Taos is a town in New Mexico full of art, culture, music and diverse people. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes and great skiing. If you are looking for things to do in Taos, NM, then you have come to the right place! Grab your walking shoes, camera, and water bottle and get ready for a guided tour through one of New Mexico’s most beautiful cities. Check your route now and make sure you mark the High Road between Santa Fe and Taos!
Hot Springs in Taos, New Mexico
The first thing you’ll notice about Taos is the beautiful scenery. The mountains make the perfect backdrop for your vacation getaway. If you enjoy hiking or biking, there are many trails to explore that will take your breath away with their natural beauty.
If swimming is more your style, there are many hot springs around Taos that make a great relaxing stop after a day of exploring. Manby Hot Springs, Black Rock Hot Springs, and El Monte Sagrado Hot Springs are just some places where you can soak away all your cares in natural warm water heated by geothermal activity.
Taos Pueblo
The first thing that should be on your list of things to do in Taos is visiting the Taos Pueblo. Located just outside of town, the Taos Pueblo is an ancient settlement that is still inhabited today. The Pueblo is an iconic part of Taos, having been designated as both a World Heritage Site and National Historical Landmark by UNESCO and the U.S. Department of the Interior, respectively. You can visit this historic site all year long, though the hours are limited during winter months.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a place worth seeing. Located in the Taos area, the bridge is 1056-feet long and the gorge is 650 feet deep. It was once rated one of the top five most beautiful bridges in the world and remains a popular tourist attraction. The bridge is a famous landmark and is considered to be one of the major symbols of Taos. Not only does it provide a great view, but it also makes for an exciting drive.
The bridge has been featured in numerous movies, including Natural Born Killers. If you love nature and photography, this is definitely a sight you won’t want to miss out on. Make sure to tick off San Francisco de Asis Church on your way to the Gorge and visit the 18th century parish.
The Harwood Museum of Art
Hey, cultural buffs, artists, and all you curious people out there! The Harwood Museum is one of the oldest and most celebrated museums in the Southwest. It’s located on Mabel Dodge Luhan’s historic property and shows her personal art collection. She was a great patron of the arts, so you can see pieces by renowned artists like Georgia O’Keefe, Andrew Dasburg and more. The museum also hosts a number of events, from lectures to fundraisers to art shows. It’s located in downtown Taos.
Millicent Rogers Museum
The Millicent Rogers Museum has one of the best collections of pottery and jewelry. There are over 4000 pieces of silver and turquoise jewelry on display. The museum is named after Millicent Rogers who was a fashion icon during her time. This museum is a must-visit if you are interested in Native American art and culture!
The Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
The Museum of Contemporary Native Arts is the only museum of its kind in the United States. This unique museum showcases the work of both established and up-and-coming Native American artists. The exhibitions change regularly, and a boutique offers locally made Native American crafts for purchase. A visit to this museum is one of the top things to do in Taos, New Mexico.
Treat Yourself to Some Shopping at La Fonda at Taos Plaza
La Fonda on the Plaza is one of the oldest hotels in America, and it’s located right in downtown Taos, just a few steps from many of the town’s best attractions. The hotel features dozens of shops and boutiques that sell everything from clothing to artwork to Native American jewelry. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars inside La Fonda Hotel, and many locals stop by to take advantage of happy hour specials or listen to live music.
Taos Ski Valley. Hit the Slopes
There are many reasons to visit Taos Ski Valley this winter, but one of the most compelling is that it is a family-friendly ski resort. The whole mountain is designed for beginners and families to have fun on, with easy runs on all sides of the resort. There’s also a great kids’ program, where they can learn to ski or snowboard in a safe, friendly setting.
When you’re ready for an adventure away from the slopes, the following activities will make for wonderful memories.
Kachina Peak Lift
The Kachina Peak lift takes you to the highest point on the mountain (at 12,481 feet), and is the highest lift in New Mexico. You’ll be able to see both Colorado and New Mexico from the top of Kachina Peak, as well as stunning views of Wheeler Peak. If you’ve never skied off-piste before, you’ll be able to sample it here without having to hike or climb. And if you love backcountry skiing, this will give you a taste of what conditions are like in this part of the world, and may just convince you that Taos Ski Valley is the place to be! After a day at the slopes, go and relax at one of the spas!
Most Amazing Hot Air Balloon Rides
Ballooning is one of the most romantic things to do in Taos. It’s also a great way to take in the beauty of the area from above. The best time to go hot-air ballooning is early in the morning, before the wind picks up, or just before sunset. A hot air balloon ride over the Rio Grande Gorge is a truly memorable experience because you’ll enjoy spectacular views of it from all directions.
Things to Do in Taos NM. Summing Up, up and Awaaay!
Taos is a small town, but it’s packed with things to do and see. From art museums and galleries to great restaurants and beautiful vistas, the town has something for everyone. So, if you’re not afraid of heights, be prepared to jump into that hot air balloon basket! Ready to hit the road? Let us know how it goes with the best things to do in Taos.
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