Taos, New Mexico
Share
Taos is a small town in the mountains of northern New Mexico. It sits at 6,969 feet between the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, about 70 miles north of Santa Fe and 130 miles north of Albuquerque. The population is roughly 6,433. The county has about 34,500 people. The town has been here, in one form or another, since 1615. The Pueblo next door has been here for over a thousand years.
The name comes from the Tiwa language. It means "place of red willows."
Three cultures built this town. Spanish, Native American, and Anglo. All three are still here. You can see it in the adobe walls, hear it in the language, taste it in the food. That layering is what makes Taos different from anywhere else in the Southwest.
heytaos.com is the local guide to Taos. We live here. This is what we know.
Taos at a Glance
How does Taos compare to other New Mexico destinations? Here is a quick look.
| Taos | Santa Fe | Albuquerque | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 6,969 ft | 7,199 ft | 5,312 ft |
| Population | ~6,400 | ~89,000 | ~564,000 |
| Vibe | Small town, rugged, artist colony | State capital, upscale, gallery-heavy | Metro, urban, diverse |
| Skiing | Taos Ski Valley (expert terrain) | Ski Santa Fe (smaller, family) | Sandia Peak (close to city) |
| UNESCO Site | Taos Pueblo (World Heritage) | None | None |
| Drive from ABQ | 2.5 hours | 1 hour | You're already there |
| Known for | Art, Pueblo, Gorge, skiing | Art market, dining, opera | Balloon Fiesta, Route 66 |
Taos is the smallest of the three and the most remote. That is the point. If you want a city, go to Albuquerque. If you want polished, go to Santa Fe. If you want raw, real, and surrounded by mountains, come to Taos.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| County | Taos County, New Mexico |
| Elevation | 6,969 feet (2,124 m) |
| Population (town) | 6,433 (2026 est.) |
| Population (county) | ~34,500 (2024 est.) |
| Area code | 575 |
| ZIP code | 87571 |
| Founded | 1615 (Spanish settlement); 1795 (formally established) |
| Incorporated | 1934 |
| Coordinates | 36°23'13"N, 105°34'48"W |
| Time zone | Mountain (MST/MDT) |
| Median household income | $47,304 |
| Median age | 53.7 years |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey; World Population Review, 2026.
History
Pre-Colonial Era
The Taos Valley has been home to the Tiwa-speaking Pueblo people for more than 1,000 years. The multi-story adobe structures at Taos Pueblo were built between approximately 1000 and 1450 CE. They remain standing and occupied today. When the first Spanish explorers reached the valley in 1540, they found a thriving community that had existed for centuries before European contact.
What is a Pueblo? Pueblo is a Spanish word meaning "village" or "people." In New Mexico, it refers to both the communities and the distinct Native American peoples who built permanent, multi-story adobe and stone dwellings. There are 23 federally recognized Pueblos in New Mexico today. Taos Pueblo is the northernmost.
Spanish Colonial Period
In 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando de Alvarado reached the Taos Valley. Seeing the sun reflecting off the straw in the adobe walls of Taos Pueblo, he believed he had found the legendary Cities of Gold. Permanent Spanish settlement began in 1615, when colonists established a community called Don Fernando de Taos. The settlement was abandoned and resettled multiple times due to conflict between European settlers and indigenous peoples.
The most significant event of this period was the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, when Pueblo people across New Mexico rose against Spanish colonial rule. Taos Pueblo played a central role in organizing the revolt. Spanish settlers were driven out of the region for 12 years before returning in 1692 under Don Diego de Vargas.
Taos was formally established as a permanent settlement in 1795 by Governor Fernando Chacón. It functioned as a fortified plaza and trading outpost for the surrounding communities, including Ranchos de Taos, Cañón, Taos Canyon, Ranchitos, El Prado, and Arroyo Seco.
The Mountain Men and the Santa Fe Trail
In the early 1800s, Taos became a gathering point for fur trappers and mountain men working the southern Rockies. Kit Carson, Charles Bent, and Ceran St. Vrain all settled in or near the town. Taos sat at the northern end of a trade network that connected to the Santa Fe Trail, making it an important center of commerce in the region.
