Things To Do In and Around Taos

Driving north on Highway 68 from Santa Fe, the traveler gears up horseshoe curve from the Rio Grande Canyon onto a high plateau. One is suddenly awestruck by the expansive vista of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and sagebrush mesa land bordered on the west by a deep river gorge. Together they create the magnificent drama of the Taos Valley."

The above paragraph was written by our friend and neighbor Bill Hemp, and appears in his book Taos Landmarks & Legends. Bill does a wonderful job describing the land features that create the first feeling one has of the Taos Valley. The only way I could describe it is...WOW! It is that feeling that will excite you into exploring the enchantment that is Taos.

Family Fun

Taos Pueblo, Martinez Hacienda and Kit Carson's home will give you an idea of what life was like in Taos up to 800 years ago. In winter, families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tubing at area ski resorts, sleigh rides on the Taos Pueblo or ice-skating in Kit Carson Park.

In summer, families can do a natural water park by rafting the Rio Grande, fishing, hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding the many mountain trails.

Natural Wonders

The Enchanted Circle, a 100 mile drive that encompasses lofty mountain peaks, a sparkling lake, a lush high desert, immense stretches of forestland and breathtaking, colorful landscapes, will keep the shutter bug happy.

Discover what happens when two rivers collide at Wild Rivers State Park. Watch the elk settle in for the night in the Eagle Nest Valley. Finally, a sunset into the mesa casting a deep red color over the mountains reveals why our range is called the Sangre de Cristos.

Taos Pueblo

This is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. The two main five story adobe structures were constructed between 1000 A.D. to 1450 A.D. and appear much today as they did all those centuries ago. The Pueblo Indian residents do allow visitors throughout the year and they have many tribal ceremonies that are open to the public. This is truly a unique experience.

Cultural

The many museums and galleries of Taos is just the beginning of the myriad of cultural experiences you can have in Taos. Historic venues like the Taos Pueblo, Martinez Hacienda and Kit Carson's home and museum will put those history classes into perspective.

But it does not stop there; Taos Talking Picture Film Festivals, Wool Festival, World Poetry Bout, Taos Pow-Wow, Spring and Fall Arts festival, and the Taos Cowboy Rodeo are all must sees.

Outdoor Activities

Taos offers a myriad of outdoor activities that entices the beginner and challenges the experienced. For those that like winter activities, Taos Ski Valley is the place to begin. Yes, it is tough, so take a lesson from a member of the number one ranked ski school in the country. Or try the quiet solitude of snow shoeing and cross country skiing.

The summer has something for everyone; mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning or spend a leisurely afternoon relaxing in our outdoor heated pool under turquoise blue skies... pure heaven. And, whatever you decide to do, don't forget to bring along your camera to catch a soaring bald eagle or a majestic elk feeding amongst the purple iris.

Dining

Dining in and around Taos is a gastronomic delight! The staff of the Inn on the Rio will help you find the spiciest New Mexico Green Chile Stew, that perfectly aged and grilled New York Steak or the freshest Colorado trout cooked to perfection. From Southwest to Thai, traditional French or northern Italian, we can arrange your special night out.