This post focuses on Taos, New Mexico, USA and the surrounding area. If you would like to view a quick summary of my travel and photography recommendations, please scroll down to the end of this post.
I usually stay in one of the rooms in Helen’s House at the Taos Inn. Helen’s House is a small, quiet building surrounded by courtyards. Its rooms have wood beam ceilings and adobe fireplaces. The Taos Inn is in the center of Taos within walking distance of many shops and restaurants, including the Taos Plaza. For a more luxurious stay near the center of Taos, I recommend El Monte Sagrado or Palacio de Marquesa. If you would like to camp, there are campgrounds in the nearby Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
Left: Courtyard between Helen’s House and Sandoval House at the Taos Inn Right: Light by Taos Tin Works outside my room at the Taos Inn
One of my favorite things about the Taos Inn is that there is live music every night at its Adobe Bar. I like to sit up on the balcony or next to the adobe fireplace while listening to the music. It’s a nice way to end the day. Two other places with live music are Taos Mesa Brewing and KTAOS Solar Center. Taos Mesa Brewing is a microbrewery located out on the mesa next to Taos. Its unique architecture and artwork, musical guests, and mesmerizing view of the mesa and mountains from the patio make it a great spot to visit. You can also buy clay pint glasses made for the brewery by a local artist. KTAOS Solar Center is home to a solar-powered radio station, music venue, restaurant, and bar. The view of the mountains fills the windows. If you’re there on a Monday night, you can attend the taping of the radio show “Off the Cuff Live!” for free.
Live music at the Adobe Bar in the Taos Inn
Taos Mesa Brewing
Left: KTAOS Solar Center Right: Taping of “Off the Cuff Live!” at KTAOS Solar Center
Taos has many wonderful restaurants. My favorite spot for breakfast is Gutiz. It has the best french toast I have ever had. The Taoseno (beans, tomatoes, potatoes, rice, cheese, scrambled eggs, and red & green chile in a terra-cotta bowl) is also delicious. I always make sure to get some lunch and a slice of frozen avocado lime pie at Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe when visiting Taos. My favorite spots for dinner are The Love Apple and El Meze. The Love Apple has a warm and cozy atmosphere. It specializes in locally-sourced food. My favorite meal there was fresh-caught trout with lime cooked in a corn husk and peach cobbler for dessert. Remember that this restaurant does not accept credit cards. El Meze specializes in what it calls regionally-inspired, rustic comfort food. My favorite meal there was bison tamales in green chile and mini cardamom doughnuts for dessert. The view from the restaurant is amazing. I recommend requesting a table with an unobstructed view of the mountains.
Left: The Love Apple Right: Frozen avocado lime pie at Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe
There are great hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. My favorite hiking trails are Big Arsenic Trail in the Wild Rivers area in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and Williams Lake Trail in Carson National Forest. I recommend hiking these trails in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Always bring rain gear and layers just in case. Big Arsenic Trail is 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) one way and has an elevation change of 680 feet (207 meters). The views of the gorge and the Rio Grande are beautiful. The trail ends next to the Rio Grande. Nearby, there are cold-water springs and petroglyphs. You can ask at the visitor center about how to find the petroglyphs. There are also picnic shelters along the rim of the gorge if you would like to have lunch with a view. Williams Lake Trail is 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) one way and has an elevation change of 900 feet (274 meters). In the winter, you can snowshoe along the trail. The trailhead is in Taos Ski Valley. Hike along streams and through pine tree forests on your way to Williams Lake. The lake is at 11,040 feet (3,365 meters) and is surrounded by mountain peaks. You can see the highest point in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak, near the end of the trail. You might also see some marmots living among the rocks next to the lake. There’s a Bavarian restaurant near the trailhead if you feel like a post-hike meal or beer. Another option for outdoor adventures is to hike with llamas. Day hikes and longer treks are available.
Left: Hiking into the Rio Grande Gorge along Big Arsenic Trail in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Right: Petroglyphs on a boulder near the end of Big Arsenic Trail in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Left: Williams Lake at the end of Williams Lake Trail in Carson National Forest Right: View of Wheeler Peak near the end of Williams Lake Trail in Carson National Forest
Taos has many other activities and cultural experiences to offer. The Taos Pueblo has been home to its Native American community for over 1,000 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tours are available every day. You can also attend ceremonies on certain dates. If you visit Taos in the winter, Taos Ski Valley is the best place to ski and snowboard in New Mexico. The unique architecture of San Francisco de Asis Mission Church in Ranchos de Taos has been photographed by Ansel Adams and painted by Georgia O’Keeffe. It’s neat to see a building featured in many works of art and to be able to photograph (or draw or paint) it yourself. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is another famous structure. There are walking paths on either side of the bridge that offer spectacular and dizzying views of the Rio Grande Gorge. You can also photograph the bridge from hiking trails in the rest area next to the bridge. While you’re out on the mesa to see the bridge, I recommend checking out the innovative and sustainable homes called Earthships. Earthships are passive solar homes made from natural and upcycled materials and are intended to be off the grid. You can view or tour these homes at the Earthship Visitor Center. My favorite museum in Taos is the Millicent Rogers Museum. It showcases the “rich and diverse heritage of the American Southwest.” My favorite artwork at this museum is the gorgeous pottery made by Maria Martinez, the famous San Ildefonso Pueblo potter. If you have time and would like to learn about her home or buy pottery, the San Ildefonso Pueblo is a little over an hour from Taos.
