The historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway links Albuquerque and Santa Fe and encompasses 15,000 square miles in the heart of central New Mexico. You will drive back into history through the mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos, whose mines once yielded gold, silver, lead, zinc, and turquoise. During its heyday in the 1880s Cerrillos boasted twenty-one saloons, and four hotels. A renewed spirit has brought art, crafts, theater, music, museums, and restaurants to these towns.

Upon arrival in Santa Fe there will be a guided walking tour, visiting such points of interest as the historic Plaza, St. Francis Cathedral, the Loretto Chapel, with its famous "miraculous" staircase, and the San Miguel Mission. Founded in 1610, Santa Fe was the last stop on the Camino Real, the fabled Royal Road that stretched from Mexico City to the northernmost reaches of the Spanish Empire. Today it is the heart and soul of the Southwest, and "Santa Fe Style" is synonymous with all the best the region has to offer. Its historic Plaza, winding streets, covered arcades, hidden gardens and courtyards, and Pueblo-style architecture reflect the blending of Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures.

After the walking tour you may continue to explore on your own or indulge in a southwestern shopping spree at the many unique specialty stores and galleries around the Plaza. Nearly all the city's main cultural attractions are also within walking distance of the Plaza, including the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the Palace of the Governors.

*This tour includes a box lunch and beverage.

Today you will ride along one of the Southwest's most spectacular routes - the Jemez Mountain Trail, declared a National Scenic and Historic Byway in 1998 in recognition of its wonderful natural and historic resources.

Your first stop will be the Walatowa Visitors Center at Jemez Pueblo, one of the nineteen Native American Pueblos of New Mexico, situated against the deep red rocks of the Jemez Mountains. The Center provides visitor information about the Pueblo and displays a selection of arts and crafts created by Jemez artisans.

You then continue along the Jemez River as it cuts through canyons whose colors change dramatically from brown to brilliant red and orange. Climbing east out of Jemez Canyon you enter Valle Grande and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Situated at 8,500 feet above sea level this is one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. Although fourteen miles across, only part of the caldera can be seen because the view is obscured by the great dome of Redondo Peak, all that remains of a volcano. There will be a stop at the scenic overlook before proceeding to Bandelier.

Bandelier National Monument is best known for its mesas, sheer-walled canyons, and the ancestral Pueblo dwellings found among them. The Anasazi farmed this canyon for over 400 years and lived in multi-storied stone and mud structures or in caves carved out of the volcanic cliffs. Even if you're not an archaeological enthusiast, you will enjoy climbing the ladders into the caves and kivas. Dress comfortably and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen recommended.

*This tour includes a box lunch and beverage.

This afternoon you board your deluxe coach and head east to the foothills of the Sandia Mountains for a ride on the Sandia Peak Tram, the world's longest free-span cable tramway.

The 2.7-mile ride to the top will take you through four of the seven life zones found in North America. Traversing these zones is equivalent to taking a trip from Mexico City to Alaska! Once atop Sandia Peak, at an elevation of 10,375 feet above sea level, you will marvel at the thousands of square miles of breathtaking scenery and panoramic views in all directions.

Lunch this afternoon will be at High Finance Restaurant, which offers views of 11,000 square miles of New Mexico's landscape from one of the finest restaurants in the Southwest, offering a total dining experience "above them all." You will select from a limited menu. Following lunch, you will have ample time to hike the mountain trails or catch a ride on the chair lift.

On the way back to the hotel you will stop at Bien Mur Indian Market Center, owned and operated by the Pueblo of Sandia. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Sandia Mountains, its kiva-shaped building has been a landmark on Albuquerque's North side for over twenty years. Whether you are making your first purchase or are an experienced collector, you will find that Bien Mur offers the finest selection of authentic, handmade Native American arts and crafts to be found under one roof.

*This tour includes a round trip ride on the tram and lunch.

Albuquerque is the hot-air ballooning capital of the world. Your adventure begins at sunrise when Rainbow Ryders, Inc. picks you up in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel and takes you to the launch site where the action begins. They inflate the rainbow balloon providing you the opportunity to become involved "hands on" crewmembers and help with the inflation, or sit back and observe as the gentle giant comes alive. Your flight takes you over the beautiful Rio Grande valley. You will have breath-taking views of the City and Sandia Mountains to the east, volcanoes to the west. The flight will last approximately one hour.

Following touchdown, you will be served champagne and a light continental breakfast. You will also be presented with a flight certificate and pin. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will experience all the aspects of ballooning. Shorts and dresses are not recommended and high-heeled shoes are prohibited. Don't forget your camera on this beautiful journey.

Time and Location

Dates: You may make reservations for your flight on any day between July 9 and July 17, 2005
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel (at front entrance)
Time: 6:00am - 10:00am (You will be returned to the Hyatt by 10:00am)

Register for the Balloon Rides

Choose the Month of "July-2005" and click GO, click on the date on the calendar you want to book; on the next page fill in the number of adults and children, then enter your EVENT CODE (SNL100).

Please Note: Without the Event Code (SNL100), prices will be higher.

You can also make your reservations during the conference by calling 823-1111. If you have questions, please see a Registration Desk volunteer for assistance.

PRICE PER ADULT: $140 plus tax
PRICE PER CHILD: $109 plus tax