Here are great reasons to put Taos, NM, on your travel bucket list.
Taos is in the high desert between Santa Fe and the Colorado border. Here, bighorn sheep roam, the Rio Grande flows, epic hikes are everywhere, history and culture reign, and the remarkable outdoors highlight everyone’s trip. Taos offers a vibrant tapestry of Spanish Colonial and Native American histories. Here are the top things to do in Taos, NM.
Disclosure: I was invited on a media trip to Taos, New Mexico, where I experienced some of the city’s best attractions. My favorite activities included a hot-air balloon ride in the Rio Gorge, visiting Taos Pueblo, and eating the best food at fabulous places in the city.
Top Things To Do In Taos, NM
Tourists can enjoy outdoor adventures, from hot balloon rides to visiting the Pueblos, taking a tour of their village, and viewing outdoor museums, among others.
When I visited Taos, NM, last year, I was amazed at how many out-of-towners (including Texans) I met there who either were vacationing or lived there. I’ve taken a few road trips from Raton, NM, to Taos, a beautiful scenic drive with small towns in between, but I’ve only gone for a day. And if you hit the timing just right, you’ll see black bears foraging for food and crossing the road. Visiting the city for over a day has always been on my travel bucket list. I finally got to. Whether you drive or fly, this scenic town is perfect for art enthusiasts and outdoor adventures.
The best time of year to visit Taos depends on your reasons for visiting. We visited on the first of November, right after the fall colors and before the winter activities had begun. So, if you’re going to Taos to see the fall colors, go before November. But early November is a great option to visit between seasons and for less crowds.
When summer ends and the winter snow hasn’t fully developed enough to snow ski, the fall season brings warm autumn colors and cozy nights. So, it just depends on when you want to go. Anytime is a good time for me to visit Taos.
Stroll Historic Taos Plaza
Downtown Taos is very walkable and pet-friendly. Many locals walk their dogs while strolling the plaza. There are tons of boutiques, shops, and restaurants within walking distance of one another. Spending a day here is easy to do.
Taos Art Galleries
Local artists line up their masterpieces in the local art galleries at the John Dunn shops in the plaza. There is something for everyone.
Taos Art Museum at Fechin House
Offer permanent and traveling exhibits.
Harwood Museum Of Art
Taos Museums
Hacienda de Los Martinez Museum
Millicent Rogers Museum
Heritage Inspirations Guided Tours
Our private tour of Taos and the Pueblos with Heritage Inspirations was incredible! Our group experienced more of Taos than we would have if we had been on our own. We felt enveloped by the tour’s warmth, creativity, and uniqueness—from the breathtaking routes to the cultural gems at the Taos Pueblos and art museums.
Visit The Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is an ancient pueblo belonging to the Taos Native American Community of the Puebloan people. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Restaurant Inside Taos Pueblo
Inside the Taos Pueblo is an authentic, one-of-a-kind restaurant called Dawn Butterfly Cafe. We received the royal treatment, and our four-course meal was superb.
Take A Hot Air Balloon Flights
We took a hot-air balloon ride with Rio Grande Balloons. We flew down into the Rio Grande and crossed the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the highest bridge in New Mexico.
We saw a natural hot spring with a naked person in it. Don’t worry—we weren’t close enough to see anything else!
Hike To Black Rock Natural Hot Springs
Black Rock Hot Springs is north of Taos and west of Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico. It’s a popular spot for locals to hang out on any day. The temperature ranges from 101 to 98 degrees, depending on the season. This route is a short walk to the hot springs and offers beautiful gorge views. If you go to the river, it’s another short hike on the trails.
There is a parking area with a restroom. You can find this trail on the AllTrails app.
We didn’t hike to it but flew over it in a hot air balloon. The hiking trail was visible, and it looked rather steep and adventurous. You’ll find many locals here relaxing in the spring, cold-plunging into the river, and then back into the springs—maybe even smoking that funny stuff.
Travel tip: Clothing is optional. It’s free. Day use only. It can get crowded.
Enjoy Patio Seating at Rolling Still Distillery
Rolling Still Distillery is a popular spot for live music and a cozy patio by the fire. We enjoyed our visit and getting to know the owners.
Trek Carson National Forest
Enjoy this national forest year-round in its 1.5 million acres in the southern Rocky Mountains. Besides snow skiing in the winter, there are plenty of other things to do in this national forest.
Watch for wildlife in the lush forested mountains. Some wildlife include elk, black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and many others that make the forest its home.
Wild Earth Llama Adventures offers educated, guided tours with llamas. You hike, and the llamas carry all your gear. This is great for kids and families new to hiking. The llamas are sweet and can be great buddies if needed.
Williams Lake Trail is an excellent starting point for hiking in the forest. It is two miles one way and moderately strenuous.
Carson National Forest is the northernmost of five national forests in New Mexico.
Ski Taos Ski Valley
Tucked inside the Carson National Forest is Taos Ski Valley. It’s a luscious ski resort town in the winter months.
Raft Rio Grande
Several outfitters offer guided tours of adventurous sports, such as whitewater rafting or kayaking on rough waters. You can opt for a full-day or half-day tour. If you’re not into this hard-core sport (I’m not), you and your family can float the Rio Grande without a problem.
New Mexico River Adventures – Rio Grande River
Los Rios River Runners – raft trips outfitter throughout northern New Mexico.
Other outdoor activities to seek are mountain climbing and mountain biking.
Places To Eat In Taos, NM
Depending on your taste buds, you’ve got several choices on where to eat in Taos. The town offers everything from upscale dining to laid-back places for hamburgers.
De La Tierra at El Monte Sagrado
Manzanita Market
Lamberts of Taos – upscale dining of fresh, made-from-scratch American dishes and an extensive wine list.
Where To Stay in Taos, NM
El Monte Sagrado and Casa Benavides are two that come to mind. And the latter is where I stayed. It was comfy with a king bed in a large room. All amenities are available.
Ojo Caliente
I peeked into one of the other girls’ hotel rooms. It was so darling that I had to share. Ojo Caliente is a quaint place to stay.
Casa Benavides Bed and Breakfast Inn
This BnB has been family-owned for over 30 years.
About Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico, boasts the arts and culture that made it what it is today. Many locally owned shops, restaurants, and wineries are located there. We enjoyed our trip and wished it was longer. Visit soon.
Like many other towns, Taos holds tree-lightings, concerts, and crafts fairs for the holidays, but. However, on Christmas Eve, the game changes. A religious procession in ancient Taos Pueblo, the Native American settlement outside town, includes bonfires, luminarias, and a hi, which can make evaluate and can make the most jade did Scrooge feel holiday magic stir.