Unique architecture of San Francisco de Asis Mission Church
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Earthships at the Earthship Visitor Center
Beautiful artwork at the Millicent Rogers Museum
My favorite shops are Smoke Signals, Taos Drums, and Taos Tin Works. Smoke Signals sells peace pipes and other items made by the owner and other local artists. Taos Drums has a huge selection of drums made from wood and rawhide. Taos Tin Works sells lights, candle holders, and other items made by punching holes in tin or copper.
SUMMARY
LODGING
RESTAURANTS & BARS
- Adobe Bar
- Anaconda Bar
- Doc Martin’s
- El Meze
- Gutiz
- KTAOS Solar Center
- Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe
- Taos Mesa Brewing
- The Love Apple
- Treehouse Bar & Lounge
ACTIVITIES
- Hike Big Arsenic Trail in the Wild Rivers area in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
- Hike Williams Lake Trail in Carson National Forest
- Hike with llamas
- Listen to live music at Adobe Bar
- Listen to live music at Taos Mesa Brewing
- Listen to live music or attend taping of “Off the Cuff Live!” at KTAOS Solar Center
- Photograph San Francisco de Asis Mission Church
- Photograph and walk across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
- Ski or snowboard at Taos Ski Valley
- View or tour earthships at the Earthship Visitor Center
- Visit Taos Pueblo
MUSEUMS
SHOPS
MAPS
- Big Arsenic Trail Map
- Carson National Forest Map
- Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Map
- Williams Lake Trail Map
I am CRAZY about the southwest – but haven’t spent a ton of time in New Mexico. Great post, because now I’m dying to go back!!
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Thank you! There’s so much to see and do in New Mexico!
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New Mexico offers travel experiences found no where else in the world ! Mother Nature has tucked away unexpected treasures, including undulating fields of white-sand dunes and enormous limestone caves set unassumingly underfoot. There’s something about the unusual landscapes of New Mexico that makes travelers gaze outward and upward 🙂
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I definitely agree! It’s such a beautiful state!
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What a gorgeous place! The surroundings are just stunning and the live music at the bar looks awesome and like such a lively place! 😀
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It is so beautiful! I love coming back to my hotel at the end of the day and listening to live music before going to bed.
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Taos looks simply incredible. I would love to go there to hike and try all of those mouth-watering dishes. I had never heard of avocado lime pie before, but it looks delicious and I am super intrigued!
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The food there is so good! Ha ha you should definitely get a slice if you visit!
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Wow~ so much to do! Hiking, breweries, and beautiful scenery – definitely need to add Taos to my list!
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It has just about everything I could want!
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This sounds like such a fun trip! Also…that Taoseno dish you mentioned is totalllyyy calling my name.
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The Taoseno is so good! I crave it all the time ha ha.
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Wow, such a wonderful place. You have added so much information in the post, which is very useful.
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It is, I love Taos!
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Really nice write up. Enjoyed acquittancing a new place. Oh I must mention, you do a really great job at clicking, must I add there is no hint if editing and still they look spectacular!
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Thank you!
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Thanks for sharing. These are great tips. This seems like a really cool place to check out.
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Thanks, no problem!
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OMG that hike looks amazing!!! So different from what we have here in Canada.
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Ha ha I love hiking around Taos! The landscapes are amazing!
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Seriously this is the cutest little town!! I was just in New Mexico on a road trip and had no idea about this place!! New Mexico really encompasses the wild west vibe; I love the desert decor and Native American trinkets. Small towns like Taos is what makes America so amazing!!
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I love unique towns like Taos! Yeah, the landscapes and cultures in New Mexico are incredible!
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I am hearing the first time about this place. But your description is making it so apparent. It seems a very interesting place. Particularly Rio Grande Gorge hiking trails looks very interesting and appealing.
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There are so many hiking trails!
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Frozen avocado lime pie… now that sounds like an interesting combination. Would love to visit Taos, sounds like an interesting city. Very informative post, thank you for sharing!
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Ha ha it’s really good!
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Great description of the area, great pics!, would love to go there someday!
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Thank you!
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I had never heard of this place before, but I got to say it looks really nice overall ! Especially the bridge !
Also part of me can’t help but drool over that frozen avocado lime pie it looks delicious 😀
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Ha ha that pie is so good! I get it every time I visit.
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I really liked your photos; they are so real and vivid and with your description in the area I would love to visit it some day soon 🙂
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Thank you!
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I had never heard of Taos! Great blog post on the area! And i LOVE all your photos!
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Thank you!
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Wow – a plethora of information and great recommendations! The hiking trails look incredible, and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is stunning. I’d love to try the french toast at Gutiz one day!
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Thank you! There are so many beautiful hiking trails around Taos. Gutiz’s french toast is made from caramelized homemade sweetbread…delicious.
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I love how bright your photos are! This is a really great description of the area – going to have to save this for another time 🙂
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Thank you!
