Day Trips & Excursions: Taos Pueblo

Nearby Destinations

These accessible locations provide diverse experiences and are within a comfortable driving distance for a day trip from Taos.

Explore and book day trips through GetYourGuide.

Accessible Locations

Santa Fe (approx. 1.5-2 hours south): New Mexico's capital city. A full day is well-spent here.
Abiquiu (approx. 1 hour south-west): Home to Georgia O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch.
Red River (approx. 45 minutes north-east): A mountain resort town.
Dixon/Embudo (approx. 40 minutes south): Rural communities known for vineyards.

Transportation & Itineraries

Consider your travel style when planning day trips. Options vary from self-driving to organized tours.

Transportation Options

Self-driving offers maximum control over your pace. Public transport options exist but are limited.

Modes of Travel

Self-Driving: Most flexible and recommended.
NCRTD Blue Bus: Limited service to Santa Fe and smaller communities.
Organized Tours: Provide convenience and a guided experience.

Travel Styles

Choose between the ease of a tour or the freedom of independent exploration.

Tour vs. Independent

Organized Tour: Convenience with transportation and guide. Less itinerary freedom.
Independent Travel (Rental Car): Maximum flexibility and spontaneous stops.
Requires own navigation and planning.

Suggested Itineraries

Time Required

Santa Fe: A full day (8-10 hours) for exploration.
Abiquiu: A half to full day (4-8 hours) for Ghost Ranch or O'Keeffe's home.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway: 3-4 hours driving, plus stops.
Can be a half-day or full-day trip.

Logical Next Destinations

Colorado (north): Southern Colorado for mountain adventures.
Albuquerque (south): Explore old town, cultural sites, major air travel (ABQ).
All extensions best by rental car.
Shuttle services between major towns.

Longer Regional Travel

The New Mexico True Loop:Start in Albuquerque.
To Santa Fe:Via Rail Runner Express or car.
To Taos:High Road to Taos.
Explore:Taos and Enchanted Circle.

Return:To Albuquerque.
This route:Offers a comprehensive Northern New Mexico experience.
Consider:Adding 1-3 days for Santa Fe or Abiquiu.
Northern New Mexico Loop:3-5 days for a relaxed pace.

Travel Tip:

For maximum flexibility on day trips and extensions, a rental car is the most practical choice.

Natural Escapes

The landscapes around Taos invite exploration, offering many opportunities to connect with nature.

Parks & Reserves

Carson National Forest offers extensive hiking, camping, and fishing. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument protects the gorge.

Scenic Drives

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway showcases diverse mountain and valley scenery. The High Road to Taos passes through historic villages.

Local Areas

Taos Ski Valley offers hiking and chairlift rides. Valle Vidal, within Carson National Forest, is known for wildlife.

Seasonal Phenomena

Experience unique natural displays depending on your visit time.

Autumn Beauty

Fall Foliage: Late September to mid-October.
Aspen trees turn golden in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
A beautiful display of natural colors.

Water Adventures

The Rio Grande offers thrilling whitewater experiences.

Rafting Season

Rio Grande Rafting: Best in spring and early summer.
Snowmelt runoff provides high water levels.
Experience whitewater adventures.

Important Considerations for Natural Areas

Valle Vidal:Open seasonally.

Check Access:Before visiting Valle Vidal.

Respect Wildlife:Observe from a distance.

Stay on Trails:Protect delicate ecosystems.

Leave No Trace:Carry out all trash.

Prepare:For changing weather.

Eco-Friendly Tip:

When exploring natural areas, stick to marked trails to protect local flora and fauna.
Pack out everything you pack in, leaving no trash behind.
Minimize your impact on the environment to preserve its beauty.
Consider carpooling to reduce carbon emissions.
Support local conservation efforts.

Cultural Excursions

Discover rich cultural heritage beyond Taos Pueblo in the surrounding region.

Historical Sites

Explore significant landmarks that tell the story of the region.

Landmarks

San Francisco de Asis Church (Ranchos de Taos): Architectural marvel on the High Road.
Pueblo de Picuris (approx. 45 minutes south): Smaller, less-visited Pueblo with museum.
Offers a more intimate cultural experience.

Rural Villages

Visit charming communities known for their traditions and local products.

Community Highlights

Chimayo: Famous for Santuario de Chimayo church and weaving.
Dixon: Known for its wineries and orchards. Find local produce and wines.
Support local artisans and growers.

Pilgrimage Sites

Discover a revered site with spiritual significance.

Santuario de Chimayo

A revered pilgrimage site in New Mexico.
Many visit for its healing dirt, believed to have properties.
A place of quiet reflection and faith.

High Road to Taos

This scenic route is a journey through history and art.

Cultural Journey

Scenic alternative route between Santa Fe and Taos.
Passes through historic Spanish villages.
Offers stunning landscapes and art.

Multi-Day Extensions

If your itinerary permits more than just a day trip, consider extending your stay in other parts of New Mexico or neighboring states.

Santa Fe Extension

Add 2-3 days for deep exploration of art, history, and culinary scenes.

Ghost Ranch/Abiquiu Stay

Spend 1-2 days exploring O'Keeffe landscapes, hiking, or kayaking.

Northern New Mexico Loop

Combine Taos, Santa Fe, Abiquiu, and Enchanted Circle for 3-5 days at a relaxed pace.

Extended Travel Notes:

All extensions are best done by rental car for flexibility. Shuttle services are available between major towns.

Day Trips & Excursions