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SUMMARY:
Experience a Gay Men's 6-day Hikers' Retreat in the enchanted high desert of Pecos, New Mexico about 25 miles from Santa Fe. The Alamitos Canyon Retreat Lodge offers New Mexican style prepared cuisine, moderate to strenuous optional daily hikes, optional group wellness (meditation, yoga, council circles), and a final excursion at the rejuvenating Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. This is a suggested $850 lodge / $425 tenting accommodation DONATION based retreat for gay men that includes accommodation, food, hiking and community gatherings.
Itinerary :: August 11 - 18, 2026
Day 1 – Tuesday, August 11 (self-arranged TRAVEL DAY):
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- Suggested arrival at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ).
- Rent an AWD vehicle (recommended: AVIS Jeep Wrangler) at ABQ. Other arrangements by leader can be arranged in advance.
- Book overnight in Santa Fe or Albuquerque.
Day 2 – Wednesday, August 12:
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- Group meets at 8am at Pecos National Historical Park for a guided 1–2 hour walking tour.
- Brunch at Frankie's at the Casanova ($10–$20, vegetarian/local specialties)
- Caravan together up the mountain to Alamitos Canyon Retreat Lodge (~40min, scenic route).
- Optional afternoon hike: Cave Creek Trail (5.6mi round-trip, moderate, altitude: 8,400–9,700ft — pack water).
- Chef-prepared welcome dinner and arrival orientation. Settle in, learn about the land, self/group care, & daily rhythm.
- Group wellness options: meditation, sunset yoga, men’s council gathering nightly.
Day 3 & 4 – Thursday, August 13 & Friday, August 14:
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- Optional morning and evening hikes in Alamitos Canyon (3–4 hours, moderate to strenuous).
- Self-serve breakfast, light lunch, dinner at lodge.
- Group wellness options: meditation, sunset yoga, men’s council gathering nightly.
Day 5 – Saturday, August 15:
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- Early departure for a strenuous hike up Lake Katherine via Winsor Trail (14.1mi round-trip, significant elevation gain, strenuous; see alpine lake beneath Santa Fe Baldy).
- Chef prepared early self-serve breakfast & self prepared trail snacks/lunch.
- Chef-prepared dinner at Lodge on return.
- Group wellness options: meditation, sunset yoga, men’s council gathering nightly.
Day 6– Sunday, August 16:
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- Optional morning and evening hikes in Alamitos Canyon (3–4 hours, moderate to strenuous).
- Self-serve breakfast, light lunch, dinner at lodge.
- Group wellness options: meditation, sunset yoga, men’s council gathering nightly.
Day 7 – Monday, August 17 (Final Day):
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- Pack up departure from Lodge, drive 2 hours to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs, Ojo Caliente, NM.
- Sunrise Men’s Gathering Closing Council
- Day passes for hot springs ($45–$65/person), book spa treatments ($89+), and private soaks ($175 for two).
- Restaurant and on-site spa are out-of-pocket expenses.
- Self book wellness treatments or overnight accomodations in Ojo, Santa Fe or ABQ.
Meals
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- Breakfast (self-serve), light or packed lunch, and chef-prepared dinner included in retreat donation.
- New Mexican cuisine, vegetarian and meat options.
Accommodations and Offerings
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- First-Come-First-Served Accomadations (5 indoor beds, 4 bring your own tent private sites)
- Off-grid, solar, rainwater catchment systems, over 150 acres of mountain ridge and canyon forest wilderness.
- Natural spaces for yoga, meditation, and relaxation.
- Lodging and all on-site meals/activities included.
- Donation-based rate will cover Chef, Food and Facilities cost.
Dining Out & Excursion Expenses
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- Brunch at Frankie's at the Casanova: $10–$20/person.
- Ojo Caliente Hot Springs entry: $45–$65/person.
- Excursion meals and Ojo expenses are NOT included in retreat donation.
*Packing & Preparation will be supplied upon registration.
**Please reach out to Gary (group leader) for more information or to hold a spot (AlamitosCanyon (at) pm.me)
High Altitude Health
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- Pecos area and planned hikes reach 8,400–11,000ft.
- Hydrate often, pace yourself, minimize alcohol/caffeine, snack regularly.
- OTC altitude medication recommended for sensitive participants (consult your doctor).
Links & Resources
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