Taos

A thousand-year-old adobe pueblo alongside an artists' historic plaza, with Taos Ski Valley to the north and the Rio Grande Gorge to the west — a destination in its own right in northern New Mexico.

Taos sits in northern New Mexico at an elevation of about 2,100 m, where the western foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains meet the Taos Plateau, about 110 km from Santa Fe and 215 km from Albuquerque. It's a meeting point of three cultures — Native American, Spanish colonial and Anglo-American: Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about a thousand years old; the Spanish colonial era left adobe churches and haciendas; and in the early 20th century artists settled here, forming the famous Taos art colony.

The area divides into four parts: first, Taos Plaza in the town center and the galleries, Kit Carson Home and Museum, Harwood Museum of Art and more within walking distance; second, Taos Pueblo and the Millicent Rogers Museum to the north; third, the Rio Grande Gorge to the west, with the Gorge Bridge, the Earthship community, wild hot springs, rafting and the national monument farther north; and fourth, the mountains to the northeast, with Taos Ski Valley, Wheeler Peak and the Enchanted Circle scenic drive. To the south, the San Francisco de Asís Church in Ranchos de Taos makes an easy stop if you're arriving from Santa Fe via the High Road.

Seasons: December–March is ski season; June–September is good for rafting and hiking, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; late September to early October, when the aspens turn gold, is the most beautiful time for a drive. The Pueblo often closes for about 10 weeks in late winter and early spring for tribal ceremonies, so check announcements before you go. Getting there: usually by rental car from Albuquerque or Santa Fe airport; public transportation in town is limited. Allow 2–4 days; skiers can stay in the Ski Valley. At this altitude, use sun protection, stay hydrated and watch for altitude sickness.

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