Please click here to jump to the Overview section with all tour details including pricing.

Norte de Nuevo México Bike Tour: Highlights

Our Norte de Nuevo México (Northern New Mexico) bike tour is designed for cyclists who seek the Land of Enchantment’s best climbs, enjoy bike-friendly routes, savor chile verde, appreciate great lodging, and relish luxurious hot springs. Our New Mexico bike tour is quickly becoming one of our favorite trips.

Lizard Head Cycling’s owner, John Humphries, lived in Norte de Nuevo México for a decade. As a result this tour reflects his favorite roads, hot springs, lodging and restaurants in Nuevo México! Please join us for a highly enjoyable local’s tour of the high plains and southern Rocky Mountains. It is guaranteed to please.

☛ Click Here to Read A Journal by a Guest on This Tour

6-Day and 4-Day New Mexico Bike Tour Options

Lizard Head Cycling Guides offers both a 6-Day and 4-Day version of our New Mexico Bike Tour. Both tour options visit all the fantastic locations.

A Carefully Crafted “Locals” New Mexico Bike Tour!

Norte de Nuevo México Bike Tour: Testimonials

Read what previous guests on our Northern New Mexico Bike Tour have been saying…

The guides, Eli and Will. Great team. Easy-going, efficient, personable, had a great feel for the group. We had time to relax, enjoy, and build community. The accommodations were all above average to excellent. So were the meals. This was overall the best group I’ve ridden with, and I’ve ridden with some really outstanding persons. – Milt

Heather and I very much enjoyed our New Mexico Tour with you guys. Your guides did a fabulous job of accommodating the most diverse group possible. The food was great, the lodging good… really everything was excellent. – Jennifer

Leslie and Dave were fixated on making their guests comfortable. It’s the first supported trip I attended that the meals were in concert with fitness goals. That is, for the most part natural and or organic lunches were in line with my preferred meal habits. Lizard Head Cycling Guides communicated agenda – route – meeting locations – resources available quite well. The route was well chosen and researched to give a great feel for the geography. – Ed N

The trip was fabulous and unforgettable, thank you for all you did to make it so enjoyable for us all. Really, the riding was secondary to the amazing camaraderie of the group, for that we were most fortunate to have such a fun group of friends, old and new, and for your guidance and care in our journey of souls. I will look forward to our next adventure! – Norris

Norte de Nuevo México Bike Tour: Dates

Potential tour dates are listed below and not all tour dates will run. Lock in your preferred tour date early as unopened tour dates will be closed. Please see the Winter/Spring/Autumn Tour Calendar and the Summer Tour Calendar for confirmed departures. Any unopened date can be a Custom Week (9 riders required). Please contact us via email or call 970.728.5891

To easily register for a particular tour, please click the Book Now! link after the tour date listed below. This will select the tour name and the appropriate date on the registration form.

NOTE: Any of the New Mexico tour dates can be opened as either a 4-Day or a 6-Day tour. Whoever opens the tour first determines if it is either a 4-Day or a 6-Day version and those will be the dates we funnel riders to until rider minimum is met.

2025 Tour Dates

• May 11 to 16, 2025 (Book Now!)
• May 18 to 23, 2025 (Book Now!) – TOUR A GO!
  Save $225 Tour Sale! Discount Applies to the Next 4 Registrations.
• May 25 to 30, 2025 (Book Now!)

• June 1 to 6, 2025 (Book Now!) – TOUR OPENED

• July 20 to 25, 2025 (Book Now!)
• July 27 to August 1, 2025 (Book Now!)

• August 3 to 8, 2025 (Book Now!) – TOUR A GO!
• August 10 to 15, 2025 (Book Now!) – TOUR OPENED 4 riders needed to make GO
• August 17 to 22, 2025 (Book Now!)

• September 7 to 12, 2025 (Book Now!) – TOUR OPENED
• September 14 to 19, 2025 (Book Now!)
• September 21 to 26, 2025 (Book Now!)
• September 28 to October 3, 2025 (Book Now!)

