Guided Tours and Outfitters

The Festival of the Cranes, Hatch Chile Festival, and Fort Bayard are a few of the tour destinations and events that UNM's excellent continuing-education program, Story of New Mexico, offers to the public. Trips start in Albuquerque and comprise small groups; all transportation is provided. 505/277-0077 or 505/277-0563. dce.unm.edu.

Leah Gray Jones, with Wilderness Ventures, has run guided trips on horseback through the Gila Wilderness for well over two decades; horses are always well-matched with a rider's skills, and all levels of experience are welcome. 866/7677-2008 or 575/539-2800. www.gilawildernessventures.com.

WolfHorse Outfitters is a Native American guide service offering superb, customized horseback, backpack, and hiking expeditions into the heart of Gila country. Most are led by owner Joe Saenz, who is of Warm Springs Apache ancestry, and convey an especially rich appreciation of the land and its history. 575/534-1379. www.wolfhorseoutfitters.com.