Intro
Situated at the foot of the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos, New Mexico, is a delightful town known for its community of artists, writers, and musicians. The area offers many attractions, and visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Taos perfectly combines history, culture, and adventure, making it a great road trip destination from Santa Fe. There are so many things to do in Taos, that you’ll need a few days to check items off your list.
Getting There
As you head north out of Santa Fe, two routes lead to Taos — the “Low Road” and the “High Road.” Both drives are scenic and offer a variety of interesting stops along the way.
The Low Road is the most direct route. It’s 70 miles long and takes about an hour and a half. You’ll wind along Highway 68 as it hugs the cottonwood-lined Rio Grande. Depending on the time of year, you might see rafters and tubers floating down the river. Numerous places along the way offer easy access to the river. You’ll also find fruit stands and wineries on this route, so add some time if you plan to make stops.
Access the High Road by heading north on US 84/285 and then taking NM 503 to NM 76. This road is 105 miles long and takes about two and a half hours without stops. However, the trip will be more fun if you stop at a few attractions as you travel through the scenic area sprinkled with remote mountain villages.
For the best experience take the high road to Taos and then take the low road back to Santa Fe. No matter which route you take, driving the back roads of Northern New Mexico makes for a fun outing.
Shopping & Dining
Once you’ve arrived in Taos, it might be time to grab a bite to eat or purchase gifts for friends, family, and yourself. In addition to grocery stores where you can stock up on supplies for your stay, you’ll find plenty of places to get souvenir T-shirts, coffee mugs, and other fun gifts.
Here in Taos, the shopping scene departs from the ordinary. It features an array of boutiques, galleries, and artisan shops where you can find everything from handcrafted jewelry to one-of-a-kind artwork. Whether you’re searching for authentic Southwestern crafts or contemporary pieces, the Taos shopping experience is an adventure.
When it comes to dining, Taos boasts an impressive variety of restaurants that range from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Select from menu options highlighting local ingredients, including New Mexican cuisine, fresh farm-to-table dishes, steak, and family-friendly fare. With its eclectic dining options, dining out in Taos will be a memorable part of your visit.
Museums and Galleries
Taos is a wonderful town for history buffs and art lovers alike. Your best bet is to stop by the visitor center and see which museums and galleries might interest you. Stop in at some of the many galleries to view contemporary Southwestern art and other art genres, including hand-made pottery items and sculptures.
Gallery owners and staff are friendly and know many tourists are “just looking,” so feel free to browse. A wide range of art is available, from affordable mementos to stunning pieces to serve as a showpiece on your Santa Fe home’s wall. Often, artists with featured works are available to chat about their work.
Exploring Taos on Foot
Exploring historic sites and the downtown Taos area on foot can be a pleasant way to get to know the town. As you stroll through the charming streets, you’ll encounter a variety of shops and galleries that showcase the town’s artistic spirit. Along the way, you’ll discover points of interest like the iconic Taos Plaza, historic adobe buildings, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of Taos’ unique heritage. It’s a walkable adventure that allows you to take in Taos’s atmosphere and local flavor.
Many companies offer tours with knowledgeable local guides who explain the history and significance of the spots along the route. You can even find tours that cater to specific interests, like the city’s art scene, where you can visit private workshops and studios.
Whether walking alone or on a guided tour, keep your eyes open for the many colorful murals around town. Each one tells its own story and displays the unique skills of local artists.
Outdoor Recreation
Among the many things to do in Taos, the area offers an abundance of outdoor recreation activities. It’s safe to say you can find something to do outdoors at any time of the year.
Skiing
The area around Taos is home to four Alpine ski resorts, each offering lodging, restaurants, and equipment rentals. Ski season is typically from mid-to-late November through late March or early April. The Taos area is popular with skiers and snowboarders in the area, but it also attracts enthusiasts from other areas. Some resorts, such as Taos Ski Valley, operate year-round with summer activities like mountain biking, scenic lift rides, hiking, and guided mountain climbing. Most activities are family- and beginner-friendly.