Charles Bent became the first American territorial governor of New Mexico in 1846. He was killed during the Taos Revolt of 1847, when a coalition of Pueblo and Hispanic residents rose against the new American government. The revolt was suppressed by U.S. troops, and the leaders were executed.
Kit Carson lived in Taos from 1843 until his death in 1868. His home on Kit Carson Road is preserved as a museum.
The Taos Art Colony
In 1898, artists Ernest Blumenschein and Bert Phillips broke a wagon wheel near Taos while traveling through New Mexico. The story goes that the landscape was so striking they decided to stay. That broken wheel launched the Taos Art Colony, one of the most important art movements in the American West.
By 1915, the Taos Society of Artists was formally established. Members included Blumenschein, Phillips, Joseph Henry Sharp, Oscar Berninghaus, E. Irving Couse, and Herbert Dunton. Their paintings of the Taos landscape, Pueblo life, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains brought national and international attention to the area.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Mabel Dodge Luhan moved from New York to Taos and turned her home into a gathering place for writers and artists. She brought D.H. Lawrence, Georgia O'Keeffe, Ansel Adams, Willa Cather, and Aldous Huxley. Lawrence lived outside Taos from 1922 to 1925 and wrote The Plumed Serpent during his time here. His ranch north of town is maintained by the University of New Mexico.
The art colony tradition continues today. Taos is home to more than 80 galleries and studios.
Modern Taos
Taos was incorporated as a town in 1934. Through the mid-20th century, it attracted artists, writers, and nonconformists drawn to the landscape, the light, and the slower pace of life.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Taos became a destination for the counterculture movement. Communes formed in the surrounding mountains and mesas. The most lasting legacy of that era is the Earthship community, started by architect Michael Reynolds in the 1970s. Earthships are off-grid homes built from recycled materials like tires, bottles, and earth. The Greater World Earthship Community west of Taos is still active and open for tours. It is one of the most unusual things you can visit in New Mexico.
Taos Ski Valley opened in 1955, founded by Ernie Blake. It grew into one of the most respected ski areas in North America, known for steep, expert terrain. In 2014, the resort ended its decades-long ban on snowboarding. A major renovation of the base village was completed in recent years.
Today, Taos is a town of roughly 6,400 people that draws over a million visitors per year (Source: New Mexico Tourism Department). Tourism, arts, and outdoor recreation are the primary economic drivers. The town retains its adobe architecture, its three-culture identity, and its reputation as one of the most distinctive small towns in the American West.
Geography and Climate
Location
Taos is situated in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains. The town sits in a high desert valley with mountains to the east and the Rio Grande Gorge to the west.
Distances from Taos:
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | 70 miles | ~1 hr 20 min |
| Albuquerque, NM | 130 miles | ~2 hr 30 min |
| Colorado border | 40 miles | ~45 min |
| Denver, CO | 280 miles | ~4 hr 30 min |
| Taos Ski Valley | 18 miles | ~30 min |
| Angel Fire, NM | 23 miles | ~30 min |
| Red River, NM | 37 miles | ~45 min |
Source: Taos.org Visitor Information; Google Maps.
Two scenic routes connect Santa Fe to Taos. The Low Road (NM 68) follows the Rio Grande through a narrow canyon and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The High Road (NM 76) winds through small mountain villages like Chimayó, Truchas, and Trampas, and takes 2 to 3 hours depending on stops. Both are worth driving. If you have time, take the High Road up and the Low Road back.
Elevation
The town of Taos sits at 6,969 feet above sea level. Taos Ski Valley base is at 9,207 feet. Wheeler Peak, located just northeast of town, is the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet.
If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the altitude. Drink more water than you think you need. Take it easy the first day. The sun is stronger up here than it looks.
What is altitude sickness? Altitude sickness can occur above 6,000 feet when your body has not adjusted to lower oxygen levels. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Most people adjust within a day or two. Stay hydrated and avoid heavy alcohol on your first night.
Mountains
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains dominate the eastern skyline. Major peaks near Taos include:
| Peak | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak | 13,161 ft (highest in NM) |
| Taos Ski Valley (Kachina Peak) | 12,481 ft |
| Latir Peak | 12,708 ft |
| Ute Peak | 10,093 ft |
Carson National Forest covers much of the surrounding mountain terrain and includes the Wheeler Peak Wilderness and Latir Peak Wilderness areas (Source: USDA Forest Service).
