Discover Taos: Culture, Art and Landscape

Taos offers something for a wide range of travel interests, from Pueblo history and art to viewpoints, hiking trails and winter activities. When planning your days, you can choose cultural sites and landscape experiences according to your interests, while taking the relevant visitor conditions into account.

Pueblo History and Culture in Taos

The multi-story adobe buildings of Taos Pueblo have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. The Pueblo is normally open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; ceremonies may require it to close. Check the current hours before your visit.

Today, Taos Plaza is the center of the Taos Historic District. Locals gather there for live music and farmers’ markets, while visitors browse shops and galleries. Since event dates vary, it’s worth checking the relevant calendar. San Francisco de Asis Church also combines active use with history: the parish, which remains active today, dates back to the 18th century. Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe helped make it an icon of modern art and a distinctive Taos landmark.

Art, Collections and Historic Sites

The Harwood Museum of Art was founded in Taos in 1923. Its collections and exhibitions tell the story of art in Taos and northern New Mexico. The permanent collection includes the Agnes Martin Gallery, an installation of seven paintings. Its presentation may change due to conservation or exhibition planning.

The Millicent Rogers Museum offers a different perspective on the art and culture of the Southwest: it houses more than 7,000 objects and introduces visitors to the region’s diverse heritage. The Couse-Sharp Historic Site includes the early 20th-century homes and studios of E. I. Couse and J. H. Sharp, founding members of the Taos Society of Artists. The grounds also include gardens, a chapel from the 1830s, a machine shop and a laboratory from the 1930s, a research center, and galleries with exhibitions.

The D. H. Lawrence Ranch is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday, weather permitting, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Since weather, staffing and site conditions can affect visits, check the information before setting out.

Viewpoints, the Gorge and Trails

La Junta Point offers a view of the confluence of the Red River and Rio Grande and is wheelchair accessible. Check access conditions before setting out. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge spans the river 650 feet above it. From the parking area on the west side of the bridge, a trail follows the edge of the gorge; check parking and trail access before your trip. Orilla Verde extends for several miles south of the Taos Junction Bridge along the Río Grande within the gorge. The Taos Box has Class IV rapids; current water conditions should be checked with a qualified expert.

For non-motorized recreation, the Taos Valley Overlook is a notable landmark: the area covers 2,600 acres and has interconnected trails for mountain biking and hiking that are also suitable for horseback riding. The Rift Valley Trail at Taos Valley Overlook is a nine-mile loop. This offers a choice of trail lengths and activities without combining them into a single outing.

Hiking and Winter Activities

Taos Ski Valley has year-round hiking opportunities on trails suited to different fitness levels; some trails may close seasonally. One specific winter option runs from The Bavarian to Williams Lake: the round trip is four miles and can be done on snowshoes or touring skis. Access depends on snow, road and trail conditions. The year-round hiking opportunities and this route, which depends on specific winter conditions, differ primarily in how far ahead they can be planned.

Local Cuisine and Travel Planning

In the Town of Taos, you can sample the diverse cuisine of northern New Mexico, including red and green chiles. The “Christmas” combination of both is available on enchiladas, tamales, burritos and cheese fries. The North Central Regional Transit District operates a free shuttle between Taos Regional Airport and the Town of Taos. Since transportation services and routes may change, check the schedule before your trip.

When looking for a hotel in Taos, compare the location details in listings with your own plans. This can help you tailor your stay to the things that interest you most—such as art and history, trails through the landscape or seasonal activities.

Discover more destinations: Costilla, Taos, Taos Ski Valley, Ranchos De Taos, Questa, El Prado, Red River, Valdez, Arroyo Hondo.

For the broader travel overview: New Mexico.