Location: Taos
Top Things to do in Taos
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10 Things to do in Taos That You Shouldn't Miss
A rolling mesa at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos has a magical quality. Its rugged beauty, majestic mountains, wild Rio Grande river and unique blend of cultures - Spanish, Native American and Anglo - have historically drawn artists and photographers, evidenced by the plentiful galleries, museums and festivals. To experience the Native American culture here, explore Taos Pueblo, where the Tiwa Native Americans have practiced their traditions for centuries. Finally, the Anglo influence is prevalent in the business district, with its shops, art galleries and some of the finest restaurants in New Mexico. Skiing is also a major draw, but the challenging slopes are geared to the more advanced crowd. There's no rat race here; a fair share of non-mainstreamers have made this laid-back, low-key mecca their home. You, too, may not want to leave its tranquility and natural beauty.
Restaurants in Taos
1. Wild Rivers Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By cavers2
Want to visit a beautiful, scenic area without the crowds you'd find at a national park? This is the place. You're on a high plataeu above the Rio Grande Gorge with plenty of camping, hiking, rafting, & biking options. The remoteness of the area allows for amazing night skies so camping out is highly recommended.The campgrounds at Wild Rivers are first come, first served so try to arrive early in the day to secure your site. A favortie hike of ours is the Arsenic Springs trail to the river and petroglyph viewing - try it!
2. Taos Pueblo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,039 reviews
Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. We welcome you to visit our village when you travel to northern New Mexico.Taos Pueblo Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 8:30am-4:00pm.Guided Tours available daily starting at 9:00 am.Pueblo Shops open daily.Taos Pueblo is expected to be open for the winter season. Any closures would be due to unexpected events within the community and will be posted on our official website.
Reviewed By MildaLeo - London, United Kingdom
We were lucky to visit Taos Pueblo during their feast day. While we didn't had enough time to see dances, we still managed to see natives in ceremonial clothes, joined a guided tour (free, with donation) lead by an inspiring young local woman, and visited local stores. Wekll worth the visit - as Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. You can see the multi-storied adobe buildings which have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years, have no running water or electricity. You will have to leave your cameras and phones in the car (or just not to take them out from your bag). But what you get is true authenticity and chance to interact with locals. We had a nice chat with a local jeweller while he was making me a silver bracelet there on the spot and measured to my wrist size.
3. Millicent Rogers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
This impressive museum has more than a dozen galleries with some 5000 pieces of Native American and Hispanic art, including furniture, weaving, paintings, pottery and a celebrated collection of Native American jewelry.
Reviewed By WC-Travelers-75
We knew nothing of this museum other than it was listed in the AAA TourBook before we visited. Because we allowed extra time in our travel to Taos, we took it in. What a surprise! An extensive collection of Southwestern art of many cultures and mediums. The jewelry collection was memorable, with some pieces you wonder if they were meant to be worn given their size. We lingered to take it all in as best we could. This museum is a gem! We would visit again if in Taos since exhibits change.
4. Enchanted Circle Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
Scenic drive that circles through the Carson National Forest, north and east of Taos.
Reviewed By 310ralphs
Angel Fire and Red River are winter skiing destinations and Angel Fire a summer spot for golf, zip lining and mountain biking as well as horseback riding. Continue on to Eagle Nest and maybe fish in the lake. See Wheeler Peak, tallest New Mexico mountain and then stop at the old gold mining settlement of Elizabethtown, across from Baldy Mountain. Red River is a "western" town, with occasional "gunfight" re-enactments, great for the kids. On the way back to Taos from Questa take a detour to the Wild Rivers National Recreation Area and, perhaps, drive the bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge.
5. High Road to Taos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,253 reviews
Reviewed By rancholobo - Fort Davis, United States
This is A GREAT drive coming out of Las vegas new mexico with opportunities to pull over and admire the views and changing terraine, take your time
6. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,565 reviews
Reviewed By Y5157VFmariag
I drove on, and then walked, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge!! What a marvel of engineering and what a thrilling experience it was to go over it! The views from the bridge were a nice reward that you can only experience if you walk on it! There is a rest stop on the west side of the bridge, the side further away from Taos, where you can park, use the restrooms, take pictures from this location, hike a little further along the top of the canyon, and buy souvenirs from the local vendors. Was a really rewarding and free experience!!
7. The Low Road From Taos and Santa Fe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By CATHERINE85 - San Antonio, United States
we stopped at Black Mesa winery for a glass. The wine was really good & interesting labels drawn by the co owner. Outdoor venue.
8. Williams Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By K2420OHryanb - Texas, United States
This is definitely a moderate hike. You need to be in decent shape. Kids can certainly do it if in decent shape. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. The terrain is uneven for most of the trail, rocks, logs, roots, shallow rises and falls in elevation. It is uphill all the way up to the lake. The downhill return is a breeze. Light traffic of other hikers when we were there. Part of the hike follows the river, otherwise, it is typical mountain forest. The lake and surrounding mountain views are gorgeous. Great place for photos.
9. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By Azwebguy - Jefferson, United States
We have visited this area three times and the first time was before it became a National monument. I think this time was the best because we entered through the Visitors center area and toured the area where the two great rivers converge. We visited in November of 2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic and apparently most people had decided to stay home because we were almost alone in the park. As we entered the park from Questa we spotted a large Big Horn Sheep ram with almost a full curl.
10. Earthship Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 462 reviews
An Earthship is a type of passive solar house that is made of both natural and upcycled materials (such as earth-packed tires). Earthships can be completely off-grid or partially off-grid. Earthships can be built in any part of the world, in any climate (with a permit) and still provide electricity, potable water, contained sewage treatment and sustainable food production. Earthships are thermal mass homes first, passive solar homes second. Whatever temperature goes into an Earthship, it will hold… and since it is also a Passive Solar House, it is also very tight and interacts only with the sun and the earth for heating and cooling, providing stable comfort year round in any climate.
Reviewed By kungfuNewJersey - New Jersey, United States
Totally off the grid living in these 'vessels' out in the vastness of the high desert. An informative visitor center, complete with short film explaining the Earthships. You can then walk around the compound on a self guided tour. It is an interesting alternative to energy consuming homes. Worth the ride out if you are in the Taos area.
