2024 Expeditions
Annual Expeditions
July 26 – 31, Trek I
Aug 2 – 7, Trek II
Aug 9 – 14, Trek I
Aug 16 – 21, Trek II
Aug 23 – 28, Trek I
Aug 30 – Sept 4, Trek I
Sept 6 – 11, Trek II
Sept 13 – 18, Trek I
Sept 20 – 25, Trek II
Sept 27 – Oct 2, Trek I
Oct 4 – 9, Trek II
Oct 11 – 16, Trek I
Oct 18 – 23, trek II
All expeditions originate and conclude at the Albuquerque Airport – Albuquerque International Sunport.
Wallace Stegner wrote in his 1960 Wilderness Letter:
“We simply need that wild country available to us, even if we never do more than drive to its edge and look in. For it can be a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, a part of the geography of hope.”
Come along as we drive to the edge, and walk on a little further.
Travel with us, Dava and Gaea: we are honored to be your guides. We are anthropologists and long-time travelers; we have led treks in New Mexico together and traveled abroad, and independently. Read our bios here.
What we offer
We bring you to our favorite places across the northern New Mexico landscape. Our 6 day, 5 night journey offers a mix of wilderness and culture. Be renewed, inspired, and curious in places that remind us to open our minds and our hearts.
We offer an intimate visit to New Mexico; travel in comfort – a good bed at the end of each day – and in grandeur, through high desert and mountain landscapes. Crisp blue skies and far-reaching vistas, vibrant cottonwood and aspen, and sparkling nights stir the senses. Enjoy gentle hikes in the high desert of Ghost ranch, the treasured home place of Georgia Okeefe. Explore other worldly Plaza Blanca and the sacred grounds surrounding Chimayo. We bring you on thoughtful tours, like a morning at Mesa Prieta Petroglyph site, followed by a restorative visit to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs.
We dip into places that inspire and revive the spirit, and enliven the inner eye. We track down heartwarming dishes, offer our firsthand knowledge, and bring you to the best lookout spots at sunset. Join the expedition soon ~ our trek accommodates up to 10 participants.
Itinerary for Expeditions
Trek I – New Mexico Art: From Prehistoric to Present
This trek includes stops at significant cultural sites, including; petroglyph sites, Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Georgia O’Keeffe territory (Ghost Ranch / Abiquiu, Plaza Blanca), as well as wood carvers, pueblo potters and silversmiths.
Trek I Overview Itinerary:
Wednesday – Arrive at Albuquerque Airport between noon and 2pm
Thursday – Ghost Ranch / Abiquiu, Plaza Blanca
Friday – Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project, and Ojo Caliente
Saturday – Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos Pueblo and Taos plaza
Sunday – El Sanctuario de Chimayo Historic Site, and Georgia O’Keefe Museum
Monday – Trek concludes at Albuquerque Airport, afternoon departure
Trek II – New Mexico Culture: From Petroglyphs to Pueblos
This trek includes Bandelier National Monument, Taos Pueblo, and Rio Grande Gorge National Monument petroglyph adventure, and a day at a hotspring spa, and visits with artisans.
Trek II Overview Itinerary:
Wednesday – Arrive at Albuquerque Airport between noon and 2pm, overnight Santa Fe
Thursday – Bandelier National Monument, overnight Taos
Friday – Taos Pueblo and Taos plaza, overnight Taos
Saturday – Rio Grande Gorge National Monument – Wild Rivers, overnight Taos
Sunday – Ojo Caliente Spa, overnight in Albuquerque
Monday – Trek concludes at Albuquerque Airport, afternoon departure
Cost breakdown + important dates + packing list
Trip Total
$999 + (8.25% tax)
Select your trek: Trek I or II
Select your dates.
$500 deposit due 60 days prior to your trek.
Full payment due two weeks prior to your trek.
Payment options
Pay by credit card, debit card, check, or Zelle:
Call: (two one zero) 857-5171
Or email: mcgaheed@gmail.com
You will receive an invoice from DAVA Cultural Legacy
Cancellation policy:
Cancel 30 days before your departure to receive 80% of you deposit. If you need to cancel within 30 of your departure no refund is possible, but your trip is transferable.
Includes:
All overnight accommodations, entry to museums, pueblo entry, tours, and Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs.
Meals: simple breakfasts are available at your accommodations. We provide snacks, some lunches, and some happy hour beverages.
Not included:
You will cover your own meals (usually dinners) and beverages at restaurants, and your shopping. You will arrange for your arrival and departure out of Albuquerque, airfair not included.
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Packing for the Expedition:
Pack light, one carry-on size bag per person should suffice. High Desert weather is unpredictable. Days can be warm, while nights are chilly in late October. We recommend a coat, layered clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, water bottle, small backpack/day-pack, a flashlight or headlamp, and hats (one for hot sun, one for cool nights). We will take in a few dinner spots and a cantina. Dress is casual. Include any medications and toiletries you will need, including sunscreen. Swimwear is needed for the Ojo Caliente Spa. Bring comfortable active wear. Your camera is welcome in most areas. Let us know of any special dietary needs or allergies.
