I am planning a trip with my best friends (4 of us) for our 30th birthdays...
We want to check out a trip in NM that would include some hiking/biking/rafting type activities, plus some culture, people watching, etc. Any suggestions for us? We are on a budget. Anyone ever stay at a peublo or on a reservation? Thanks!

I would suggest that if you can get the money together, a hot-air balloon ride would be a great 30th birthday present to give yourselves! Albuquerque has some of the best ballooning in the country.

Not to state the obvious, but would it be possible for you to go sometime other than August? Going hiking in that heat will NOT be pleasant. We lived there for over four years, and I'd suggest you move your trip to the spring or fall rather than try to endure that heat; it's unbearable. I don't mean to be a wet blanket, I'm just trying to spare you some extreme discomfort at a time when you're trying to celebrate and have fun . . .

There is an area i belived called the Golden Triangle in northern NM. It includes Taos for rafting and culture and Red River and Angel Fire for hiking and biking. You will not be able to fiend a hotel or B&B on an Indian pueblo community.

We weni rafting,hiking last Aug in Taos and SAnta Fe. It is not hot there in Aug. because of the elevation!! In fact it can get chilly!! We sayed at a hostel bordering the Taos pueblo, slept in tipis!! The abominable snowman hostel awesome!

We had a great time in 1999, renting two cabins on the Pecos River. It was about 40 miles to Santa Fe and its amenities- plus there's fishing, etc. on the river. Great hiking in this area as well. Not sure what your budget can bear; if the cabins are too pricy, you might check out one of the area state parks.Cabin info:www.markrentscabins.com

Annette,
I would go to New Mexico in August, why not? I went to summer camp in Northern New Mexico in Ute Park between Cimarron and Eagles Nest. That part of New Mexico is absolutely gorgeous. A word of warning Santa Fe in August is very busy with Indian Market and the Santa Fe opera. It can get crowded so take that into account. But I have to admit it is hard to skip Happy Birthday and enjoy yourself.

thanks for hte good tips, everyone. turns out we are going to vancouver instead!