HeyTaos · Things to Do

Outdoor Activities in Taos

Taos shifts quickly from high desert and the Rio Grande Gorge to forest, alpine lakes, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. That range supports hiking, rafting, skiing, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, hot springs, and guided adventures, often within the same trip.

High desert, river gorge, forest, and alpine terrain all sit within the broader Taos outdoor landscape.

Elevation Taos sits at 6,969 feet. Many mountain activities take place several thousand feet higher.

Terrain High desert, river gorge, national forest, alpine terrain, and mountain resort country.

Seasons Lower-elevation activities can run much of the year. High-country access and snow sports are strongly seasonal.

Before You Go Check weather, road access, fire restrictions, river flow, snow conditions, and operating schedules.

Use current conditions, not assumptions. Check Carson National Forest and Río Grande del Norte National Monument for public-land conditions and restrictions, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for fishing rules, and NMRoads for state-highway conditions. Resort and lift operations should be checked directly with the mountain before driving up.

Trails

Hiking + Trekking

Hiking around Taos changes dramatically with elevation. Gorge-rim and mesa routes open onto high-desert views, while trails near Taos Ski Valley climb through forest toward alpine lakes, exposed ridges, and the highest terrain in New Mexico.

Hiking in the Taos area of northern New Mexico — High-desert and high-country trails give the Taos area two very different hiking environments.

Hiking Near Taos

Carson National Forest covers roughly 1.5 million acres and includes about 330 miles of trails. Wheeler Peak reaches 13,161 feet, the highest point in New Mexico, while Williams Lake is one of the area's best-known alpine destinations. On the west side of Taos, gorge and mesa routes provide a lower-elevation alternative with open views and less sustained climbing.

Conditions at high elevation can differ sharply from town. Snow can linger into the warm season, afternoon thunderstorms can build quickly during the summer monsoon period, and exposed terrain above treeline requires a different weather plan than a walk along the gorge rim.

Read the Complete Hiking Guide

Llama Trekking

Wild Earth Llama Adventures runs guided day hikes and multi-day wilderness trips near Taos. On day hikes, pack llamas carry group gear while guides interpret local ecology, geology, plants, wildlife, and New Mexico history. Typical day hikes cover about 4 to 5 miles, with routes adjusted for the group.

Trips use both the Rio Grande Gorge area and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains depending on season and conditions.

Wild Earth Llama Adventures · 888-895-5262 · Email

River + Water

The Rio Grande + Water Days

The Rio Grande Gorge is the defining outdoor landscape west of Taos. Rafting, fishing, canyon trails, camping, and primitive hot springs all converge around the river corridor, while mountain lakes elsewhere in the Enchanted Circle offer calmer water.

Rafting the Rio Grande

The Taos Box is the longer, more demanding whitewater run through the gorge. Gentler sections of the Rio Grande are better suited to first-timers, families, and visitors who want a shorter river day.

River flow changes throughout the season and affects difficulty, trip length, minimum ages, and which sections outfitters are running. Orilla Verde provides a lower-key introduction to the river corridor, with campgrounds, boat access, trails, and gentler sections of moving water beneath the canyon walls.

Read the Complete Rafting Guide

Explore the Rio Grande Gorge

Kayaking + Paddleboarding

Monte Verde Lake at Angel Fire is a spring-fed high-mountain lake that seasonally supports kayak, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, fishing-boat, and pedal-boat rentals. Swimming is not allowed, and operating hours and rental availability change through the season.

Monte Verde Lake information · 575-377-9971

Fishing + Fly Fishing

Northern New Mexico offers fishing on the Rio Grande and its tributaries, stocked lakes, and higher-elevation waters. The best choice depends on season, flow, access, and whether you want to wade, fish from shore, or book a guided day.

Anglers age 12 and older generally need a valid New Mexico fishing license, with additional stamps or validations applying in some circumstances. Confirm current rules for the specific water you plan to fish.

New Mexico fishing licenses + permits

Winter

Winter in Taos

Skiing and snowboarding dominate the winter outdoor calendar, but the region also supports Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and guided snowmobile trips across the Enchanted Circle.

Skiing in the mountains near Taos, New Mexico — Winter recreation changes quickly with elevation, snowpack, and mountain-road conditions.

Skiing + Snowboarding

Taos Ski Valley is the best-known mountain, but winter planning across the Enchanted Circle also includes other ski areas. Terrain, road conditions, snow, and the ability level of the group can matter as much as driving distance from town.

