Taos New Mexico Tourism

D.H. Lawrence said: “You cannot come to Taos without feeling that here is one of the chosen spots on earth.”

The history of Taos Valley can be interpreted through artifacts left by many diverse cultures that have called it home. Strong evidence suggests that as far back as 13,000 years ago, the ancestors of today’s Pueblo Indians lived here. The Town of Taos itself is more than 400 years old, reaching back to the Spanish exploration and settlement of New Mexico. Taos history is filled with colorful characters who helped make Taos what it is today. From trappers and traders to wealthy heiresses, remittance men, legendary artists and farsighted entrepreneurs. Taos historic museums, many of which are National Historic Landmarks offer a glimpse of how our early settlers lived.

The Kit Carson Home & Museum, 1825; Blumenschein Home & Museum, 1797, home of Ernest Blumenschein, co-founder of the Taos Society of Artists. Harwood Museum of Art, home of Burt & Elizabeth Harwood, 1916. Taos Art Museum at the home of Russian artist Nicholai Fechin, 1933; La Hacienda de los Martinez, a Spanish colonial hacienda, 1804; and the Millicent Rogers Museum showcasing exhibits from the once-private collection of Standard Oil heiress, Millicent Rogers.

Taos has always been and continues to be an art mecca. In 1962 actor Raymond Burr said “In the 1920s there were more great artists in Taos than anywhere else in the world, and to a great extent that still holds true today.” The artists of Taos today continue to uphold that tradition. Taos lives and breathes art, from the traditional santeros to the modern day, all of the arts are celebrated. It’s a way of life that honors a way of life. The diversity of Taos’ creativity and talent are showcased at the annual Spring Arts Celebrations, Fall Festivals, Film Festivals and Yuletide events as well as in the restaurants, inns, coffee shops, galleries and studios.

Besides visiting the museums and galleries, a trip to Taos is not complete without a visit to the Taos Pueblo, the home of the Taos Pueblo people for over 1000 years and now a UNESCO site. Ceremonials take place throughout the year. During the 1800s, the San Francisco de Assis Mission Church was built in the village of Ranchos de Taos. Now one of the most painted and photographed churches in the country, made famous by Georgia O’Keefe. The Historic District of Taos is home to museums, galleries, shops and restaurants with the plaza being the site of the original Spanish settlement. Visit Kit Carson Road, Bent Street and Ledoux Street.

Eight miles northwest of Taos is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge spanning the river at 650 feet with breathtaking views. Rafting and hiking along the river take you through archaeological sites, petroglyphs, old cabins and breathtaking scenery. Or you can relax in the natural hot springs. A little further down the road you can experience a tour of the Earthship community, homes made from recycled and environmentally friendly products.

Anytime of the year is a good time to take a scenic ride to the Taos Ski Valley. Nature in its full glory with hikes and trails waiting to be discovered in this alpine resort area in the Carson National Forest. Renowned author and artist, D.H. Lawrence’s ashes are interned in a shrine to him at the D.H. Lawrence Ranch located 15 miles north of Taos in the scenic village of San Cristobal. The Enchanted Circle offers a breathtaking 84 mile scenic loop with several points of interest, drive through two ski areas, a ghost town and by Eagle Nest Lake – with opportunities for hiking.

Take in the scenery on horseback. Take a llama to lunch, or greet the dawn in a hot air balloon ride over the gorge – and so much more! These are just a few of the things to do on a trip to Taos.