Ultimate Pinzgauer Adventures
PINZGAUER TOURS – The Ultimate New Mexico 4WD Adventures
Get beyond the ordinary and explore rugged trails in a Pinzgauer. HOLD ON…what exactly is a Pinzgauer?
Named after an Austrian breed of horse, and originally developed around 1969 for military use, the Pinzgauer is considered to be “one of the most capable all-terrain vehicles ever made”. The first generation Pinzgauer, produced between 1971 and 1985, is available in both four-wheel drive (Model 710) and six-wheel drive (Model 712) versions. A total of 18,349 first-generation “Pinzies” were produced, many of which were eventually sold by the Swiss Army to civilians. It is estimated that there are only approximately 3,000 Pinzgauers in the United States.
What makes the Pinzgauers such unique offroading vehicles? They have 14 ½ inches of ground clearance with locking differentials on the front and back axles. The Pinzgauers “can carry up to 3,000 pounds, turn about as tightly as a motorcycle, handle a 45-degree side slope without rolling, and climb any grade that its tires can grip”.
A ride in the Pinzgauer is an experience. Not convinced? Watch our video below and then call us to book a TRUE NEW MEXICO PINZIE ADVENTURE!
New Mexico is Made for Adventure
SAGEBRUSH FLATS – Cerros del Rio Volcanic Field
Take a jaunt in our Pinzgauer to the west of Santa Fe and explore one of New Mexico’s many volcanic fields. The Caja del Rio Plateau, or Cerros del Rio, offers a rugged landscape, dotted by cinder cones and sparsely covered with piñon pines and juniper trees. The dirt roads that traverse the plateau are rarely utilized, offering explorers the opportunity to truly enjoy nature. The views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking – the Sangre de Cristo Mountains reaching from Santa Fe northwards to Taos and beyond; the Jemez Mountains to the west across the Rio Grande River and the Sandias to the south. Enjoy the views and experience first hand the volcanic past of New Mexico.
| Duration: | 3 hour Pinz Adventure |
| Level of difficulty: | Moderately challenging offroading |
| Pricing: | $102 per adult / $81 per child (12 years and under). Price does not include NM Gross Receipts Tax. Minimum of two participants. |
4×4 By Fun – Tours from the Plaza into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains
Starting from San Francisco Street, enjoy the architecture of the Saint Francis Cathedral and travel the route that Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy took to his private retreat called Villa Pintoresca. Meander through the village of Tesuque, known for its orchards and pastures, and climb towards the Sangre de Cristo Mountains for spectacular views. Our FUN Pinzgauer excursion towards Pacheco Canyon offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy views of northern New Mexico’s mountains and to learn a bit about other historic towns beyond Santa Fe.
| Duration: | 90 minute Pinz Adventure |
| Level of difficulty: | Easy scenic tour |
| Pricing: | $23 per adult / $18 per child (12 years and under). Price does not include NM Gross Receipts Tax. Minimum of two participants. |
TRUCKING AND TREKKING – Outdoor Fun for Corporate Groups and Families
Enjoy an exhilarating all-terrain vehicle ride in our Swiss Army truck (a “Pinzgauer”) followed by a fun GPS trek to search for hidden, scenic locations. We’re offering this TRUE NEW MEXICO adventure with our sister company, Santa Fe Mountain Adventures.
In the summer through the fall (June-October), we’ll take you for a jaunt up Pacheco Canyon, climbing from 7,000 feet to 10,000 feet through a forest of Ponderosa pines and aspen trees. Experience the beauty of the Sangres and HOLD ON as our guide takes you up to a scenic trail where your group can experience a unique and fun trekking adventure with global positioning satellite (GPS) technology.
Following a briefing by Santa Fe Mountain Adventures on how to use the technology and receiving coordinates for the first hunt location, each team is given several advanced GPS devices to search for hidden spots. Children are also rewarded with treasures at the target sites! At the hidden locations, teams unearth a clue and sometimes undertake a challenge to help them find the next destination. This stimulating event promotes fun and team-building, encourages problem solving and educates everyone on a new generation of orienteering technology. A guide accompanies each team on the course.
The Trucking and Trekking Adventures can be organized for groups of 8 to 35 guests.
| Duration: | 5 to 6 hour adventures |
| Level of difficulty: | Easy to moderately challenging offroading / stimulating geocaching trek |
| Pricing: | $212 per adult / $170 per child (12 years and under). Price does not include NM Gross Receipts Tax. Minimum of eight participants. |
SUNSET PINZGAUER TOURS – Experience New Mexico’s stunning sunsets
Take a scenic dirt road from the village of Tesuque up into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Drive through a forest of majestic ponderosa pines and beautiful aspens to a viewpoint near the Santa Fe Ski Basin. Enjoy the crisp air, ten thousand feet above sea level, and delight in one of New Mexico’s stunning sunsets.
We offer these sunset tours daily from mid-April through mid-November, weather permitting, departing from Santa Fe approximately 2 hours before sunset. Please note that a Pinzgauer Off Road Tour means you will be on dirt trails for a good portion of the ride – it will be bumpy, occasionally dusty and, overall, a rugged and exciting adventure!
| Duration: | 3 hour Pinz Ride |
| Level of difficulty: | Easy |
| Pricing: | $102 per adult / $82 per child (12 years and under). Price does not include NM Gross Receipts Tax. Minimum of two participants. |
Customized 4X4 Adventures
Call and inquire about other all season expeditions in the greater Santa Fe area. We offer 2 to 8 hour outings depending on your interest.
NEW MEXICO’S POLAR EXPEDITIONS – Winter Special
This is a full day Pinzgauer excursion that will take you from downtown Santa Fe up into the Jemez Mountains. Ascending from 7,000 feet to 11,500 feet, enjoy spectacular mountain views as you drive along 31 Mile Road near Espanola, the Lowrider Capital of the World, towards Chicoma Mountain. We’ll put chains on the Pinzgauer once we hit snow and continue up into the mountains, stopping along the way for a picnic lunch and an exhilarating snowshoe hike.
Come prepared for fun in the sun and snow! Venture where most vehicles are unable to go in the winter months and enjoy a quiet snowshoe hike in the wilderness.
Please call in advance to book a New Mexico Polar Expedition.
| Duration: | 8 hour Pinz Ride & Snowshoe Hike |
| Level of difficulty: | Easy to challenging offroading |
| Pricing: | $272 per adult / $218 per child (12 years and under). Price does not include NM Gross Receipts Tax. Price includes the rental of snowshoes and a picnic lunch from Whole Foods. Minimum of two participants. |
