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.

Outdoor and Sporting Gear in Taos

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Outdoor and Sporting Gear in Taos

Ski rentals, trail gear, fishing licenses, and the shops that outfit people for the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Rio Grande, and everything in between.

Ski and Snow Gear

Shop	Description	Address and Hours	Phone
Taos Mountain Outfitters	Outdoor gear and apparel on the Plaza.	113 N Plaza. Closes 5:30 PM.	575-758-9292
Mudd 'n' Flood Mountain Shop	Quality outdoor gear that lasts.	103 Bent St. Closes 6 PM.	575-751-9100
Big 5 Sporting Goods	Large outdoor sports store with gear, footwear, and clothing.	223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Closes 8 PM.	575-758-1736
Overland Sheepskin Co.	Sheepskin, leather, and outdoor clothing.	1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. Closes 8 PM.	575-758-8820
Taos Sports	Ski rental service at Taos Ski Valley.	2 Ernie Blake Rd, Taos Ski Valley. Closes 6 PM.	575-776-5330
Taos Mountain Outfitters - Red River	Outdoor clothing and equipment in Red River.	121 E Main St, Red River. Closes 5 PM.	575-754-1742

Taos Ski Valley has rental shops at the base area with full equipment rentals: skis, boots, poles, and helmets. Demo equipment is available at higher price points. Tuning and repair services operate through ski season. Buying ski gear in Taos outside the mountain is limited to a few sport shops in town.

For snow clothing and accessories, several shops in town carry ski apparel at retail. Taos Mountain Outfitters on the Plaza is the primary general outdoor retailer in town with a year-round selection.

Summer and Trail Gear

Taos Mountain Outfitters (113 N. Plaza, 575-758-9292, taosmountainoutfitters.com) is the anchor for trail gear, hiking equipment, camping supplies, and outdoor clothing year-round. They carry technical clothing, footwear, hydration systems, and map resources for the Carson National Forest, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, and the Wheeler Peak Wilderness.

Fishing licenses for New Mexico waters are available at several sporting goods shops and at the large-format grocery stores. The Rio Grande and the mountain streams above Taos require a New Mexico fishing license for anyone 12 and older.

Rafting and River Gear

Far Flung Adventures in El Prado (575-758-2628) is the primary outfitter for Rio Grande rafting near Taos. They provide all gear for guided trips. Independent paddlers need their own equipment. There is no dedicated paddle sports retail shop in Taos. Check Taos Mountain Outfitters, 113 N. Plaza, for dry bags and accessories.

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Outdoor and Sporting Gear in Taos

Outdoor and Sporting Gear in Taos

Ski and Snow Gear

Summer and Trail Gear

Rafting and River Gear

All Shopping Guides