Rivers and Bodies of Water
The Rio Grande is the primary river in the Taos area. It flows south from Colorado through a deep basalt gorge west of town. Both the Rio Grande and the Rio Chama are designated Wild and Scenic Rivers by the federal government (Source: Bureau of Land Management).
The Rio Pueblo de Taos, a tributary of the Rio Grande, runs north and west of town through the Taos Valley. It originates in the mountains near Taos Pueblo and flows into the Rio Grande at the Orilla Verde Recreation Area south of Taos.
Other significant waterways and water features in the area include:
- Rio Hondo: flows through Taos Ski Valley and Arroyo Hondo into the Rio Grande
- Rio Fernando de Taos: runs through the town of Taos itself
- Eagle Nest Lake: a reservoir on the Enchanted Circle, popular for fishing and boating
- Cabresto Lake: a high-altitude lake near Questa
- Williams Lake: an alpine lake at approximately 11,100 feet, accessible by a popular hiking trail near Taos Ski Valley
Rio Grande Gorge
The Rio Grande Gorge is a steep-walled canyon carved by the Rio Grande as it flows south through the Taos Plateau. The gorge reaches depths of up to 800 feet in some sections.
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge spans the gorge approximately 10 miles northwest of Taos. The bridge is 650 feet above the river, making it the fifth highest bridge in the United States (Source: Taos.org). It was completed in 1965 and is one of the most visited spots in northern New Mexico. You can park on the west side and walk across. If you are afraid of heights, you will know quickly.
The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, established in 2013, encompasses approximately 242,555 acres of volcanic plateau, gorge, and river corridor northwest of Taos. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers hiking, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing, and whitewater rafting (Source: BLM, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument).
Climate
Taos has a semi-arid continental climate with four distinct seasons. The town gets about 300 days of sunshine per year.
| Season | Typical Conditions |
|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Highs in the 30s-40s°F. Lows near 10°F. Average snowfall 35 inches in town, 321 inches at Taos Ski Valley. |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Variable. March can still be cold and snowy. April highs reach 60s. May highs in the 70s. Mud season on dirt roads. |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Highs in the 80s. Lows in the 40s-50s. Afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season (July-August). |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Clear skies, cool temperatures. September highs in the 70s. October brings fall color in the mountains. November gets cold. |
Annual precipitation in the town of Taos is approximately 12 inches (Source: Western Regional Climate Center). The air is dry year-round. Even in summer, nights cool off significantly. Bring a jacket no matter what month you visit.
Historic Sites and Tourism
Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is the most significant historic site in the Taos area. The multi-story adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and is also a National Historic Landmark (Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre).
The Pueblo is open to visitors most of the year, typically from 9 AM to 4 PM. It closes periodically for cultural and ceremonial reasons, including a roughly two-month closure in late winter (February through April). Admission is charged. Photography permits are available for an additional fee.
Contact Taos Pueblo Tourism at (575) 758-1028 for current hours and closures.
This is not a museum. People live here. Be respectful. Stay on designated paths. Do not photograph residents without permission.
Taos Plaza
The historic Taos Plaza is the center of town. It has served as a gathering place since the late 1700s when the original fortified plaza was built. Today it is surrounded by shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. The Plaza hosts events throughout the year, including the Fiestas de Taos in July.
If you only have an hour in Taos, spend it here.
Museums
- Harwood Museum of Art: The second oldest art museum in New Mexico. Houses a collection focused on Taos-area artists from the early 20th century through contemporary works. The Agnes Martin gallery alone is worth the visit.
- Taos Art Museum at the Fechin House: Located in the former home of Russian-American artist Nicolai Fechin. The house itself is a work of art, with hand-carved woodwork blending Russian and Southwestern styles. The museum exhibits works by Taos Society of Artists members and other regional painters.
- Millicent Rogers Museum: Features collections of Native American and Hispanic art, including pottery, jewelry, textiles, and religious art. Named for Millicent Rogers, a Standard Oil heiress and fashion icon who settled in Taos in 1947. The jewelry collection is exceptional.
