The 8 Best Nature & Parks in Taos, New Mexico (NM)

October 12, 2021 Major Galusha

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

Rio Grande Gorge Cerro, NM, Taos, NM http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/taos/wild_rivers_rec_area.html
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 174 reviews

Wild Rivers Recreation Area

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. Racecourse

Taos, NM 87531 +1 800-748-3746 [email protected] http://bigriverrafts.com
Excellent
61%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Racecourse

WAHOO! The Racecourse, extending five miles and rated Class III, is one of the most popular whitewater segments on the Rio Grande. Big River raft Trips is a complete river outfitter. We provide all rafting equipment and most everything you will need. Come visit Big River Raft Trips and take the trip of a lifetime!! Fun! white water river rafting in Taos, NM. 29 years perfect safety record! great equipment! full service river outfitter.

3. Williams Lake

Taos Ski Valley, Taos, NM
Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 179 reviews

Williams Lake

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.

4. Black Rock Hot Springs

County Road B-007, Taos, NM
Excellent
80%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Black Rock Hot Springs

Reviewed By 502ginaw - Levittown, United States

Adventurous trek to Black Rock Springs. Beautiful scenery, unbelievable views, relaxing hot springs which live up to the 97 degree water right next to the cold Rio Grande River! Worth th trip!

5. Kit Carson Park

Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571 +1 505-758-8234 http://www.kmitch.com/Taos/cems/kitcarsoncem.html
Excellent
30%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 122 reviews

Kit Carson Park

Historical tombstones pay tribute to Western pioneers.

Reviewed By alexwolf2016

If you like to visit the grave sites of famous people, this is a must see, since everyone's heard of Kit Carson. BTW, Dennis Hopper is buried in Taos, across town.

6. Ponce de Leon Springs

Ranchos De Taos, Taos, NM 87557
Excellent
50%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
50%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 2 reviews

Ponce de Leon Springs

7. Fun Peak

1335 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur Unit #4, Taos, NM 87571-5972 +1 575-776-1600 [email protected] http://www.kidsfunpeak.com/

Fun Peak is the premier children’s indoor playcenter in beautiful Taos, NM. We offer brand-new, safe, and exciting play equipment for children ages 0-8. Since we are an indoor facility, children can safely and comfortably play all year round, in any weather. Our playstructures are soft and contained, and our toys are appropriate for imaginative play and exercise for young children. With our single-entry door and check-in system, parents will feel comfortable letting their children explore independently, without worry of city streets or lack of boundaries.

8. Rift Valley Trail

Taos, NM http://discovertaos.com/the-klauer-and-rift-valley-trails/

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