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.

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.

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.

HeyTaos Shopping Guide

The Arroyo Seco District

Arroyo Seco, New Mexico.

A small mountain village on NM-150, on the way to Taos Ski Valley. Its compact shopping district brings together pottery, weaving, printmaking, folk art, antiques, and locally made goods.

About Arroyo Seco

Arroyo Seco is a small village along NM-150, about 15 minutes north of downtown Taos, on the route to Taos Ski Valley. Its shops are concentrated along a short stretch of the highway, making it easy to explore pottery, textiles, printmaking, folk art, antiques, and locally made goods in one stop.

Shops in Arroyo Seco

Arroyo Seco Mercantile

Area: NM-150 General Store & Antiques

HeyTaos photo pending

Original HeyTaos photo scheduled for this location.

What to expect

Local trinkets, home goods, antiques and furniture, clothing, and souvenirs, a real general store feel.

Details

Address488 NM-150, Arroyo Seco, NM 87514

TypeGeneral Store & Antiques

Phone(575) 776-8806

Website

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Logan Wannamaker Pottery

Area: NM-150 Ceramics Gallery & Pottery Studio

What to expect

A contemporary ceramics gallery and working studio featuring Logan Wannamaker's functional and sculptural pottery, including atmospheric wood-fired work shaped by the landscape and native materials of northern New Mexico. The gallery also presents work by resident and nationally recognized ceramic artists.

Details

Address482A NM-150, Unit 2, Arroyo Seco, NM 87514

TypeCeramics Gallery & Pottery Studio

Phone(575) 770-4334

HoursDaily, 10 am–5 pm; call ahead during kiln firings

Website

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Santos Y Mas

Area: NM-150 Gifts & Religious Art

HeyTaos photo pending

Original HeyTaos photo scheduled for this location.

What to expect

Antiques, local crafts, Catholic and religious gifts, handmade hats, and Native American art, an ever-changing mix.

Details

Address484 NM-150, Arroyo Seco, NM 87514

TypeGifts & Religious Art

Phone(575) 776-2088

Website

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Taos Wools

Area: NM-150 Yarn, Textiles & Classes

What to expect

High-end yarn, handwoven textile art, and weaving classes on traditional Rio Grande walking looms.

Details

Address492 NM-150, Arroyo Seco, NM 87514

TypeYarn, Textiles & Classes

Phone(575) 613-6988

HoursOpen daily; text or call to confirm hours

Website

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Wilde.Ink

Area: NM-150 Printmaking Studio & Shop

What to expect

Artist Laurel Taylor hand-carves and hand-pulls small-batch block prints onto apparel, scarves, tea towels, and paper. Imagery draws from the high-desert landscape and wildlife of Northern New Mexico. Monthly community print nights and private block carving classes also available.

Details

Address480 NM-150, Arroyo Seco, NM 87514

TypePrintmaking Studio & Shop

Phone(575) 613-8006

HoursMost days, 1–4 pm; hours may fluctuate

Website

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While You're Here

Sol Food Market, right in the same cluster of shops, is a well-stocked local market and cafe, a good stop for snacks and prepared food before continuing up to Taos Ski Valley.

Taos Ski Valley Home Goods and Textiles Jewelry and Native Art

All Shopping Guides

Shopping in Taos Jewelry and Native Art Art Galleries Artist Studios Home Goods and Textiles Antiques

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The Arroyo Seco District

About Arroyo Seco