- Kit Carson Home and Museum: The preserved home where Kit Carson and his family lived from 1843 to 1868. Exhibits cover the mountain man era, westward expansion, and life in territorial New Mexico.
- E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum: The restored home and studio of one of the founders of the Taos Art Colony. Displays original furnishings and paintings.
Churches
- San Francisco de Asís Church (Ranchos de Taos): Built in the early 1800s, this adobe mission church is one of the most photographed and painted buildings in New Mexico. Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams both created famous works depicting it. Every June, parishioners re-plaster the church with fresh adobe in a tradition called "The Enjarre." You have seen this building in paintings whether you know it or not.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Church: Located near the Taos Plaza. Hosts the annual Fiestas de Taos procession.
Other Historic Sites
- Governor Bent House and Museum: The home where Charles Bent, New Mexico's first American territorial governor, was killed during the 1847 Taos Revolt.
- D.H. Lawrence Ranch: Located north of Taos. The ranch where the English novelist lived in the 1920s. Maintained by the University of New Mexico. Lawrence's ashes are interred in a small shrine on the property.
- Mabel Dodge Luhan House: Now an inn and conference center. The historic home where Mabel Dodge Luhan hosted artists, writers, and intellectuals in the 1920s and 1930s. You can stay the night.
- Greater World Earthship Community: Located west of Taos near the Rio Grande Gorge. A community of sustainable, off-grid homes built from recycled materials. Open for tours. Unlike anything you have seen before.
Outdoor Recreation
Taos is an outdoor town. The mountains, the river, and the gorge are not scenery. They are the reason most people come here.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Taos is surrounded by four ski areas:
| Ski Area | Distance from Taos | Base Elevation | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taos Ski Valley | 18 miles | 9,207 ft | Steep expert terrain, 321" avg snowfall, highest-elevation triple chairlift in North America |
| Angel Fire Resort | 23 miles | 8,600 ft | Family-friendly, more moderate terrain |
| Red River Ski Area | 37 miles | 8,750 ft | Beginner and intermediate focus, old-school town feel |
| Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort | 25 miles | 8,200 ft | Smaller, affordable, less crowded |
Taos Ski Valley opened in 1955 and is known for some of the most challenging terrain in North America. The Kachina lift serves the highest elevation of any triple chairlift in North America, reaching 12,481 feet (Source: Taos Ski Valley). Snowboarding has been allowed since 2014.
If you are an advanced skier, Taos Ski Valley is one of the best mountains in the country. If you are a beginner or bringing kids, Angel Fire or Red River are better choices.
Hiking
Popular hikes near Taos:
- Williams Lake Trail: 4 miles round trip, moderate difficulty. Leads to an alpine lake at 11,100 feet in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. One of the best hikes in New Mexico.
- Wheeler Peak Summit: 8 miles round trip from the Williams Lake trailhead. The highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet. Start early. Weather changes fast above treeline.
- West Rim Trail: 3.7 miles along the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge, starting from the Gorge Bridge parking area. Open terrain, no shade. Bring water and sunscreen.
- South Boundary Trail: 22 miles point-to-point. One of the best mountain biking and hiking trails in the southern Rockies.
- Devisadero Loop: 3 miles, moderate. Good views of the Taos Valley. A solid option if you want a short hike with a payoff.
Carson National Forest offers hundreds of miles of additional trails at various elevations and difficulty levels.
Whitewater Rafting
The Taos Box is a 17-mile stretch of Class III-IV whitewater through the Rio Grande Gorge. It is the premier whitewater run in New Mexico. The run passes through a narrow basalt canyon with few exit points. Most outfitters run full-day trips from April through June when water levels are highest.
The Racecourse section, located south of the Taos Box near Pilar, offers a shorter, less intense Class III experience suitable for beginners and families. If you have never rafted before, start here.
Hot Springs
New Mexico has a long history with geothermal hot springs, dating back to indigenous use over centuries.
- Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort: Located 50 minutes southwest of Taos. One of the oldest natural health resorts in the United States. Features multiple pools with different mineral compositions. Day passes available. Worth the drive.
- Manby Hot Springs: Located at the bottom of the Rio Grande Gorge near the John Dunn Bridge. A short but steep hike down to primitive, undeveloped springs at the river's edge. Locals know this one.
