Taos Travel Guide

Plan your next adventure with this comprehensive Taos travel guide. From must-visit cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and scenic views, explore the best of North Central New Mexico.


Introduction to Taos

Welcome to Taos, a small town located in North Central New Mexico. Known for its fascinating blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures, colorful art scene, and breathtaking natural beauty, Taos offers a unique travel experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s rich history and culture, hiking in the nearby mountains, or indulging in locally sourced cuisine, Taos has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll dive deep into all that Taos has to offer and help you plan your next adventure.

List of Places to Visit in Taos

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Taos Pueblo

One of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States, Taos Pueblo offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Native American people who call this land home. Explore the Pueblo’s impressive architecture, art galleries, and unique cultural traditions.

Kit Carson Home and Museum

Step back in time at the Kit Carson Home and Museum, where you can explore the life of one of America’s most legendary frontiersmen. The museum houses artwork, artifacts, and personal items that belonged to Carson and his family, giving visitors a chance to experience life on the frontier in the early 19th century.

Millicent Rogers Museum

The Millicent Rogers Museum is dedicated to showcasing the art and culture of the Southwest, with a particular focus on the Taos art colony and Native American art. The museum features a diverse collection of pottery, jewelry, textiles, and paintings, as well as exhibits on local history and culture.

Natural Attractions of Taos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Taos Ski Valley

One of the premier ski destinations in the Southwest, Taos Ski Valley offers world-class skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports. Visitors can take advantage of the area’s 300 days of sunshine a year to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Spanning over 242,000 acres of rugged terrain and scenic vistas, the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the monument’s canyons, mesas, and river valleys, as well as the ancient petroglyphs and pictographs left by early civilizations.

Wheeler Peak

At an elevation of 13,161 feet, Wheeler Peak is the highest peak in New Mexico and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike the mountaintop trail to get a bird’s-eye view of the Rio Grande Valley, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the Taos Plateau.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Taos

Taos is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty. Some of the most popular trails include the Williams Lake Trail, the Wheeler Peak Trail, and the Taos Ski Valley Trail.

Best Things to Do in Taos: Activities and Tours

Taos Art Galleries

Taos has a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and museums showcasing the work of local artists and the famous Taos Art Colony. Take a self-guided walking tour of the galleries in the historic Taos Plaza, or check out the Harwood Museum of Art for a deeper look into the region’s creative history.

Taos Food Tours

Experience the unique flavors and culinary traditions of Taos on a guided food tour. Sample locally sourced meats, cheeses, and wines at the Taos Farmers Market, taste authentic New Mexican cuisine at a local restaurant, or take a cooking class to learn how to make your own dishes using traditional recipes.

Rio Grande Rafting

Escape the summer heat with a thrilling whitewater rafting trip down the Rio Grande. Taos-based tour companies offer a range of options for all levels of experience, from half-day beginner trips to multi-day expert excursions. Enjoy the stunning scenery and get your adrenaline pumping on this unforgettable adventure.

Week-Long Itinerary for Taos

For a full experience of everything Taos has to offer, consider a week-long itinerary that includes:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Taos and explore the downtown area, including the historic Taos Plaza and its surrounding galleries, shops, and restaurants.
  • Day 2: Take a guided tour of Taos Pueblo and explore the nearby Rio Grande Gorge.
  • Day 3: Visit the Kit Carson Home and Museum and attend a performance at the Taos Center for the Arts.
  • Day 4: Hike or bike on one of the area’s many trails, such as Williams Lake Trail or Wheeler Peak Trail.
  • Day 5: Go on a guided food tour and sample the flavors of Taos.
  • Day 6: Visit the Millicent Rogers Museum and take a pottery or weaving class.
  • Day 7: Go whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande or hot air ballooning over the stunning Taos landscape.

Food and Drink Scene of Taos

Must-Try Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A staple of New Mexican cuisine, green chile stew is a spicy and flavorful soup featuring local chiles, potatoes, and meat. Try it at any of the local restaurants in Taos for an authentic taste of the Southwest.