Read the Skiing Guide

Cross-Country Skiing + Snowshoeing

Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area near Red River maintains more than 30 kilometers of Nordic ski trails and more than 15 kilometers of snowshoe trails when snow conditions allow. Rentals, ski lessons, and guided snowshoe tours are part of its winter program.

Groomed operations depend on an adequate snow base, so check current operating status before making the drive.

Enchanted Forest XC · 575-754-6112

Snowmobiling

Guided snowmobile tours operate in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and around parts of the Enchanted Circle. Route length, age rules, terrain, and availability vary by provider and current snow conditions.

Above the Valley

Mountain Adventures

Balloon flights, guided rock climbing, Via Ferrata, and scenic lift access put the landscape itself at the center of the experience without requiring the same kind of day as a conventional trail hike.

Via Ferrata mountain adventure near Taos, New Mexico — Taos Ski Valley combines guided alpine activities with seasonal lift access below Kachina Peak.

Hot-Air Ballooning

Taos balloon flights typically launch around sunrise and use the open plateau and Rio Grande Gorge as the defining landscape. Exact flight paths depend on wind, and pilots may be able to descend into the gorge when conditions allow.

Ballooning is weather dependent. Confirm meeting location, passenger requirements, cancellation policy, and operating status directly with the operator before the flight.

Eske’s Paradise Balloons

Sunrise balloon flights in and around the Rio Grande Gorge.

Website Call
Rio Grande Balloons

Sunrise flights over the Río Grande del Norte landscape outside Taos.

Website Call
Taos Balloon Rides

Taos-area balloon flights centered on the Rio Grande Gorge landscape.

Website Call

Rock Climbing

Guided rock climbing is available around Taos and the Rio Grande Gorge for visitors who want instruction or local route knowledge. Rock climbing is distinct from Via Ferrata and should be planned according to the actual route, guide, weather, and experience level of the group.

Taos Ski Valley Via Ferrata

Taos Ski Valley operates a seasonal Via Ferrata below Kachina Peak. The protected alpine route uses fixed cables and climbing features and is completed with a guide. Operating dates, age requirements, and physical requirements can change by season.

Taos Ski Valley Via Ferrata information

Scenic Lift Rides

Scenic lift access provides high-country views without a major climb. Angel Fire and Taos Ski Valley both operate seasonal lift access as part of their summer mountain programs. Weather, especially lightning, can interrupt service, so use current mountain operations rather than a fixed calendar.

Taos Ski Valley · Angel Fire scenic chairlift

Wheels + Horses

Biking, Horseback Riding + Off-Road

Riding around Taos can mean lift-served mountain biking, a guided horseback trip through mesa or forest country, or a seasonal UTV outing in the mountains. Terrain and current operating conditions shape each experience.

Mountain Biking

Taos-area riding ranges from high-desert and forest routes to lift-served downhill terrain. Angel Fire operates a large dedicated bike park, while Taos Ski Valley includes lift-served riding and beginner-oriented facilities within its summer mountain program.

Check trail status, lift schedules, rental availability, lessons, and ability requirements before driving up.

Taos Ski Valley biking · Angel Fire Bike Park

Horseback Riding

Guided trail rides are available across the Taos area and the Enchanted Circle, from shorter outings to longer mountain excursions. Compare the actual route, terrain, ride length, and operating season rather than only the distance from Taos.

Rio Grande Stables

Seasonal guided rides north of Taos, including Cebolla Mesa and Taos Ski Valley routes.

Website Call
Roadrunner Tours

Horseback tours based in Angel Fire, with rides in the Enchanted Circle and Carson National Forest.

Website Call
Cieneguilla Stables

Guided rides near Pilar, with options ranging from shorter outings to longer experiences.

Call

Own a horse in Taos? Find boarding, training, farriers, feed and tack, veterinary resources, land guidance, and public-land riding in our Horses & Livestock in Taos guide.

UTV + Off-Road Adventures

Seasonal guided UTV trips operate in the mountains around Taos and the Enchanted Circle. Taos Ski Valley includes UTV tours in its summer mountain program, while Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures operates motorized mountain tours near Red River.

Taos Ski Valley · Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures

Golf + Disc Golf

Angel Fire Resort operates an 18-hole, par-72 mountain golf course at about 8,600 feet. Its summit disc-golf course also has 18 holes and is reached by chairlift during the summer operating season.

