In the high desert of northern New Mexico, earth-coloured adobe buildings glow orange in the evening sun beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Nearby, a multi-storey pueblo has been home to the same community for about a thousand years. This is Taos, a small town with a big reputation for art, culture and landscapes. In this guide, you will discover what to see in Taos, New Mexico, how to get there and when to visit.
Quick Facts About Taos, New Mexico
| Country | United States |
| Region | Taos County, New Mexico |
| Known For | Taos Pueblo, adobe architecture, art galleries and the Rio Grande Gorge |
| UNESCO Status | Taos Pueblo is a World Heritage Site (since 1992) |
| Founded | Taos Pueblo about 1,000 years ago; Spanish settlement from 1615 |
| Best Time to Visit | May to October; December to March for skiing |
| Time Needed | Two to three days |
| Continent | North America |
Where Is Taos, New Mexico?
Taos is a town in Taos County, in north-central New Mexico, United States. It sits between the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, roughly 50 miles south of the Colorado border. The town has around 6,500 residents and is the county seat.
Why Visit Taos, New Mexico?
First of all, Taos brings together Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultures in a unique way. Its adobe architecture, traditions and food reflect centuries of shared history. As a result, it feels very different from most American towns.
In addition, Taos has long attracted artists. Galleries, museums and studios fill the historic centre. Meanwhile, the surrounding landscape offers hiking, rafting, skiing and dramatic views.
Taos Plaza and the Historic District
The historic plaza is the heart of town.
Adobe Architecture
Buildings around the plaza are made of adobe, with thick earthen walls and wooden beams called vigas. Covered walkways, or portals, offer shade from the strong sun.
Galleries and Museums
In the early 20th century, painters formed the Taos Society of Artists, putting the town on the art map. Today, galleries line the streets, and museums display both historic and contemporary works.
Shops and Food
Around the plaza, you will find shops selling turquoise jewellery, pottery and textiles. Restaurants serve New Mexican dishes with red or green chile.
Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo lies just north of town. It has been continuously inhabited for roughly a thousand years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The pueblo’s multi-storey adobe buildings rise against the mountains, and a stream runs through the village. Visitors can walk through parts of the pueblo, visit craft shops and learn about the community’s traditions. However, the pueblo sometimes closes for ceremonies, so check before you go. Always follow the rules on photography and respect private homes.
Beyond the Town
The area around Taos is full of history and natural wonders.
San Francisco de Asís Mission Church
An Adobe Landmark
In nearby Ranchos de Taos, the San Francisco de Asís Mission Church is an iconic adobe church built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Inspiring Artists
Its massive, sculpted walls have inspired painters and photographers, including Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams.
The Rio Grande Gorge
The Gorge Bridge
West of town, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge spans a deep volcanic canyon, with the river far below.
Rafting and Hiking
In warmer months, rafting trips and trails explore the gorge.
Taos Ski Valley
In winter, Taos Ski Valley, in the mountains northeast of town, is known for its challenging terrain.
One Historical Fact About Taos, New Mexico
Spanish colonists founded a settlement called Don Fernando de Taos in 1615. However, it was only occupied on and off until the late 18th century, because of conflicts with Indigenous peoples. The town of Taos was not formally incorporated until 1934.
How to Get to Taos, New Mexico
By car: Taos is about a 90-minute drive from Santa Fe and around two and a half hours from Albuquerque.
By air: The nearest major airport is in Albuquerque, while Santa Fe also has a regional airport.
By shuttle: Shuttle services connect Taos with Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
Best Time to Visit Taos, New Mexico
The best time to visit Taos is from May to October, when the weather is warm and dry. Autumn brings golden aspens in the mountains. In winter, from December to March, the town is popular with skiers, while summer can bring afternoon thunderstorms.
Is Taos, New Mexico Worth Visiting?
Yes, Taos is worth visiting. Its ancient pueblo, adobe architecture and thriving art scene make it one of the most distinctive towns in the American Southwest. Furthermore, the landscapes around it are spectacular.
Final Thoughts
Taos is a place where history, art and landscape meet. With its thousand-year-old pueblo, galleries, mission church and dramatic gorge, it offers a rich and unforgettable experience. Whether you come for culture or adventure, Taos, New Mexico will inspire you.
Image Credits
Wikimedia Commons
- Taos Pueblo: Photo by John Fyfe via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Taos Plaza: Photo by Doug Kerr via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Adobe Building in Taos: Photo by Doug Kerr via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Taos Pueblo Building: Photo by Keyany via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- San Francisco de Asís Mission Church: Photo by Liveon001 © Travis K. Witt via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: Photo by Daniel Schwen via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)