Rafting
Several companies offer rafting trips that range from a laid-back family float to white-water rafting at its best — and most exciting. Rafting season runs from mid-March until October, depending on factors such as rainfall and snowmelt that affect river levels. Unless you’re an experienced rafting enthusiast, tackling the rapids with a professional guide is best, and Taos has its share of options. Plan and be prepared to make reservations to get a spot on a tour for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Hiking and Biking
With the Carson National Forest nearby, there are many opportunities to hike and mountain bike. The trails range from easy to difficult, with steep elevation gains. Most trails are multi-use, so you can expect to see hikers, bikers, and dog walkers on your outing.
Fishing
Rivers, lakes, and streams near Taos are great for bait and fly fishing. What can you expect to catch? Northern Pike plus Rainbow and Brown trout are found in these waters. You can try your luck on your own or go with a guide who knows where the fish are biting. You will need a valid fishing license before you toss your line in the water. After that, enjoy the serene outdoors and clear waters.
Horseback Riding
To view the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains from a different perspective, why not try horseback riding? Several Taos horse stables offer guided rides where you can enjoy clear mountain streams, alpine forests, and meadows from atop a horse. Trail riding companies offer hourly or all-day rides. Some even include lunch. Don’t forget your camera.
Points of Interest
San Francisco de Asis Church
This beautiful adobe church, completed in the early 1800s, is a National Historic Landmark. Over the years, artists such as Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe have immortalized this church in photographs and paintings. A tour of local galleries shows that it is still being painted and photographed.
The church is still in use, and mass is regularly said. Visitors can go inside and view the statues, art, and altar.
Taos Pueblo
No visit to Taos would be complete without a visit to the Taos Pueblo. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Taos Pueblo is home to the Taos people, who have preserved their traditions, language, and customs through generations. The Pueblo is a cultural landmark and a living Native American community where traditional practices are a vital part of daily life. Visitors can view the grounds and the Pueblo, but a guided tour is required to see inside any multi-storied adobe buildings.
Rio Grande Gorge
The Rio Grande Gorge is a canyon carved out over several million years. It runs from just south of the Colorado border, following a tectonic chasm for about 50 miles until it ends at the southern tip of Taos. The Rio Grande River runs through the gorge as it begins its journey from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is near the town of Taos. You can drive across or walk along the bridge and take in the breathtaking view 650 feet or so to the bottom. For another view of the gorge, head north toward Questa, New Mexico, and travel to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area.
After a brief stop at the visitor center — where you can pick up a map of the area — drive to one of the lookout points to view the amazing gorge. This area also has campsites and picnic areas.
The photo below shows where two rivers meet. On the left, the Red River originates in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, starting from Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point at 13,161 feet. On the right, the Rio Grande begins its journey in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado and flows 1,885 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, enacted by Congress in 1968, protects both rivers. This location also represents the widest and deepest section of the Rio Grande Gorge, spanning three-quarters of a mile wide and 800 feet deep.
Enchanted Circle
This 84-mile loop out of Taos makes for a beautiful day trip while visiting Northern New Mexico. If you don’t stop, the drive will take about 2.5 – 3 hours, but it’s easy to make a day of it by stopping in some of the towns or scenic spots along the way.
You can drive westward or eastward from Taos, depending on what you want to see first. It meanders through Angel Fire, Red River, and Questa. Red River might be the best place to spend some time, with its many shops and restaurants.
You’ll drive through portions of the Carson National Forest, with alpine meadows, tall pines, and winding mountain passes. Along the way, there’s a fishing pond where you can catch your limit of Brown Trout. Stop at the Red River Fish hatchery to see where those Brown Trout and their kin, the Rainbow Trout, got their start. Check out some regional arts and crafts in Questa to bring home an out-of-the-ordinary souvenir. Whatever you do on this route, take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Summing it Up
A short drive from Santa Fe, Taos, makes for a perfect weekend getaway destination. Hotels, B & Bs, and RV parks are available in and near town. Escape the city hustle and bustle, and relax in Taos for a few days at any time of the year.
This article was posted by Jess