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Taos New Mexico
Taos is a town in Taos County, located in the north-central region of New Mexico. Nestled between the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it lies about 50 miles south of the Colorado border. Serving as the county seat and largest municipality of Taos County, the town had an estimated population of 6,567 in 2021.
Incorporated in 1934, Taos has deep historical roots. Nearby Taos Pueblo—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the town’s namesake—has been continuously inhabited for nearly a thousand years. The name “Taos” comes from the native Taos language, meaning “(place of) red willows.” The modern town traces its origins to 1615, when Spanish colonists founded it as Don Fernando de Taos. However, settlement remained sporadic until the late 18th century, largely due to recurring conflicts between European settlers and Indigenous peoples, most notably during the Pueblo Revolt.
Taos Pueblo
The Taos Pueblo, located along the northern boundary of the town of Taos, has been continuously inhabited for nearly a thousand years. Scholars estimate its construction began between 1000 and 1450 A.D., with additional expansions carried out in later centuries. Taos Pueblo is regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States.[8] Situated in a tributary valley of the Rio Grande, it is the northernmost of New Mexico’s pueblos. Rising in places to five stories, the pueblo consists of numerous individual dwellings built with shared walls, forming a striking multi-storied structure. Today, more than 1,900 Taos Puebloans live within the greater pueblo-area community. In 1992, the Taos Pueblo was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taos, New Mexico, map Google
Taos is a town in Taos County, in the north-central region of New Mexico. Situated between the Rio Grande Gorge are the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Taos, New Mexico tourism
Taos is a town nestled in the high desert of northern New Mexico, framed by the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Renowned for its historic adobe architecture, it is home to Taos Pueblo, a multistory adobe complex that has been inhabited by Native Americans for centuries. With a long history as an artist colony, Taos also features numerous galleries and museums celebrating regional art, including the Harwood Museum of Art and the Taos Art Museum. Taos is a top destination for rafting, with several companies offering exciting trips along the Rio Grande and nearby waterways, perfect for both beginners and adventure seekers.
From walking and trolley tours to train rides and camping excursions, a guide can help you uncover the highlights—and the hidden gems—that you might miss on your own. Even locals may not know some of these secrets, such as ancient petroglyphs tucked away in the landscape or historic haunted buildings. With the help of knowledgeable guides, you can discover these fascinating stories, making your Taos experience richer and more memorable. Plus, in a place where GPS and Google Maps don’t always work reliably, having a guide ensures a smoother, less stressful adventure
Hotels in Taos, New Mexico
Here are some hotels in Taos, New Mexico, with different styles and budgets:
Top things to do in Taos, New Mexico
A Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Rio Grande Gorge
If you’ve never been in a hot air balloon—or are simply seeking a truly unique adventure—this should be at the very top of your Taos itinerary. I flew with Rio Grande Balloons, and the journey was unforgettable. The flight begins just north of the Gorge Bridge, near the Greater World Earthship Community, before descending gracefully into the Rio Grande Gorge. You’ll drift above the river itself, then slowly rise out of the canyon, culminating in a breathtaking finale: a sweeping bird’s-eye view of Taos and the surrounding landscape at sunrise.
Hot Springs Near Taos, New Mexico
For a quintessential New Mexico experience, set aside time to enjoy the region’s unique geothermal wonders. Just 50 minutes from Taos, Ojo Caliente Hot Springs Resort offers one of the most luxurious and historic ways to soak in natural mineral waters. Surrounded by high desert landscapes, the resort blends relaxation, wellness, and history—making it an ideal afternoon retreat where you can fully immerse yourself in this rare natural phenomenon.
Taos Earthships
Northern New Mexico is full of quirky and unconventional attractions, and one of the most fascinating is its innovative approach to sustainable architecture. The most famous example is the Earthship—an off-grid home built using recycled materials like tires, bottles, and packed earth. Designed to be self-sufficient, Earthships rely on solar power and rainwater catchment, making them both eco-friendly and inexpensive to maintain. This visionary building style was pioneered by architect Mike Reynolds in the 1980s and has since grown into a movement. Today, visitors can explore the Greater World Earthship Community, located just across the Gorge Bridge, which also houses an academy dedicated to teaching these groundbreaking techniques.
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Shop
Artisanal chocolate may not be the first thing that comes to mind in an artsy mountain town like Taos, but it’s a delicious surprise you won’t want to miss. Chokolá, an award-winning bean-to-bar chocolatier, is the perfect stop for anyone with a sweet tooth and an appreciation for fine culinary craftsmanship. Conveniently located on Juan Largo Lane—just across the cobblestone passageway from Manzanita Market—it makes an irresistible spot to grab dessert after lunch.
Visit the Gorge Bridge at Sunset
One of Taos County’s most iconic landmarks, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is an unforgettable spot to catch the sunset. From the rest area, you can follow a trail that runs along the rim of the gorge, offering countless photo opportunities and unique perspectives of both the bridge and the river far below. Keep your eyes peeled—you may spot Bighorn sheep grazing along the canyon walls. The trail is mostly flat, making it not only ideal for sunset strolls but also a scenic route for runners.
Taos Pueblo Tour
Taos is home to the longest continuously inhabited community in North America—the Taos Pueblo. The Tiwa people, also known as Red Willow, have lived here for more than 1,500 years. Today, fewer than a dozen families still reside full-time within the pueblo walls, though more than 400 tribal members live in the surrounding area. A meaningful way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site is by joining a guided tour with Heritage Inspirations, a local company that offers authentic, culturally respectful insights into the history and traditions of the Taos Pueblo.
How to Reach Taos New Mexico
You can fly directly into Taos Regional Airport via JSX or Contour Airlines. Alternatively, fly into a larger nearby airport, such as Albuquerque or Santa Fe, and then drive or take a shuttle to Taos. If you prefer a scenic road trip, you can drive along the picturesque High Road or the more direct Low Road. Once in Taos, local shuttles and rideshare services make it easy to get around the town and surrounding areas.