- Black Rock Hot Springs: Near Arroyo Hondo. Primitive springs along the Rio Grande. Popular with locals.
Fishing
The Rio Grande and its tributaries support trout fishing throughout the Taos area. The Orilla Verde Recreation Area and Wild Rivers Recreation Area offer river access. Eagle Nest Lake, located on the Enchanted Circle, is stocked with trout and kokanee salmon and is popular for both boat and shore fishing.
Other Activities
Hot air ballooning (flights descend into the Rio Grande Gorge, available November through May), mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and ice fishing at Eagle Nest Lake.
Scenic Drives
The Enchanted Circle
An 83-mile loop that begins and ends in Taos. The route circles Wheeler Peak and passes through Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire. It is designated both a New Mexico Scenic Byway and a National Forest Scenic Byway (Source: New Mexico Tourism Department). The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours without stops but can easily fill a full day with detours and activities.
The High Road to Santa Fe
A 105-mile route from Santa Fe to Taos through small mountain villages. Passes through Chimayó (home to the Santuario de Chimayó, a pilgrimage site), Truchas (stunning mountain views), and Trampas (historic San José de Gracia Church). Allow 4 to 7 hours for the full trip with stops. Do not rush this drive. The villages along the way are part of the experience.
The Low Road to Santa Fe
The more direct 73-mile route following NM 68 along the Rio Grande through a narrow canyon. Passes through Embudo, Dixon (known for wineries and apple orchards), and Pilar (a popular put-in point for river rafting). Drive time is about 1 hour 20 minutes.
How to Plan a Trip to Taos
Step 1: Decide when to come. Winter for skiing. Summer for hiking and galleries. Fall for the best weather and fewer crowds. Spring is beautiful but unpredictable.
Step 2: Book lodging early. Taos is a small town. Hotels, inns, and vacation rentals fill up during ski season (December through March) and summer weekends (June through August). The closer to the Plaza, the more walkable your trip.
Step 3: Rent a car. You need one. Taos has limited public transit (the NCRTD runs free buses on some routes), but a car is essential for ski areas, hiking trailheads, hot springs, and scenic drives.
Step 4: Get your bearings. Start at the Plaza. Walk the shops and galleries. Get coffee. Then decide what draws you: mountains, art, history, or food. Taos is small enough to explore without a rigid plan.
Step 5: Use the heytaos.com map. Our interactive map shows every restaurant, gallery, shop, and attraction in Taos. Filter by category. Find what is near you. It works on your phone.
Step 6: Eat the chile. When they ask "red or green?" the answer is "Christmas." That means both. Trust us.
What does "red or green" mean? In New Mexico, nearly every restaurant will ask if you want red or green chile sauce on your food. Red chile is earthy and rich. Green chile is brighter and can be hotter. "Christmas" means you want both. This is not optional knowledge. You will be asked.
Demographics
As of 2026, the town of Taos has an estimated population of 6,433. Taos County has approximately 34,500 residents.
Key demographic data (2024 American Community Survey):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median age | 53.7 years |
| Median household income | $47,304 (town); $58,950 (county) |
| Poverty rate | 13.69% |
| Homeownership rate | 77.6% |
| Median property value | $382,800 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; World Population Review.
The ethnic composition of Taos County is approximately 50.6% Hispanic, with significant White (non-Hispanic), Native American, and multiracial populations. The Taos area has a long history of cultural blending between its Spanish, Pueblo, and Anglo communities.
The median age of 53.7 years is significantly higher than the national average. Taos has a large retiree population and a smaller proportion of young families compared to national averages.
Education
Public Schools
Taos Municipal Schools operates the public school system, which includes Arroyos del Norte Elementary School, Enos García Elementary School, Ranchos Elementary School, Taos Middle School, Taos High School, and Taos Cyber Magnet School.
Higher Education
The University of New Mexico-Taos (UNM-Taos) is a branch campus of the University of New Mexico, offering associate degrees and certificates. It is the primary institution of higher education in Taos County.
Government
Taos is an incorporated town governed by a mayor and town council. Taos County is governed by a board of county commissioners. Taos is part of New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District.
