Things To Do In Taos
NEW MEXICO RIVER ADVENTURES NEAR TAOS
The closest whitewater opportunities in the area are located approx. a 30 minute drive from Taos, NM (directions). The New Mexico River Adventures Headquarters is centrally located and the only outfitter to offer a full-service facility directly across from the Rio Grande. And as New Mexico’s Top-Rated outfitter, we offer the best in fun, safe, and memorable adventures, combined with the highest quality of guest service available. Read what our previous guests have said about their experiences with us on Tripadvisor, Yelp and/or Google and then click on any of the activities below to come see for yourself what sets us apart!
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Paddle Boarding
- Climbing
- History
- Wine Tasting
- Retreats
- Gourmet Food
THE TOWN OF TAOS
Taos is a town in northern New Mexico’s high desert, bounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s known for historic adobe buildings such as Taos Pueblo, a multistory adobe complex inhabited by Native Americans for centuries. A longtime artist colony, Taos also offers many galleries and museums showcasing regional artwork. Drawn by clean air and mythical light, visitors come to experience rich spiritual traditions, fine art and the raw, natural beauty of the High Desert. They come to Taos for creative inspiration and the abundant outdoor recreation. Looking for a low key place to stay in the foothills of Northern New Mexico’s highest peaks? Taos is a wonderful destination for the entire family with many lodging options as well as the jump off point to an immense amount of outdoor recreation and cultural history. Below is a list of things to do in Taos during your stay:
TRIP PLANNING AND RESOURCES
A great resource of qualified business in the great town of Taos. NMRA is a proud member of this amazing group of businesses.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
White Water Rafting
If you haven’t booked your Taos rafting trip yet, don’t miss out! Find the New Mexico whitewater rafting trip for you and your family, and join New Mexico River Adventures for a truly memorable experience. NMRA is the Top Rated white water rafting company in the entire state of New Mexico. Come make memories that will last a lifetime.
The European atmosphere and architecture of Taos Ski Valley is due to the ski area’s pioneers, an amalgamation of German, French, Austrian and Swiss residents and employees combined with the local Native American and Spanish cultures. Summertime in Taos Ski Valley mixes the cool of the forest with the warmth of the New Mexican sun. Numerous hiking trails wind through the surrounding Ponderosa and Aspen forests, many following frigid mountain streams. Hike to the highest point in New Mexico, ride the ski lift or mountain bike on this challenging terrain.
Northern New Mexico’s premier golf club. The Taos Country Club offers the most dramatic and exciting golf games in Northern New Mexico. This championship golf club was awarded a four-star rating by Golf Digest magazine. A must for golfers and don’t forget the outstanding food and beverages at The Terrace restaurant, quickly becoming a Taos favorite.
If you are a hiker looking for things to do in Taos, The highest peak in New Mexico sits at 13,161ft in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area. The views are plentiful from start to finish on this amazing climb. If you are not up for strenuous hike, just do the first section which will take you to Williams Lake where you can enjoy a nice picnic.
GEARING UP
Taos’s only fully equipped mountain shop, offering friendly, expert assistance and the latest in outdoor gear and clothing for rafting, hiking, camping, backpacking, rock-climbing, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing. Mudd N Flood also features stylish casual clothing that is well-made and comfortable, so you can enjoy whatever adventure comes your way, from work, to travel, to a night out on the town. We also provide maps, guidebooks, and advice on trails and excursions to suit your needs. Sales and Rentals 7 days a week, 10-6pm. Gear up here for your New Mexico Rafting Trip.
POINTS OF INTEREST
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge sits 565 feet above the mighty Rio Grande and offers amazing views upstream and downstream. Bring your binoculars and you may be lucky enough to spot a herd of the newly reintroduced big horn sheep roaming around the canyon walls. One of our most favorite whitewater runs flows right underneath the bridge, The Taos Box.
Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years.
Stop into this museum for a peek into the arts of the Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo arts that make up Taos. You will find dazzling pots, paintings and jewelry.
This is a great stop for everyone visiting Taos and located just steps from the Taos Plaza. The mission of the Harwood Museum of Art of the University of New Mexico is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret the arts, especially those created in, inspired by, or relevant to northern New Mexico. The Harwood’s permanent collection includes over 4,000 works of art and a photographic archive of 17,000 images spanning a period from the 19th Century to the present. The collection is a unique record of both the community’s rich multicultural heritage and Taos’ role in the development of seminal American art.
EAT AND DRINK
Voted the best burger in New Mexico by USA Today, you cannot lose here. It is a great place to take the entire family for an array of burgers, sandwiches, salads, a great kids menu as well as an array of local beers. The green chile cheeseburger is a must before you leave New Mexico.
Choose either location north or south of The Plaza for a warm hearty breakfast. This is a favorite of locals for their delicious red chile!
STAY
Originally built as a small ranch in 1912, we’ve added additional buildings and suite accommodations over the past century. Taking a modern step back in time, our accommodations are spread out over several buildings and offer a tasteful blend of authentic Southwestern style and thoughtful amenities. And as distinctive as the lodge is, our hotel room types are too with unique details that vary based the location of the room.
SHOP
The Twirl Toystore and Playplace is one of the best things to do in Taos for a family vacation. Let your imagination run wild in this maze of wonder located on the back side of The Plaza. The outdoor play space will delight all children and the abundance of fairly priced toys will have you coming back more than once during your stay!
Made in Taos, at MadeInTaos.com is a resource dedicated to all things Made in Taos, For Taos, and about Taos. Made In Taos reports on local arts, activities, and events. If you are coming into town check them out for a list of local happenings.