Tour Status Notes: NO STATUS = Date Set, no riders have signed up. TOUR OPENED = Tour Opened, rider minimums not met. TOUR A GO! = Tour is Go, rider minimums met. SOLD OUT = Tour Full, rider maximums met.

Why Should you Sign-Up Now and OPEN a Tour Date?
This is the proverbial chicken and the egg conundrum! We need our cyclists to first commit to the date that works for them so that we can commit to that date.

For starters, when you OPEN a date you get to pick your preferred departure date, and there is no penalty if the tour does not run. Once you pick your tour date, Lizard Head closes nearby dates and funnels all additional riders to your chosen date until the tour meets its 6 rider minimum.

BONUS: As an added bonus, we can also hold a spot for you on another tour date of your choosing. There is no fee to switch to another tour date.

In conclusion, if you want a tour to run, we need you to sign up and not wait for others to do the same! Waiting for others may mean that a tour date takes longer or does not confirm. Just Do It! Once a few riders jump into the proverbial waters, others will follow!

NOTE: In anticipation and encouragement of future tour signups prior to reaching the tour minimum, the Lizard Head Cycling website may be updated to show TOUR A GO prior to actual tour confirmation. So, even if the website says that this tour is a go, please wait for your official Email Confirmation before booking non-refundable travel reservations.

Norte de Nuevo México Bike Tour: Overview

6-Day Tour Length: 6-Days Cycling/6-Nights Lodging

4-Day Tour Length: 4-Days Cycling/4-Nights Lodging

Starting Town: Albuquerque, New Mexico (Albuquerque International Sunport – ABQ)

Ending Town: Santa Fe, New Mexico (guests shuttle to Albuquerque International Sunport – ABQ)

Total Miles: 150 up to 315 mileage options. (Can I keep up on this tour?)

Daily Mileage Range: 29-77

Ability Levels: Intermediate (2/3) , Upper Intermediate (3) , Advanced (3/4) – (Easily accommodates all levels)
Easily accessible mileage options covering a combination of intermediate to advanced routes. Tour options include two hikes (2 to 10 miles), optional rafting on Day 5 (versus the Enchanted Loop). For mixed groups the Norte Nuevo Mexico is fully customizable. Don’t Worry!

Group Size: 6 to 15 riders

Additional Nights in Santa Fe: We can help guests book extra nights at our final hotel in Santa Fe. Please let us know at the time of booking.

6-Day Tour Cost: $3,465 per person with shared accommodations. Add $795 per person to this Tour Cost for a private room each night of the tour (6-Nights).

4-Day Tour Cost: $2,395 per person with shared accommodations. Add $475 per person to this Tour Cost for a private room each night of the tour (4-Nights). Optional Additional Night of Lodging: If you are doing the last 4-days of this tour, add a pre-tour night of lodging (the night before riding starts at Ojo Caliente). The room cost at Ojo varies throughout the year. Ask us and we can arrange for you.

Tour Discounts: Please see our Reptile Rewards & Tour Discounts page to learn more about Reptile Rewards, Tour Discounts, and Group Discounts. Tour discounts are not stackable with any other discounts or promotions – only the highest valued discount is provided. Please note that for discounts to apply the tour minimum must be met.

Winter Solstice Discount - For 6-Day or longer tours take $125 off the tour cost and $75 off a bike rental. Discount applies to new registrations only made before January 1, 2025. Please make sure to mention this offer when you register.
Excludes Self-Guided tours. Tour discounts are not stackable with any other discounts or promotions.

6-Day Tour Includes: 6-Days guide service, 6-Nights lodging, meals include: 4 dinners, 6 lunches, 5 breakfasts, entrance fees, energy food, liquid refreshments, in-tour shuttles, and mechanical support. Alcoholic beverages, bike rental, and massage (if available) are additional.

4-Day Tour Includes: Ride either Day 1 through 4 or Day 4 through Day 6. 4-Days guide service, 4-Nights lodging, 2-dinners, 4-lunches, 3-breakfasts, entrance fees, energy food, liquid refreshments, in-tour shuttles, and mechanical support. Alcoholic beverages, bike rental, and massage (if available) are additional.

