Attractions and Places To See around Taos - Top 5

Taos is rich in history and culture. You can visit the ancient Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. Other significant sites include the 18th-century San Francisco de Asis Church, the historic Taos Plaza, and the Pot Creek Cultural Site, an abandoned 13th-century pueblo with an informational walking loop.

Taos has a thriving arts community. You can explore various museums such as the Harwood Museum of Art, the Millicent Rogers Museum, and the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House. The Taos Plaza area is also home to numerous galleries and shops showcasing local artists.

For breathtaking views, visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which offers impressive vistas of the Rio Grande River canyon. The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument provides vast landscapes, volcanic cones, and the dramatic Rio Grande Gorge. You can also hike to Devisadero Peak for panoramic views of Taos Valley.

Yes, the Taos area is excellent for outdoor activities. The El Nogal Trailhead is a popular starting point for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. You can find various hiking routes, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, by exploring the Hiking around Taos guide. Other activities include mountain biking, whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande, and hot air balloon rides.

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is an 83-mile loop around Wheeler Peak, offering picturesque landscapes, forests, meadows, and towering peaks. It's a fantastic way to experience the region's natural beauty by car.

Absolutely. The Pot Creek Cultural Site offers a mile-long walking loop that is family-friendly and educational. Many trails around Taos, accessible from trailheads like El Nogal Trailhead, also have sections suitable for families. Always check trail difficulty before heading out.

Taos offers attractions year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring historical sites. Summer is ideal for whitewater rafting and mountain activities, while winter brings opportunities for skiing at Taos Ski Valley and enjoying the snow-covered landscapes.

Yes, Taos is known for its challenging mountain biking. The South Boundary Trail (Middle Part) is a demanding route through forests and high alpine meadows, known for its rocky terrain. The El Nogal Trailhead is a common pickup point for shuttles to the South Boundary IMBA Epic trail.

You can step back in time by visiting the Kit Carson Home & Museum, the 1825 residence of the famous frontiersman. The Martinez Hacienda offers a glimpse into 19th-century Spanish colonial life, and the Blumenschein Home and Museum preserves portions of a 1797 home where Ernest Blumenschein, a co-founder of the Taos Society of Artists, lived.

For something truly unique, explore the Earthship Community, an intriguing community showcasing aggressively sustainable and artistic homes built with recycled materials. It offers a fascinating look at alternative living and architecture.

Visitors frequently praise the blend of rich history, vibrant arts, and stunning natural beauty. Highlights like the Taos Plaza are appreciated for their lively atmosphere and cultural significance, while trails like the South Boundary Trail (Middle Part) are loved for their scenic views and challenging terrain.