Taos Guide

(Credit: Angel McNall Photography/Shutterstock)

Why you should visit Taos

Taos enchants visitors with its Southwestern art, adobe architecture and multicultural heritage. For more than a century, this vibrant town in northern New Mexico’s high desert has inspired artists with its spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande. Examples of Taos’ resident’s creativity, from traditional Native American art to contemporary photography, can be found all throughout this active artist colony.

The region’s breathtaking landscape also draws outdoors enthusiasts – particularly powder hounds. Taos Ski Valley is the largest ski resort in the state, boasting the lightest powder in North America and a diverse range of skiable terrain.

Ski Resorts Near Taos

See All Ski Resorts Near Taos »

What to do in Taos

Taos offers a variety of ways to enjoy its beautiful surroundings and artistic lifestyle.

Embrace the town’s creative legacy at The Taos Art Museum where you will find a collection of works by local artists. Afterward, stroll around Taos Plaza , the focal point of this small town that’s ringed by various shops, galleries, and restaurants. Only a few miles from the plaza you will find the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church . Take some snapshots as this site is known to be one of the most photographed churches in North America. Then spend your evening savoring the flavor of the region during a cooking class at Cooking Studio Taos .

Reach new heights on a hot air balloon ride with Taos Balloon Rides as you soar over the 900-foot-deep Rio Grande Gorge. Explore the Taos Pueblo , a National Historic Landmark that was inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Marvel at the vast Southwestern landscape of 250,000 acres of various ecosystems from open grasslands to towering vistas at the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument . Aside from skiing, Taos is a great place to snowshoe with its various trails like Galivan, Yerba, and Columbine.

Where to stay in Taos

From colorful, endearing bed-and-breakfasts to slopeside lodging, Taos holds a place for everyone to stay.

Edelweiss Lodge & Spa welcomes powder hounds with ski-in/ski-out accessibility, a ski valet and first-class après-ski restaurants. Located in the heart of Taos Ski Valley, within walking distance of the resort village, The Blake at Taos Ski Valley pairs luxury with convenience with its European elegance and ski-in/ski-out access. For those that prefer more space without sacrificing proximity to the slopes, Kandahar Condominiums is the place you will want to stay.

Within blocks of Taos Plaza, enjoy lush gardens and the tranquil setting of the pueblo-style Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast . If you are looking to be a little remote, check into the Old Taos Guest House Inn , which sits on 7.5 acres of park-like gardens and farmland 30 minutes from Taos Ski Valley.

Where to eat in Taos

Enjoy the spices in Southwestern delicacies at the various restaurants within Taos. For instance, The Love Apple, a Tao’s staple, delights the localities and tourists with its quaint atmosphere and ever-changing menu of seasonal, home-style New Mexican cuisine.

Begin the day at Micheal’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery for fresh-baked pastries and breakfast favorites that take on a Southwestern twist serving Spanish-style omelets and breakfast enchiladas. At the end of your day on the slopes, enjoy the après-ski culture of Taos at the base of the Kachina Peak clinking beer steins and snacking on German-style eats at The Bavarian Restaurant . Heading back from the mountains you will find Aceq Restaurant , a quaint little joint where you can enjoy farm-to-table comfort food like chicken and waffles and fish and chips.

Taos tackles fine dining successfully at Lambert’s of Taos with the memorable dishes of filet mignon and lobster risotto, its elegant charm, and staffed sommelier.

Located within the Taos Plaza you will find Chokola , a cafe specializing in cacao-based delights. End your day on a sweet note their mousses, gelatos and other treats.

Family-friendly activities in Taos

Taos offers a variety of memorable family-friendly experiences, from outdoor educational summer camps to hiking treks with llamas.

Show off your artistic side in a pottery class at Taos Clay Studio . Classes are held every day, and all ages and are welcome. You can also show your support for the arts at Taos Center for the Arts , a space showcasing art exhibits, live performances and cultural films spotlighting northern New Mexico communities. Or get spooked on a ghost tour of Taos with Ghosts of Taos .

Have a blast mountain tubing in the town of Red River with Red River Ski & Summer Area, available during both the summer and winter months. Or spend the afternoon trekking the trails of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains while enjoying a gourmet lunch with a llama with Wild Earth Llama Adventures . The Field Institute of Taos and their outdoor education programs and camps are perfect for the kids that are looking to do their own thing. At the Field Institute, kids can enjoy various nature adventures while making new friends.