Non-Riding Spouses & Partners on Tour: If a non-riding spouse or partner would like to join you on tour and they have their own transportation, they can stay in your room for the cost of the tour's single room supplement. Please note that non-riders cannot check into hotels prior to guide arrival as the guides need to manage the check-in process. Checking in a large group can be challenging and take longer than normal, so non-riders need to hang back and be patient. Non-riding spouses and partners are welcome to join the Lizard Head meal plan which includes breakfasts and dinners for $75 per day. Note: Lunches are not included for non-riders driving their own vehicles due to the inherent variability of both lunch timing and locations. It is best for non-riders to plan to explore each day.

6-Day Tour with 6 Nights Lodging: (subject to change)

• Nights 1 & 2: Ojo Caliente, Ojo Caliente, NM
• Nights 3, 4, & 5: Inn on La Loma Plaza or Hotel La Fonda, Taos, NM
• Night 6: Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM

4-Day Tour with 4 Nights Lodging: (subject to change)

• Depending on your chosen package, the 4-Day tour lodging is either Nights 1-4 or Nights 4-6 as shown above.

Meeting Hotel and Ending Hotel reservations and costs are NOT included unless specified otherwise. Guests are on-their-own to make reservations at the Meeting Hotel or Ending Hotel, or other nearby hotels.

Road Bike Rentals

NOTE: The make, model, and specifications of rental bikes may differ from what is described below. Please contact us if you have any specific needs for a rental bike or have any questions about rental bikes.

Lizard Head Cycling Guides is proud to rent Scott Bikes. The Scott Addict 10 Disc was designed from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 10 will be your go to when you’re looking to put the miles in.

The Scott Addict 10 Disc features: Carbon Frame and Fork, Shimano Ultegra 2x11 Drivetrain, 34x32 Compact Gearing, 30mm Tires, and Hydraulic Disc Brakes. Approx. Weight: 16.89 lbs / 7.66 kg (without pedals)

☛ Learn more about our Rental Bikes and Equipment

Road E-Bike Rentals: Click Here for more information on our Road E-Bike Rentals including pricing. Please note that E-Bikes are not available for certain tours including those that involve camping. Please contact us for more information before registering for a tour. NOTE: E-Bikes are great, but our tours are designed to be ridden without motorized assistance. We offer "bumps" along the road so that everyone can stay together.

Tandems and Recumbents: Lizard Head Cycling Guides happily accommodates both tandem and recumbent bikes on our tours.

If you have any further questions, please read more on our Rental Bikes FAQ page. You can also email us at info@lizardheadcyclingguides.com or call us at 970.728.5891

Meals On Tour

Lizard Head Cycling Guides provides most meals on all tours (unless otherwise noted) including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guides will prepare a daily lunch en route for nearly every tour, both road and off-road, as well as provide nutritious snacks at periodic aid stations during the day.

Most of our road tours utilize local restaurants for all meals and occasionally guides may prepare a dinner or two during a tour. Due to the nature of being "off the grid", most of our off-road tours feature guide prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. FUN NOTE: When guides prepare a meal in camp and the guests sit around and watch, this is called "Guide TV".

We also pride ourselves on being able to cater to specific dietary requests and needs, so rest assured that you will be able to get the nutrition that works best for you during your tour. Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, or a someone who loves it all – we will keep you well fed during the tour!

Lunches: Lizard Head Cycling Guides prepares healthy lunches to keep you going. We will serve you fresh organic fruits and veggies, salads, hummus, sandwich fixings, nuts, gourmet cheeses and, of course, plenty of salty/sweet snacks such as chips and cookies.

Dinners: On our road tours, Lizard Head Cycling sources our favorite restaurants in each town that we visit. Our guides focus on establishments that offer fresh and local ingredients and guests choose whatever they desire to eat off the menu including: appetizer, salad, entrée, and of course, dessert... yum! Also, while on tour if a guest wants to dine early before the group and go to bed, this is fine. We understand that on some days sleep is the most important post-ride element.

Ability Level: Can I Ride This Tour?

