Taos, NM

In north-central New Mexico, Taos is a small town with a big personality. Founded in the 17th century and serving as an artist hub for over a hundred years, Taos is perched in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, surrounded by more than a thousand square miles of natural beauty.

People come to Taos for the art, the fresh air, and the scenic mountains with numerous open-air activities — meaning, there's always a reason to return and try something new. Check out our Taos travel guide to start planning your itinerary.

Population: 6,595 as of 2021

Elevation: Town of Taos, 6,967 feet; Taos Ski Valley, 9,207 feet; Wheeler Peak, 13,161 feet

Average Annual Sunshine and Snowfall: 300 days (sunshine), 177 inches (snowfall)

Nearest Airports:

• Taos Regional Airport: served by Taos Air, operated by JSX, which flies to Denver, Austin, Dallas, San Diego, and Los Angeles.
  Airports in Santa Fe and Albuquerque are within driving distance.
• Airports in Santa Fe and Albuquerque are within driving distance.

Best Times to Visit:

• Winter: skiing, snowboarding
• Spring and Summer: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting, annual powwow celebration (July)
• Fall: fly fishing

Taos is right on Route 64. Visitors coming from Santa Fe can choose between two scenic drives: the High Road (a two-and-a-half-hour drive) and the somewhat faster Low Road. The drive from Albuquerque also takes approximately two and a half hours. The Taos Regional Airport, Santa Fe Airport, and Albuquerque International Airport are within driving distance.

There are shuttles, buses, and trains taking visitors from the airport to town. The North Central Regional Transit District offers a free ground shuttle between Taos Regional Airport and the town. Free buses, including those going to the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, are available.

Wondering what to do in Taos, New Mexico? Well, the town offers just about any outdoor activity a visitor could want, from biking and hiking (guided or solo), rock climbing, rafting on the Rio Grande, and fishing in warmer weather to skiing and snowboarding in the Taos Ski Valley during winter. Don't forget horseback riding and hot air balloon rides for a bird's-eye view of the desert landscape. Golfers can try sinking a hole-in-one at two different golf courses.

Looking for lower-impact outdoor activities? Take a walk through Taos Plaza and explore the local shops and art galleries. It's a great way to find the best souvenirs and make new friends while exploring the area.

• The Historic Taos Inn in the town's historic district is just steps away from Taos Plaza.
• The El Pueblo Lodge was built in 1912 and maintains a historic Southwestern vibe, with unique elements in each room.
• Art fans will appreciate the Hotel Willa in the historic district. The works of local artists feature prominently in the 51 guestrooms.
• For wellness stays, check out the El Monte Sagrado — it includes a full-service spa and a relaxation area with willow and cottonwood trees.
• For those who want to stay in the great outdoors, check out Heritage Inspirations, which has partnered with the Inn of the Five Graces for a glamping (aka glamorous camping) experience in Taos this August.

• Of course, what rundown of things to do in Taos, New Mexico would be complete without plenty of dining options? Taos offers a diverse range of cuisine, catering to every taste and budget, from fine dining to casual meals for the whole family. The Casa de Valdez is a popular pick among Taoseños for authentic Northern New Mexican cuisine, including steaks, pit-smoked BBQ, chile rellenos, stuffed sopapillas, blue corn enchiladas, fajitas, and tamales. Doc Martin's Restaurant at the Taos Inn has over 400 wines and has earned the Wine Spectator "Best Of" Award of Excellence for 22 consecutive years.
• For those who need a break after hitting the slopes, The Bavarian is a classic Alpine restaurant in the Kachina Basin where visitors can unwind with a classic beer and hearty German fare. Families can play and explore at Twirl Toystore and Playplace at The Plaza.
• When hitting the trails, be sure to pack right: Know what kind of sneakers or boots are appropriate for the conditions and bring extra water. Our Mountain Gear Bag makes it easy to keep essentials close at hand.

• While exploring Taos, New Mexico attractions, our Mountain Waist Pack is great for keeping essentials with you on the go. The Rover Pack Classic — made from recycled nylon — can go from town to the trailhead without missing a beat.
• Hitting the slopes in winter? Don't forget to layer up with our hoodies, leggings and crew shirts. If you're going to bike through the mountain trails or town, our Bike Frame Bag will keep items secure.

Shop Topo Designs to find gear for every season and every adventure in Laos, New Mexico.