing 2,000 feet in about a mile! But take heart: This is not a technical ascent requiring ropes or rock climbing—it's a partial scree-scramble that's more about patience (go at your own pace), common sense (afternoon thunderstorms can cut your trip short); and fortitude (yes, you can do it!). On a clear day the payoff is nothing short of grandiose. Views span the high desert all the way to the snow-dusted mountains of Colorado.

TIP: Post-hike, refuel and relish your achievement on the outdoor deck of The Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant (located at the trailhead). A hot après scene in the winter, this Alps-inspired respite is slimmer on crowds during summer. Enjoy hearty goulash washed down with a German hefeweizen..

From Taos drive 4 miles north on NM 522 and turn right on NM 150. Continue for 15 miles to Taos Ski Valley. Don't park at the main parking lot; follow the signs for the Bavarian Lodge, going another 2 miles on a dirt road. Park at the hikers area and follow the trail signs for Williams Lake. Once at the lake, the trail for Wheeler Peak forks left near the wooden sign for Williams Lake. There is another longer and (relatively) more moderate approach to Wheeler Peak on the Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain Trail. Pick up a map at Taos Mountain Outfitters (114 South Plaza, Taos; 575-758-9292). No matter what hike you do, get an early start to avoid afternoon storms. You ideally want to be on the summit before noon. Dog-friendly!

Activity
Hike, Dog-friendly
Region
Points Beyond
Taos hot air balloon

Gorge-ous View

When an outdoor activity is featured on a state's license plates you know it's got to be good. There may be no better place in the world to hot-air balloon than Taos. Sure, it's a splurge, but sometimes you've just gotta take things higher. Go with Ed Smith; he's been running Pueblo Balloon Company for almost 20 years. Help the crew inflate the balloon as the sunrise bathes the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Then clamber inside the basket and get ready for the smoothest takeoff you've ever had in air travel, orchestrated by a little pilot know-how and a lot of hot air. Rise over the desert for a spectacular aerial view of the Rio Grande Gorge. Ready for the close-up? On a fair-winds day, the pilot will guide the balloon into the gorge, getting just feet above the river for a swooping good thrill. Then soar back up into the cool mountain air, gently drifting above the gorge and its iconic suspension bridge—the second-highest in the United States. The pilot will point out landmarks and other interesting wonders, including the largest freestanding volcano (long dormant) in the world, and the curious "ballooner eclipse." The balloon goes where the wind blows, so when it's time to land the pilot will mark the spot. Touch down in a sagebrush-filled field, and celebrate with a post-ride champagne toast and an official hot-air balloon flight certificate. That's rising to the occasion.

Pueblo Balloon Company; 575-751-9877. Hot-air balloon rides are $225 per person. There are cheaper rates for children and teens.

Activity
Relax
Region
Points Beyond
Summit Kilimanjaro in clouds

Hike Kili and Save!

Mt. Kilimanjaro (Kili) is the tallest freestanding mountain in Africa and a bucket-list favorite for hikers. But who do you go with? Real Life Adventure Travel (RLAT) has consistently been ranked a top-three tour operator for customer and porter satisfaction. Run by some of the most-experienced guides in the business, and with travel groups purposely kept small, RLAT offers wilderness comfort, safety, and insider knowledge. (It also gives a percentage of profits back to the local communities.) New for January 2011: the Kibo Circuit routes—a series of climbing options created for those who want to hike Kili in style at an affordable price. Get 10% off with an early bird discount by mentioning Weekend Sherpa. Start your adventure with RLAT owner Freddy Chikima, who grew up in the small village of Mbahe at the base of Kili. He'll share lore about his village, people, and culture; you'll also see firsthand the community projects RLAT supports. Then start on the route less traveled by most Kili trekkers and work your way around the Northern Circuit, staying at the scenic (and seldom used) Mori camp, before continuing to Lava Tower, Arrow Glacier and up the Western Breach. Spend the night at the stunning Crater Camp (18,500 feet), before heading for the summit. Kili conquered!

BONUS: Weekend Sherpa readers, book your climbing or safari adventures by Sept. 30 and get a 10% discount on trips. RLAT offers premier safari adventures and has just added gorilla treks and donkey treks!

Real Life Adventure Travel; 877-UGO-KILI.

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