Transportation
Getting to Taos
- By air: Taos Regional Airport is served by Taos Air (operated by JSX), with seasonal flights to Denver, Austin, Dallas, San Diego, and Los Angeles. The nearest major airports are Santa Fe Regional Airport (70 miles) and Albuquerque International Sunport (130 miles).
- By car: Taos is accessible via NM 68 from the south (from Española/Santa Fe), US 64 from the west (from Farmington/Chama) and east (from Angel Fire/Cimarron), and NM 522 from the north (from the Colorado border).
- By bus: The North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) operates free bus service between Taos and surrounding communities, including a shuttle from Taos Regional Airport to town.
Getting Around Taos
Taos is a small town and many areas are walkable, particularly around the Plaza. However, a car is necessary for accessing most attractions, ski areas, hiking trailheads, and surrounding communities. Ride-sharing services have limited availability. Do not count on Uber or Lyft here.
Free bus service is available through the NCRTD, including routes to Taos Ski Valley during winter.
Arts and Culture
Taos has been an art colony for over 125 years. The tradition started with Blumenschein and Phillips in 1898 and continued through waves of painters, writers, photographers, and musicians drawn to the landscape and the light.
Today, Taos is home to more than 80 galleries and studios. The art ranges from traditional Southwestern and Native American work to contemporary and abstract pieces. Gallery walks and studio tours happen throughout the year.
The town hosts several annual cultural events:
- Fiestas de Taos (July): A weekend celebration on the Plaza honoring the patron saints of Taos, with parades, music, dancing, and food. This is the event locals look forward to all year.
- Taos Pueblo Powwow (July): An annual intertribal gathering at Taos Pueblo.
- Taos Fall Arts Festival (September-October): Weeks of gallery openings, studio tours, and art events.
- Yuletide in Taos (December): Holiday celebrations including luminaria walks and community events.
Dining and Local Flavor
Taos has a food scene that punches well above its size. The cuisine reflects the town's three cultures: Northern New Mexican (red and green chile, sopapillas, tamales, posole), Native American (fry bread, blue corn dishes), and a broader mix that includes everything from French-inspired fine dining to craft coffee.
What is a sopapilla? A sopapilla is a piece of fried dough, puffy and hollow inside, served with most New Mexican meals. You tear off a corner and pour honey inside. It is the best thing on the table and nobody talks about it enough.
Key things to know:
When someone asks "red or green?" they are asking about chile sauce. The correct answer, if you cannot decide, is "Christmas" (both). Green chile cheeseburgers are a New Mexico staple. Every restaurant does them differently. Taos has a surprisingly strong coffee scene for a town of 6,400 people. Reservations are recommended during ski season and summer weekends.
For specific restaurant recommendations, check the heytaos.com dining guide.
In Popular Culture
Taos and the surrounding area have appeared in numerous films, songs, and books:
- Easy Rider (1969): The commune scenes were filmed near Taos.
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): Nearby locations were used for filming.
- The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca (1960) and And Now Miguel (1966) both feature Taos.
- D.H. Lawrence wrote The Plumed Serpent while living outside Taos in the 1920s.
- Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop draws on the Taos and northern New Mexico landscape.
- "Taos, New Mexico" is a song by Waylon Jennings (1967) and separately a chart hit by R. Dean Taylor (1972).
- The TV character Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud (played by Dennis Weaver) is from Taos.
- Julia Roberts, Donald Rumsfeld, and Dennis Hopper (until his death in 2010) have all owned homes in the Taos area.
Notable People
Taos has been home to or closely associated with a long list of notable figures:
- Kit Carson: Frontiersman, scout, and Indian agent. Lived in Taos from 1843 to 1868.
- Mabel Dodge Luhan: Arts patron who brought national attention to Taos in the 1920s.
- D.H. Lawrence: English novelist. Lived near Taos from 1922 to 1925.
- Georgia O'Keeffe: Painter closely associated with New Mexico, including Taos.
- Ansel Adams: Photographer who captured iconic images of Taos Pueblo and the surrounding landscape.
- Ernest Blumenschein: Co-founder of the Taos Art Colony and the Taos Society of Artists.
- Agnes Martin: Minimalist painter who lived and worked in Taos for decades.