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This is such a detailed post! Thank you!! Taos seems like an amazing place to eat, drink, sightsee, hike… The Carson National Forest looks so beautiful. I will keep this guide in mind if I ever make it to Taos 🙂
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Thank you! Yeah, it’s a wonderful place. I’m glad you found the post helpful!
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This is so thorough! Taos looks so awesome with so much to do. Didn’t realize there was UNESCO site there. Gorgeous Gorgeous!
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Thank you! Yeah, you wouldn’t expect to find a UNESCO World Heritage Site there. I think Taos is mostly just known for the Taos Ski Valley, but there’s so much more!
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Great photography skills! I have pinned this on my USA board for future ref!
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Thank you! Glad you found it helpful!
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Very comprehensive and well covered! Loved the idea of a summary at the end for quick fixes =) The photos are pretty colourful too!! =)
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Thank you!
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I haven’t seen very much of this area of the US, but it looks so pretty! Thanks for such an informative post!
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No problem! Northern New Mexico is beautiful.
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Wow those hikes look really wonderful and scenic, thanks for the guide!
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There are so many hiking trails around Taos, but those two are my favorite so far!
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I have never been but your article definitely makes me want to go! I bet it is an awesome place to visit and your photos are great!
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Thank you!
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This is a really comprehensive post for Taos (which totally sounds like somewhere in Asia btw) and I especially like the way you break down the bars into what they’re ‘known’ for (live music, etc) because it’s super useful!
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Thanks!
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We love Taos! We were there last January for skiing. We didn’t get to look too much at all of the art and everything it has to offer. Great photos and recommendations. 🙂
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I love it, too! Thank you!
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I love NM! My biggest regret is that when we went there for the first time in 2012 (actually on July 4 weekend), we did not end up going to Taos (only ABQ and Santa Fe), but your post showcases so many reasons to revisit.
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New Mexico has so much to offer! (I think it surprises a lot of people.) I love Santa Fe, too. I’m hoping to go back this fall.
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I absolutely love your photos! Taos looks really beautiful and not what I expected at all. I’d love to go hiking and I’ll visit when I go to NM. 🙂
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Thank you! I’m glad I was able to show what a great place it is. You’ll love hiking there!
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*adds visiting Taos to bucketlist*. This place honestly looks sooo amazing and wow I love your photography! Avocado lime pie is an interesting combination as well 😛
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Thank you! Yeah, it has just about everything I could ever want in one place. The pie is so good! I get it every time I go down there. It’s been a while though. So, I’m considering trying to recreate it at home…we’ll see how it goes!
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Wow loved the visuals! I have coworkers who go to Taos, like, all the time! I can see why they love it there so much – it’s def a laidback city with an eclectic vibe!
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Thank you! Ha ha yeah, it’s an awesome town!
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Love hiking! I’m definitely a fan of morning hikes, so that’s an easy tip for me to take! Are there really that many thunderstorms there, or just during a certain season?
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The afternoon thunderstorm warning is mostly for the Williams Lake Trail, which is up in the mountains. During the summer, afternoon thunderstorms are very common in the Rocky Mountains. I’m not quite sure how often it happens in the Rio Grande Gorge, but it’s less likely in the morning.
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Beautiful photos! I’ve been wanting to go to New Mexico for a while, and Taos looks like a good place to check out. And I’ll have to stop at Taos Mesa Brewing!
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Thank you! Yeah, I definitely recommend it!
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Thank you for sharing! Such a useful post! 🙂
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Thank you!
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You have totally put New Mexico on my radar. I love everything you’ve featured in your post from the little Inn with live music to the local comfort food, especially those gorgeous mountain views and hiking trails.
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Thank you! I love this place so much and am glad I put it on your radar!
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This looks so beautiful — I’m dying to go to New Mexico! Are all these activities pretty close together so you could cover it pretty well in a weekend?
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I usually only have a couple days when I visit. You can see and do a lot in that time. The brewery, bridge, and earthships are all out on the mesa (which you could do in a couple hours). KTAOS Solar Center and the Millicent Rogers Museum are in between the mesa and town (great places to visit on the way out or on the way back). Many of the bars, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of the Taos Inn (plus you don’t have to go anywhere for the live music there each night). For a weekend, you’d probably only be able to fit in one of the hikes, unless you woke up really early each day.
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Very informative and nice article! this place looks beautiful, so natural and peaceful! love your pictures 🙂
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Thank you!
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This is such an informative post! New Mexico is pretty high on my bucket list. Can’t wait to check it out. Thanks for the recommendations.
Vrithi Pushkar
http://www.epicuriouspassport.com
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I’m happy you found my post helpful!
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This is great – I will be spending some time in NM later this fall, so I’ve noted all of the hikes you recommend. I can’t wait!
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I’m glad you found the post helpful! Hope you have a wonderful time!
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This is great! I’ve been wanting to go to Mexico soon, maybe next winter and Taos looks like a great spot for me for a couple weeks. Thanks!
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I’m so glad you found my post helpful! Hope you have an awesome vacation!
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Love the colors such vibrant colors!
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Thank you!
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