Definition of Ability Levels

= Intermediate (2/3) Rides and/or takes spin classes 1 to 3 times a week for a total of 50 or more miles.
= Upper Intermediate (3) Rides and/or takes spin classes 2 to 4 times a week for a total of 75 or more miles.
= Advanced (3/4) Rides and/or takes spin classes 3 to 5 times a week for a total of 100 or more miles. Has ridden multi-day tours and done a century ride.
= Expert (4) Rides 4 or more times per week totaling 150 or more miles. Rides E.F.I. with regularity. Has done numerous multi-day tours, century rides and races.

How Fit do I Have to Be? If one month prior to the tour, you can ride 2 to 3 times a week equaling a total of 75 or more miles a week, you'll do just fine. We like to jokingly say that "one is ready for a Lizard Head Cycling Tour when they are finished with tour" and this is true! The only way to simulate a week long bike tour is to go on a week long tour.

Our average rider age is 55 years. These are bike tours, not races so we take our time to stop, take pictures and see the sights. We have all day to reach our destination and most riders take "bumps" at some points. We offer reduced mileage options for each day. Of course if someone wants to ride E.F.I. (Every Freaking Inch), we love to show them all the extra climbs, loops and hidden canyons that can be included!

Do the Bump! Daily mileage options allow cyclists of varying abilities to enjoy this tour. One of our favorite options is to give cyclists a "bump" via the support vehicle, or a 10 to 20 mile lift down the road representing an hour of pedal time. After the bump the rider is "off the front" and riding at his or her own pace without feeling they are being left behind the group. They'll then have time to linger and take in the spectacular scenery. All cyclists come together in time for lunch. Afterwards, cyclists can take another bump and/or continue riding.

Seamless Mileage Options: Lizard Head Cycling Guides designs multiple mileage options for each tour – something we're well known for in our business. This technique is similar to heliskiing in that one does not ski everything, they ski the best. 🙂

Slow or Fast? Many cyclists who sign up for our tours have worried themselves silly about not being able to keep up, but then they're surprised to find that all the worrying was about nothing. They do just fine! Slow and Fast only exist relative to other cyclists. Speed does not matter as long as one is moving on the bike. As long as one is moving, they are truly going fast enough.

If you have questions about your ability to ride this tour, please contact our office via email or call us at 970.728.5891 - we'll more than happy to guide you!

Please also see this blog post for more information.

Overall Route Map

Below is an example of the daily routes for this tour and are subject to change based on season, available accommodations, road closures, and other factors. The actual routes will be made available to registered participants before their tour, so please view these routes as a general outline as to what to expect.

Norte de Nuevo México Bike Tour: Itinerary*

*PLEASE NOTE: Tour itineraries are subject to change and modification based on the group, available accommodations, road construction, road closures, and other unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, landslides and/or other acts of nature. Also, the distances and elevation profiles shown below may not reflect the actual distances and elevations while on tour as these are provided here to give an idea as to the anticipated mileage and terrain. Please view this itinerary, the distances, and elevation profiles as a general outline as to what to expect while on this tour.

4-Day Itinerary: Depending on your chosen package, the 4-Day itinerary is either Days 1-4 or Days 4-6 as outlined below. NOTE: Guests choosing the 4-day option that start must shuttle to the Taos to start the tour. NOTE #2: Guests can choose days Days 3 to 6, but have to shuttle to Ojo Caliente. Contact us for details.

Day 0 (Saturday): Arrival in Albuquerque, NM

Guests either drive to Albuquerque, New Mexico, or fly into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) or Santa Fe on the day prior to the tour start to meet at the designated meeting hotel (provided in confirmation documents). NOTE: If you fly to Santa Fe, you take the shuttle to start the tour. The tour ends in Santa Fe. If flying to Albuquerque you shuttle from Santa Fe to Albuquerque at tours end.

NOTE: When lodging is available for Day 0 in Abiquiu, Lizard Head Cycling is meeting guests at 3pm at the meeting hotel in Albuquerque on Day 0 for a shuttle to Abiquiu for a 2-nights stay. Before making plane reservations, please confirm if your tour date has added this additional night 0 lodging (ask the office or view in your tour’s confirmation document). This Day 0 lodging will be added at cost (no markup) to your invoice. Two nights in Abiquiu allows for an easier start to Day 1.

