The multi-story adobe buildings of Taos Pueblo have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. This long history offers a unique starting point for exploring Taos: alongside the buildings, museums, churches and historic sites tell the story of art and culture in the region. Taos Pueblo is normally open to visitors daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Ceremonies or seasonal closures may affect visiting hours; check before your visit.
Art history in museums and historic sites
The Harwood Museum of Art was founded in Taos in 1923. Its collections and exhibitions tell the story of art in Taos and northern New Mexico. The permanent collection includes the Agnes Martin Gallery, an installation of seven paintings. Conservation work or exhibition planning may affect its display.
Another connection between Taos and art history leads to the D. H. Lawrence Ranch. During his stays at the Kiowa Ranch, Lawrence wrote the novella “St. Mawr,” the biblical drama “David” and parts of “The Plumed Serpent.” A visit to the ranch can therefore also offer a look at the works created there. Weather permitting, the ranch is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Weather, staffing and on-site conditions may affect operations; check that it is open before traveling.
The Millicent Rogers Museum houses more than 7,000 objects and introduces visitors to the diverse heritage of the Southwest. The Couse-Sharp Historic Site includes the early 20th-century homes and studios of E. I. Couse and J. H. Sharp, founding members of the Taos Society of Artists. The site also includes gardens, a chapel dating to the 1830s, a machine shop and a laboratory from the 1930s, a research center and galleries with exhibitions.
The San Francisco de Asis Church also brings together history and art: this active 18th-century parish became an icon of modern art and a defining Taos landmark through the work of Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe. At Taos Plaza, the center of the Taos Historic District, locals gather for live music and farmers’ markets. Visitors can browse shops and galleries; event dates vary.
Gorge, river and trails
La Junta Point offers a view of the confluence of the Red River and the Rio Grande. The viewpoint is wheelchair accessible; check access conditions before setting out. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge spans the river at a height of 650 feet. A trail along the edge of the gorge starts from the parking area on the west side of the bridge. Check parking and trail access before you go.
Orilla Verde stretches for several miles within the gorge, south of the Taos Junction Bridge on the Rio Grande. Another place to pair the landscape with a specific outing is Taos Valley Overlook: this 2,600-acre area is dedicated to non-motorized recreation. Its interconnected trails are suitable for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. The Rift Valley Trail forms a nine-mile loop there; trail conditions may change.
Taos Ski Valley offers year-round hiking on trails for a range of fitness levels. Individual trails may close seasonally. In winter, visitors can reach Williams Lake from The Bavarian on snowshoes or touring skis: the round trip is four miles. Snow, road and trail conditions affect winter access. The two distance figures offer a specific reference for different outings, but do not indicate hiking time or difficulty. For whitewater enthusiasts, the Taos Box features Class IV rapids; consult an expert about current water conditions.
Local food and getting around
In Taos, you can sample the variety of northern New Mexican cuisine. It includes red and green chiles, as well as the “Christmas” and “caribe” combination served on enchiladas, tamales, burritos and cheese fries. In the Town of Taos, the North Central Regional Transit District operates a free shuttle between Taos Regional Airport and the Town of Taos. Transit services and routes can change, so check current service before traveling.
More destinations
Explore more destinations: Taos, Taos Ski Valley, Ranchos De Taos, Questa, El Prado, Red River, Valdez, Costilla, Arroyo Hondo.
Return to the main travel overview: New Mexico.
