New Mexico, USA
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande display many options for outdoor enthusiasts.
Devisadero Loop Trail (Taos): A 6-mile loop with moderate elevation gain. Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail: Flat and easy for walking along the gorge edge.
Moderate: Williams Lake Trail (Taos Ski Valley), 4-mile round trip. Difficult: Wheeler Peak Summit Trail (from Bull-of-the-Woods) or Wheeler Peak Trail (from Taos Ski Valley), a steep 8-mile round trip for experienced trekkers.
Always check weather conditions, carry appropriate gear, and inform someone of your plans before heading out for remote outdoor activities. Respect wildlife and natural environments.
Taos offers deep cultural experiences through workshops, performances, and community initiatives.
The guided tours offered by Taos Pueblo residents are a form of community-based tourism. They directly support the Pueblo's economy and self-governance.
Tiwa is the native language of Taos Pueblo. Formal language classes for tourists are rare. Learning a few polite phrases in English is sufficient. Respectful listening and observation are often more appropriate.
Specific dates are announced annually. San Geronimo Feast Day (September 30th) is a major event. Check Pueblo website for public access.
A town-wide celebration of arts and culture in September. Features various art exhibitions and related events.
While not exclusive to Taos Pueblo, regional pow wows showcase diverse Native American cultures through dance, music, and regalia.
Taos displays options for rest and rejuvenation, drawing on its natural hot springs and serene environment.
Several studios in Taos feature drop-in yoga classes. Retreat centers in the area may offer longer programs focused on yoga and meditation.
Public access to traditional Pueblo healing practices is limited. These are often private cultural matters.
Some hotels in Taos have pools for guest use. No beach clubs exist in this inland, high-desert region.
Taos Mesa Brewing and The Alley Cantina feature live music. Old Martina's Hall also displays a varied schedule.
Taos Center for the Arts (TCA) hosts local and touring theater productions, dance performances, and film screenings.
Taos offers a relaxed nightlife scene. Traditional nightclubs are limited. Most establishments close by 10:00 PM or midnight, with some bars staying open later on weekends. Bars are concentrated around Taos Plaza, making pub crawls possible.
Shopping in Taos is an opportunity to acquire unique art, crafts, and local products, often directly from the artists.
Native American Pottery (purchase from Pueblo or reputable galleries), Turquoise Jewelry (authentic handcrafted pieces), Chile Products (red chile ristras, green chile sauces, spices), Local Art (paintings, sculptures, textiles).
High-end galleries and boutiques are around Taos Plaza and Kit Carson Road. These display unique, upscale items.