Guests are on-their-own for meals on Day 0.

Day 1: Abiquiú to Ojo Caliente
Standard: 30 miles with up to 1,910 feet of climbing
EFI: 55 with additional of Canon Plaza Ride

The tour starts in the painted desert of Georgia O’Keeffe country – the very terrain which helped inspired her artwork. Along most of today’s route towers Cerro Pedernal (or simply “Pedernal”), Spanish for “flint hill”. Pedernal was the subject of many of Georgia’s paintings and her ashes are scattered on its top. After a quick morning shuttle ride, we’ll start pedaling in the New Mexican town Georgia called home, Abiquiú. From Abiquiú, we head norte into Carson National Forest to the historic Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. This is a beautifully empty route through southernmost foothills of the Sierra San Juan Mountains. The Sierra San Juan Mountains start in southwestern Colorado near Lizard Head Cycling’s namesake Lizard Head Peak.

Steeped in myth and legend, the ancient springs of Ojo Caliente have been a gathering place and source of healing for thousands of years. Ancient peoples, the ancestors of today’s Native American Tewa tribes, built large pueblos and terraced gardens overlooking the springs. Surrounding the springs are the ruins of the cities populated before the birth of history. For those interested in learning more, and witnessing this history first hand, one can easily hike to these ruins while staying at Ojo.

 

Day 2: Layover Day at Ojo Caliente
Optional Ride: Canon Plaza – 30 to 43 miles with up to 2,450 feet of climbing

Today’s layover day at Ojo Caliente presents guests with a range of options. Some choose to relax at the mineral springs right on-property, while others opt to take a leisurely hike to a 1,000 year old Anasazi ruin above Ojo. Still others opt to hop on their bikes for a ride. Our guides are happy to suggest routes to match your desired distance and duration, but the most popular by far is an wonderful out and back route to Canon Plaza.

Day 3: Brazos Ride
Standard: 59 miles with up to 4,800 feet of climbing

Today we depart Ojo Caliente and ride a gorgeous mountain route before shuttling to Taos. The ride from Tres Piedras (“Three Rocks” in Spanish) is a beautiful out and back to the Brazos (“arms”) range of the Sierra San Juans that tops out in the golden aspens after climbing 4,500-feet in 29-miles (58-miles Roundtrip). In the fall these aspen groves are the golden beauty that John Denver sang about. 🙂

Today’s ride in Tres Piedras ends at one of our favorite green chile cheeseburger spots in all the Land of Enchantment – Chili Line Depot! After wrapping up the ride (and a green chile cheeseburger, if desired!), we’ll shuttle to Taos and our accommodation for the next 3 nights: the Inn on La Loma Plaza or Hotel La Fonda.

Day 4: The Enchanted Circle
Highlights-only Option: 59-miles with 2,925 feet of climbing
Standard Option: 79 miles with up to 4,310 feet of climbing
E.F.I. Option: 99-miles

This is the showcase ride of New Mexico bike tour. The route starts at the Wild Rivers Recreation Area in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The ride follows a loop around the fabulous Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway back to Taos showcasing the Sierra Sangre De Cristo. Cyclists enjoy big mountain views that display the topography of Norte de Nuevo bordered by the majestic presence of the dark and mysterious Rio Grande Gorge.

Day 5: Layover Day in Taos
Optional Ride: 20 miles with 2,210 feet of climbing

Today is a build-your-own-adventure day! Guests have the option of exploring historic Taos, including a fantastic Taos Art Gallery Tour, shopping, and dining… World Cup Café is our recommendation for the best coffee shop within walking discount in Taos! For those looking for an adventure, we welcome guests to raft the Taos Box, a famous stretch of the Rio Grande – choose either a Full Day Option, or a Half Day Option.

Of course, some guests will want to ride as well, and great route options abound! Our favorite? The 20 mile out and back to the greatest ski mountain in the world, Taos Ski Valley.

