Taos is located in the northern center of New Mexico and is surrounded by the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Although it is close to stunning natural features like gorges and peaks, there are also plenty of things to enjoy within Taos itself.
Known as the ‘Soul of the Southwest’, it is home to a variety of art museums, historic attractions, and has a rich cultural heritage for visitors to discover. Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest communities in the state, showcases the influence of artists, Native Americans, mountain men, and New Age practitioners throughout the centuries. With its diverse attractions and stunning scenery, Taos is a highly rewarding destination for travelers.
12. Earthships
Located just northwest of town is a remarkable attraction known as Earthships. These sustainable homes are designed to be environmentally friendly and provide a unique and otherworldly appearance. Made from recycled materials like tires, cans, and bottles, the buildings showcase a variety of striking designs.
The homes are partially buried, allowing them to naturally heat and cool while also collecting their own water and generating electricity. Additionally, residents of Earthships are self-sustainable, growing and harvesting their own food.
Visitors not only have the option to tour the site but can also choose to stay in one of the creatively designed homes. Surrounded by scenic beauty and secluded in a sun-soaked area of the state, Earthships is a must-visit destination unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been.
11. High Road to Taos
The High Road to Taos is a delightful journey that spans from Santa Fe, winding through the picturesque Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Along this scenic route, you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes and historical sites, with plenty of opportunities to take in phenomenal viewpoints.
Covering a distance of ninety kilometers, the byway showcases diverse terrains, from expansive valleys and majestic mountains to lush forests and high deserts. The route is adorned with charming Spanish colonial towns and Pueblo Indian villages, each featuring beautiful old buildings and impressive art galleries.
Notable stops along the way include the captivating churches of El Santuario de Chimayo, San Jose de Gracia, and San Francisco de Asis, all holding historical and spiritual significance. These National Historic Landmarks exhibit stunning adobe architecture, offering just a glimpse of the many spectacular sights along the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway.
10. Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley is a large and popular resort in New Mexico, loved by skiers throughout the southwest. Located in a picturesque and secluded area of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, it’s only a short drive from the town. The resort, which opened in 1955, has expanded over the years to include many cozy chalets and condominiums, as well as lively bars and restaurants. It also offers additional amenities such as a spa, ice rink, ski shops, and a ski school.
The main attraction, however, is the magnificent slopes covered in snow, descending from Kachina Peak’s summit at 3,804 meters. The runs are suitable for skiers of all levels, and there are fourteen lifts available to access them, with a total vertical drop of 997 meters. Taos Ski Valley truly stands out as one of the top destinations for skiing and snowboarding, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and excellent snow conditions.
9. Enchanted Circle Drive
Enchanted Circle Drive is a beautiful road that forms a loop around Wheeler Peak in New Mexico. It offers stunning scenery, landscapes, and nature along the way. The drive is 136 kilometers long and is one of the most popular routes in the state.
Along the route, you can see impressive mesas, majestic mountains, lush valleys, and expansive forests. There are many places to stop and enjoy the scenery. The area is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Visitors can choose from a range of accommodations, from cozy cabins to luxurious lodges, and there are even ski resorts in the mountains. The drive also passes through interesting historic sites and charming villages, making it a truly remarkable route.
8. Wheeler Peak
Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in New Mexico, is located just a forty-five minute drive northeast of Taos. It provides stunning views of the surrounding area and offers a wide range of recreational activities, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
As part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the peak stands at a height of 4,013 meters, providing a dominant presence in the beautiful wilderness area that shares its name. While the upper slopes and summit may appear harsh and barren, the lower parts of the mountain are filled with rushing rivers, lush forests, and charming alpine lakes.
In addition to hiking to the top for breathtaking views, visitors can also enjoy camping and wildlife watching in this incredible natural environment. There is a scenic loop around the peak that visitors can drive, and nearby ski resorts offer even more options for outdoor adventure. Overall, Wheeler Peak is a must-visit destination for all it has to offer.
7. Taos Box Rafting
If you’re looking for an exciting and thrilling adventure, then whitewater river rafting on the Taos Box is the perfect choice. The Taos Box is a deep and intense canyon that is famous for its challenging rapids, which are considered the toughest in New Mexico.
