Learn More about Taos

 “A place of red willows,” otherwise known as Taos, New Mexico is a town rich in culture and history. The city of Taos is an epicenter for culture and arts, with shopping, dining and adventure mixed in it. The region is home to the Taos Valley Ski Resort—a 1,300 acre experienced skiers dream—a UNESCO world heritage site, jaw-dropping landscapes of mountains and gorges, and artists that will make you gawk at true talent and beauty.

History

“A place of red willows,” otherwise known as Taos, New Mexico is a town rich in culture and history. Taos received its name from nearby Taos Pueblo to the north, which was established around 1200 A.D. The enchanting Pueblo is an ancient structure belonging to the Taos-speaking Native American tribe of Puebloan people. Considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country, the Pueblo people encountered multiple colonizing nations throughout history. In spite of this, the Pueblo tribes have held onto both their identity and traditions, blending their core values and community with the modern world.

After a period of Spanish colonization in the 1600s, the area was named Don Fernando de Taos. The 1800s saw a period of fur trappers settling in the region followed by a flock of painters and artists in the early 1900s. In 1915, six artists formed the Taos Society of artists and began a trend of paintings that featured Native Americans in the pueblo. A few of these paintings now serve as a tourist attraction for thousands of annual visitors to Taos.

Taos Today

The city of Taos remains an epicenter for culture and arts, with shopping, dining and adventure mixed in it. It is possible to say that one will truly never be bored in Taos. Between the historic landmarks, exquisite cuisine, quaint and abundant lodging, art galleries, cultural festivals, outdoor activities, wedding venues, spas, and shopping, Taos welcomes anyone and everyone. The region is home to the Taos Valley Ski Resort—a 1,300 acre experienced skiers dream—the UNESCO world heritage site, jaw-dropping landscapes of mountains and gorges, and artists that will make you gawk at true talent and beauty. Taos can be reached by car or plane via the regional airport just 8 miles away from the city center.

We suggest making a list of museums, landmarks and iconic destinations that you know you’ll want to visit. It is easy to spend days at a time wandering from attraction to attraction, learning the diverse history saturated throughout Taos. Most of the popular spots revolve around art and the unique architecture of the region. A few include:

• Taos Pueblo
• Nicolai Fechin
• Ernest L. Blumenschein House
• Eanger Irving Couse House and Studio
• The Harwood Museum of Art
• D.H. Lawrence Ranch
• Taos Art Museum at Fechin House
• Millicent Rogers Museum
• Kit Carson Home & Museum

Taos is a vision of the Southwest, but with a little over 5,000 residents, it has an atmosphere of a quiet and relaxed hub for art, culture, and the outdoors. With property values on a steady climb since 2012, Taos is a safer investment for year-round real estate as well as vacation properties. Luxury properties continue to move quickly with the ongoing renewal and expansion of the famous Taos Ski Valley. Taos streets come alive with galleries, cafes, bistros, museums, and unique boutiques that appeal to visitors and annual residents alike. Taos as a whole is a unique blend of its vibrant history and its modern development. 

Winter

Taos Ski Valley has become the first major ski resort to earn a B Corp certification. Simply put, this certification helps ensure that TSV meets the highest standards of environmental performance and sustainability. If that alone didn’t make Taos Ski Valley unique, this is also a hot spot for those looking to challenge themselves on the slopes. It should be noted that a majority of the trails require expert skills to navigate a total vertical drop of 3,281 feet. Rugged terrain and groomers unite on nearly 1,300 acres of skiable terrain. The epicenter of the ski area is Kachina Peak which isn’t quite a 14er but stands out at an impressive 12,481 feet.

Looking for a resort that accommodates skiers and riders of all ages and abilities? Look no further than Angel Fire. Located on terrain that spans over 560 acres, and 8,600 feet above sea level, you and the family can enjoy uncrowded trails. With over 80 runs—from gentle cruisers to hike-only steeps—and 3 Ski & Ride terrain parks, Angel Fire is the premier family-friendly resort.

Skiing and snowboarding, however, are not everyone’s cup of tea. Experience the Taos Valley on a snowmobile, by snowshoe, or perhaps relax at a local spa or rejuvenate the Ojo Caliente hot springs.

Summer

Imagine floating up in the sky via the basket of a hot air balloon, look over the edge and see the gaping Rio Grande Gorge in the valley below. If this makes you a little queasy, try your hand at one of the dozens of more summer activities in Taos. Horseback and llama riding is a popular family-friendly outing. New Mexico is not all desert and pueblos, areas near Taos such as the Rio Grande or Rio Hondo Rivers are a fisherman and woman’s dream! Snag a northern pike, rainbow or brown.

Take a ride up the chair lift and enjoy the mountain scenery backed by endless bluebird skies. Rent a mountain bike and explore forests, trails, and meadows for miles. After a few days of on-the-go outdoor activities, take a train ride and relax as a coal-fired steam engine carries you along a 64-mile route winding through the incredible New Mexico scenery. This is also a great option for fall to peep the fire-like Aspen trees splashed against the mountains like a painting.