Day 6: A Pilgrimage on the High Road to Taos – Taos to El Santuario de Chimayo
Lower-mileage Option: 35 miles
Standard option:45 miles with up to 4,050 feet of climbing

Another highlight ride of the New Mexico tour! The riding commences at the historic San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church and then follows the scenic High Road amongst the southernmost peaks of the Sierra Sangre de Cristo range. This destination ride includes pine forests, cottonwood valleys and plenty of climbing. Praying that you can make it is encouraged as there are 5 mission churches along this pilgrimage.

The High Road ends at a special place, the El Santuario de Chimayo, a historical church in the old village of Chimayo. At this location a tiny shrine that is built on the site of what many believe to be a miracle associated with the crucifix of “Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas” (Our Lord of Esquipulas). El Santuario de Chimayo is also the site of “el pocito” the small pit of Holy Dirt which many people attribute as possessing remarkable curative powers.

Our trip ends upon arrival at tonight’s lodging (included in tour cost) only steps from the historic Santa Fe plaza in the quintessential New Mexican lodging of Chimayo de Santa Fe.

 

Day 7: Optional – Exploring Santa Fe

After our farewell dinner at Estevan’s on Night 6, guests are on their own to explore Santa Fe on Day 7. Lodging is optional and additional on Night 7 (please contact us if you would like us to book you an extra night) or guests can choose to depart on this day. Since you are positioned only steps from Santa Fe’s historic plaza, art galleries, restaurants and music, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a whole day in Santa Fe, go for it. If you have the time while in Santa Fe check out Meow-Wolf!

POST-TOUR (Day 8): After the optional 7th night of lodging, guests arrange for their own transportation back to Albuquerque via the convenient scenic Railrunner train or on many regularly scheduled shuttle services. For more information regarding transportation to Albuquerque, please visit www.riometro.org or groometransportation.com.

Norte de Nuevo México Bike Tour: Logistics & FAQs

Bike Shipping

Lizard Head Cycling recommends shipping with BikeFlights.com. Bikes can be shipped either to our partner bike shop in each meeting town for professional assembly or directly to the meeting hotel for self-assembly. Bike boxes can generally be left at the meeting hotel during the tour. Bikes shipped across the continental US should be shipped 8 days prior to your tour.

Tour Support: A 15-passenger van and trailer that carries luggage, food and equipment supports Lizard Head Cycling’s tours. Cyclists keep a day bag that is accessible within the support vehicle.

The vehicle will sag and then pass riders to set up aid stations every 20 to 25 miles. This allows cyclists to linger at the back and then take a ten-mile, fifteen-mile or whatever mile “bump” forward to catch-up or get ahead of the group. Energy food, drink mixes, and fresh fruit are available throughout each stage.

The Daily Schedule: Cyclists ride their own pace. Lizard Head Cycling does its best to support riders in their varying desires and efforts. Cyclists can either use our tours to simply support their tour experience or to engage in a guided experience along the route.

Cue sheets with directions, profiles and locations of aid stations are given out for each day.

General Tour & Cancellation Policies

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with all of our tour and cancellation policies, which can be found by clicking here.

Travel Insurance

If you have not already, now would be a great time to consider adding travel insurance to your tour. You are welcome to use any travel insurance company you would like. We recommend Generali/Trip Mate.

American Guests - use this link: http://www.generalitravelinsurance.com/get-a-quote.html?partner=LIZA0855

• The Premium Plan is the only plan which offers Pre-Existing coverage so long as the plan is purchased prior to Final Payment.
• The Premium Plan is the only plan that offers an optional Cancel For Any Reason - the policy must be purchased within 24 hours of initial trip deposit, the full trip cost must be insured, and if they cancel for Any Reason, it must be 48 hours prior to departure, and the reimbursement for an Any Reason claim is 60% of pre-paid, insured, non-refundable trip cost.
• Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-874-2442 for coverage questions and policy modifications or to purchase by phone. Agency Code: LIZA0855

Canadian Guests - use this link: https://tripmate.catravelins.ca/?utm_source=lizardhead