Blue Corn Enchiladas

Blue corn is a variety of corn that is native to the Southwest and has a unique flavor and texture. Blue corn enchiladas are a traditional New Mexican dish that features blue corn tortillas filled with cheese, meat, and chiles.

Piñon Coffee

Sip on a cup of piñon coffee, made with locally harvested piñon nuts and dark roasted coffee beans. This unique blend has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Local Beverages

Taos Lightning Whiskey

Produced at the Taos Lightning Distillery, this award-winning whiskey is made using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. Take a tour of the distillery and taste the whiskey for yourself.

Taos Mesa Brewing

Sample the craft beers and enjoy live music at Taos Mesa Brewing, a popular local brewery with a laid-back atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Where to Stay in Taos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Taos offers a range of accommodations to suit every style and budget, from cozy guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Some of the most popular options include:

  • El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa
  • The Historic Taos Inn
  • Palacio de Marquesa
  • Touchstone Inn and Spa
  • Amizette Inn and Restaurant

What to Buy in Taos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Native American Art and Jewelry

Taos is known for its rich Native American culture, and visitors can find a wide range of traditional art and jewelry at local galleries and shops.

Chile Ristras

Chile ristras are strings of dried chile peppers that are common throughout the Southwest. They make a colorful and unique souvenir that also reflects the area’s culinary heritage.

Pottery and Weavings

Many locals in Taos are skilled artisans, and visitors can often find handcrafted pottery, woven rugs, and other traditional crafts at local markets and galleries.

Local Culture and Customs of Taos

Taos has a unique cultural heritage that is influenced by the Native American, Spanish, and Anglo populations that call the area home. Respect for cultural traditions and the natural environment are central values in the community, and visitors are encouraged to engage with local culture in a respectful and mindful way.

Best Time to Visit Taos

The best time to visit Taos depends on personal preferences and travel plans. Summer and early fall are popular times to visit, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities available. Winter is ideal for snow sports and winter festivals, while spring offers mild weather and blooming wildflowers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Taos

Do:

  • Take time to explore the area’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
  • Respect the natural environment and local wildlife.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages, including green chile stew and piñon coffee.
  • Engage with the community in a respectful and mindful way.

Don’t:

  • Trespass on private property or sacred sites.
  • Disturb local wildlife or the natural environment.
  • Assume that all Native American art and jewelry is authentic and ethically sourced.

Safety and Health

Safety in Taos

Taos is generally a safe destination for travelers, but visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions. Secure valuables and lock car doors when parking, and be aware of cultural and environmental hazards such as hiking on unfamiliar trails and wildfire risks in the summer and fall.

Health in Taos

Visitors to Taos should take care to protect themselves from the strong sun and high altitude, which can cause sunburn, dehydration, and altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and protective clothing, and take time to acclimate to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities.

Getting to Taos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Taos

The nearest airports to Taos are:

  • Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
  • Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF)
  • Taos Regional Airport (TSM)

Bus Stations Near Taos

Greyhound and RTD Blue Buses offer service to Taos from nearby cities.

Other Options

Driving is the most common way to reach Taos, with major highways such as US-84, US-64, and NM-68 providing easy access to the town.

How to Get Around in Taos

While driving is the most common way to get around in Taos, visitors can also take advantage of the town’s public transportation options, including the Chile Line bus system and various taxi services. Biking and walking are also popular options in the downtown area.

Where to Go Next from Taos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

With its central location in North Central New Mexico, Taos is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring nearby attractions such as:

  • Santa Fe, just a 70-mile drive south of Taos
  • Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive travel guide has inspired you to plan your next adventure in Taos, New Mexico. From historic museums and natural wonders to culinary delights and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in this unique and fascinating destination. Start planning your trip today and discover the best of North Central New Mexico.

San Francisco de Asis Church, Ranchos de Taos San Francisco de Asis Church, Ranchos de Taos Taos Plaza Taos Plaza Taos Art Museum at the Fechin House Taos Art Museum at the Fechin House Taos Pueblo Taos Pueblo On the grounds of Hacienda Martinez On the grounds of Hacienda Martinez Scenery above Taos Ski Valley Scenery above Taos Ski Valley Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Rio Grande Gorge Bridge