- Dennis Hopper: Actor, filmmaker, and art collector. Lived in Taos for many years until his death in 2010.
- R.C. Gorman: Navajo artist known as the "Picasso of the American Indian." Operated a gallery in Taos.
- Michael Reynolds: Architect who developed the Earthship concept in Taos in the 1970s.
Neighborhoods and Surrounding Communities
The town of Taos is the center of a cluster of small communities that together make up the greater Taos area:
- Ranchos de Taos: Just south of town. Home to the San Francisco de Asís Church. Has its own small commercial district. Worth a stop even if you are not going inside the church.
- El Prado: North of Taos on the way to Taos Ski Valley. Mix of residential and commercial.
- Arroyo Seco: A small village about 8 miles north of Taos. Worth the drive just for Taos Cow ice cream. A handful of good galleries and shops too.
- Arroyo Hondo: Northwest of Taos. Access point for the John Dunn Bridge and Rio Grande hot springs.
- Taos Pueblo: The Native American community immediately north of town.
- Taos Ski Valley: The ski resort community 18 miles northeast of town.
- Questa: A small town 25 miles north of Taos on the way to Red River.
- Angel Fire: A resort community 23 miles east of Taos.
- Red River: A small mountain town 37 miles northeast of Taos, known for skiing and summer activities.
- Eagle Nest: Located on the Enchanted Circle near Eagle Nest Lake.
Media
- The Taos News: The primary local newspaper, published weekly.
- KTAO 101.9 FM: A local solar-powered radio station. A Taos institution. If you are driving around town, turn it on.
- Taos Local Television: Public access channels 2 and 22.
- Albuquerque Journal North Edition: Regional newspaper with Taos coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about Taos?
Taos is one of the few places in the United States where three distinct cultures, Spanish, Native American, and Anglo, have coexisted for centuries. The town combines a 1,000-year-old Pueblo, a 125-year-old art colony, world-class skiing, and a landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. It sits at nearly 7,000 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with the Rio Grande Gorge to the west. The light, the altitude, and the terrain are what have drawn artists, writers, and visitors for over a century.
How far is Taos from Albuquerque?
Taos is approximately 130 miles north of Albuquerque. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes via I-25 North to US 285 to NM 68.
How far is Taos from Santa Fe?
Taos is approximately 70 miles north of Santa Fe. The Low Road (NM 68) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The High Road (NM 76) takes 2 to 3 hours but passes through historic mountain villages.
What is the elevation of Taos?
The town of Taos sits at 6,969 feet above sea level. Taos Ski Valley is at 9,207 feet. Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico, is at 13,161 feet.
What is the best time to visit Taos?
Every season has something different. Winter (December through March) is ski season. Spring (April and May) brings warmer weather and fewer crowds but can include mud season on dirt roads. Summer (June through August) is peak tourist season with highs in the 80s. Fall (September through November) offers clear skies, fall foliage, and pleasant temperatures.
Is crime bad in Taos, New Mexico?
Taos is a small town and generally safe for visitors. Like any community, it has some property crime. Use common sense, lock your car, and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The town has a small police force of approximately 17 officers.
What celebrity lives in Taos, NM?
Taos has a long history of attracting notable residents. Julia Roberts has owned property in the area. Dennis Hopper lived in Taos for many years before his death in 2010. The town continues to attract artists, writers, and public figures who value privacy and the landscape.
Is Taos, NM Republican or Democrat?
Taos County has historically voted Democratic in presidential elections. The political culture is shaped by the area's strong Hispanic community, its Native American population, and its arts-oriented Anglo residents. Like many small Western towns, opinions on local issues like land use, water rights, and property taxes cut across traditional party lines.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau. 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.
- World Population Review. Taos, New Mexico Population 2026.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Taos Pueblo.
- Bureau of Land Management. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
- USDA Forest Service. Carson National Forest.
- New Mexico Tourism Department.
- Taos.org Visitor Information and FAQ.
- Taos Ski Valley.
- Western Regional Climate Center.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica. Taos, New Mexico.
heytaos.com is the local guide to Taos, New Mexico. We live here. We know this town. For restaurant recommendations, lodging, shopping, and an interactive map of every business in Taos, explore heytaos.com.