Angel Fire golf · Angel Fire disc golf

Stay Outside

Camping + Hot Springs

Camping puts you directly into the public-land landscape, while the hot springs around Taos range from undeveloped gorge pools to a full-service mineral-springs resort.

Natural hot springs near Taos, New Mexico — Hot-spring options range from primitive gorge pools to developed mineral-spring facilities.

Camping

Camping options extend across Carson National Forest and developed public-land recreation areas. BLM's Orilla Verde Recreation Area follows the Rio Grande through the lower gorge with seven campgrounds, river access, picnic areas, and trails. Mountain campgrounds and dispersed camping in Carson National Forest depend on district rules, road access, fire restrictions, and season.

Carson National Forest Supervisor’s Office: 208 Cruz Alta Road, Taos · 575-758-6200 · Forest Service information

Hot Springs

Black Rock and Manby, also known as Stagecoach, are undeveloped gorge experiences where road access, river conditions, and private-property boundaries matter. Ojo Caliente is the developed alternative, with mineral pools, spa services, lodging, and day access southwest of Taos.

Primitive springs require more attention to access and current conditions than a developed resort.

Read the Complete Hot Springs Guide

A Slower Outdoor Day

Wildlife, Birding + Dark Skies

Outdoor Taos is not limited to high-output adventure. The open plateau, river corridor, canyon ecosystems, and mountain viewpoints also support wildlife watching, birding, photography, stargazing, scenic drives, and accessible overlooks.

Wildlife + Birding

BLM identifies bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn, river otters, beavers, bats, waterfowl, wading birds, and other wildlife within Río Grande del Norte National Monument.

Río Grande del Norte wildlife + recreation

Stargazing

BLM lists stargazing among the recreation activities available across the monument. The broad plateau and canyon country provide wide horizons away from the denser lighting of town.

Plan a monument visit

Big Views Without a Big Hike

Wild Rivers' La Junta Point overlooks the confluence of the Red River and Río Grande and is wheelchair accessible. The paved Wild Rivers Back Country Byway connects overlooks and recreation facilities by vehicle.

Wild Rivers Back Country Byway

Respect the cultural landscape. BLM documents archaeological sites, petroglyphs, and other cultural resources throughout the monument. Leave artifacts, rock imagery, and archaeological sites exactly where they are and follow current land-manager rules.

Know the Landscape

Four Places That Define Outdoor Taos

These public lands and mountain destinations repeatedly shape hiking, river, camping, wildlife, biking, and scenic-day planning across Taos County and the Enchanted Circle.

West of Taos

Río Grande del Norte National Monument

About 242,500 acres of high-desert plateau, volcanic cones, canyon country, wildlife habitat, trails, camping, biking, fishing, rafting, birding, and stargazing.

BLM monument information

North of Taos

Wild Rivers Recreation Area

The Río Grande and Red River meet below an 800-foot canyon, with overlooks, campgrounds, trails, wildlife viewing, dark skies, and the paved Back Country Byway.

BLM Wild Rivers information

Southwest of Taos

Orilla Verde Recreation Area

The lower gorge combines seven campgrounds, boat access, trails, picnic areas, wildlife habitat, and gentler river sections along the Río Grande at roughly 6,100 feet.

BLM Orilla Verde information

High Country

Carson National Forest + Wheeler Peak

Carson National Forest spans roughly 1.5 million acres and about 330 miles of trails. Wheeler Peak reaches 13,161 feet, the highest point in New Mexico.

Carson National Forest

Practical

Before You Head Outside

Elevation, weather, water, fire restrictions, road access, and cell coverage can change what is reasonable on a given day.

Give altitude some respect.

Taos sits at 6,969 feet, and many mountain destinations climb above 10,000 feet. A first day that feels easy at home may not feel easy here.

Check the forecast for the actual terrain.

Weather in town does not necessarily describe the gorge, mesa, or high country. Reassess conditions as elevation and exposure change.

Check public-land restrictions.

Fire rules, campground openings, closures, and dirt-road conditions can change during the season. Use the relevant land manager before leaving.

Treat river and snow conditions as current information.

Flow changes rafting and fishing. Snowpack changes skiing, Nordic access, and snowmobile operations. Same-day conditions matter.

Do not count on cell service.

Remote portions of the gorge, forest, and mountain-road network can have limited service. Save essential directions and contact information before leaving town.

Match the plan to the group.

Distance alone does not describe difficulty. Elevation gain, exposure, heat, snow, river conditions, and experience level all matter.

Keep Exploring

Continue with the guide that matches the next part of your day or trip.