The rafting journey covers a distance of twenty-five kilometers, taking rafters through rapid-filled sections and thrilling drops. The most difficult parts of the ride are Rockgarden and Camel Rock, where the canyon becomes steep and narrow, and the water gets wilder.
It is important to note that only experienced rafters should attempt to conquer the Taos Box due to its difficulty level. However, braving the rugged rapids offers a truly unforgettable experience, with breathtaking scenery to admire throughout the journey.
6. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is an impressive engineering marvel that can be found just a short fifteen-minute drive to the northwest of Taos. It is a highly popular and picturesque destination due to its close proximity and the incredible views it offers.
Completed in 1965, the bridge stands tall above the powerful Rio Grande river and the deep gorge that shares its name. Constructed from strong steel, it consists of three sections that span a total of 390 meters. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the vast chasm below and the turbulent waters of the river.
Its stunning location and the dramatic drop it offers have made it a favorite location for many movies. Locals refer to the bridge as both the “Gorge Bridge” and the “High Bridge.” Along with admiring its beauty, visitors can also explore the rugged rim of the gorge, capturing fabulous photos of the breathtaking bridge from a distance.
5. Millicent Rogers Museum
If you’re interested in exploring the art, history, and cultures of the southwest of the states, the Millicent Rogers Museum is a must-visit attraction. It’s conveniently located just a ten-minute drive from the center of town and houses an impressive collection of over 7,000 objects and artworks.
The museum, founded in 1956, is named after Millicent Rogers, who was a model, art collector, and oil heiress. Inside, you’ll find grand galleries and thought-provoking exhibitions filled with a variety of items such as ceramics, crafts, photos, paintings, jewelry, textiles, and figurines. The museum proudly showcases both Native American and Hispanic arts, and you can also admire the exquisite pottery created by Maria Martinez and her family.
4. Taos Art Museum
The Taos Art Museum is a small but impressive museum located north of the town center. It showcases amazing artworks and has unique adobe architecture. The museum is now housed in the former home of Nicolai Fechin, a Russian-American artist. Its main goal is to preserve and promote the artistic heritage of the town.
Since opening in 1994, the museum has accumulated over 300 artworks, including paintings, sketches, and woodcarvings created by Fechin. In addition to Fechin’s works, visitors can also enjoy exceptional artworks by local Taos artists. The museum building itself is beautiful, with fabulous furnishings and wonderful woodworks. Due to its mix of architectural styles and influences, the historic house was listed as a protected American home in 1979.
3. Taos Plaza
Taos Plaza is the historical center of the town, filled with beautiful old buildings and thriving businesses. It has a charming and lively yet relaxed atmosphere, and it is a must-visit spot for any trip to Taos.
The plaza still retains its original look from the late eighteenth century, with Spanish Colonial-style buildings and Mission Revival houses surrounding it. At the heart of the plaza stands a splendid sculpture of Antonio José Martinez, a significant figure in New Mexican history.
In addition to its visual appeal and peaceful surroundings, Taos Plaza also hosts various cultural events and concerts throughout the year. Its central location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the many tourist attractions in the town.
2. Taos Pueblo
The Taos Pueblo is a popular tourist attraction in New Mexico that is just a short distance from the center of town. It has been inhabited by Native Americans for over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest communities in the United States.
The adobe buildings in the small settlement are believed to have been built over five centuries ago and were so impressive that the Spanish thought it was one of the fabled Seven Cities of Gold when they discovered it in 1540. Today, around 150 people still live in these historic buildings, preserving their traditions for future generations. Guided tours of the Taos Pueblo not only provide information about this National Historic Landmark but also offer a valuable glimpse into Pueblo Indian life.
1. Kit Carson Home & Museum
The Kit Carson Home & Museum is located near Taos Plaza and is known for its collection of old objects and historical items. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1963 and showcases stunning Spanish Colonial architecture. The museum provides an interesting look into life on the frontier in the state.
The building, constructed in 1825, is a simple one-story structure and is named after the renowned adventurer Kit Carson. In addition to being a guide, trapper, and scout, Carson also fought against local Native Americans and participated in the American Civil War. The museum displays various items from his life, including memorabilia, informative exhibits, and a short film detailing his remarkable achievements.