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

Paseo del Pueblo Norte & Sur

The main road running through Taos, Hwy 68 and 522, north and south of the Plaza. Boutiques, imports, and curated finds spread along the corridor, easy to combine with a downtown walk.

Shops on the Paseo

Paseo del Pueblo Norte and Sur is Taos' main road. The name changes to Norte heading north of the Plaza and Sur heading south, carrying Hwy 68 and 522 straight through town. Unlike the tight pedestrian clusters of the Plaza or Bent Street, shops here are spread out along the corridor, a few blocks apart, easier to combine with driving through town than a single walking loop. Listed alphabetically within each area, not ranked.

Paseo del Pueblo Norte

6 shops North of the Plaza toward El Prado

Imported Decor & Gifts

Camino Real Imports - Plaza

Imported Decor & Gifts

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Hand-painted ceramics, chile ristras, alpaca shawls, and a large selection of imported Mexican decor. A separate location operates in El Prado under a similar name.

Visitor Snapshot

Best ForHand-painted ceramics and imported Mexican decor

HoursDaily 9am–5pm

TypeImported Decor & Gifts

Contact Details

Address304 Paseo del Pueblo Norte

Phone(575) 751-4210

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Southwest Art & Gifts

galerie 111

Southwest Art & Gifts

Southwest original paintings, prints, hand-made pottery, vintage jewelry, and clothing.

Visitor Snapshot

Best ForSouthwest paintings, pottery, and vintage jewelry

HoursNot Verified

TypeSouthwest Art & Gifts

Contact Details

Address111 Paseo del Pueblo Norte

Phone(972) 505-0756

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Women's Clothing & Gifts

Michelle's

Women's Clothing & Gifts

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A small, packed shop of clothing, shoes, accessories, and curated gifts, across from the Taos Inn.

Visitor Snapshot

Best ForCurated women's clothing and gifts across from the Taos Inn

HoursDaily 11am–5pm

TypeWomen's Clothing & Gifts

Contact Details

Address136 Paseo del Pueblo Norte #D

Phone(575) 751-3450

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Fair Trade Gifts & Clothing

Moxie Fair Trade & Handmade

Fair Trade Gifts & Clothing

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Fair trade and handmade goods from local and global artisans, clothing, home decor, and small gifts.

Visitor Snapshot

Best ForFair trade clothing and global artisan gifts

HoursDaily 10am–5pm

TypeFair Trade Gifts & Clothing

Contact Details

Address216B Paseo del Pueblo Norte

Phone(575) 758-1256

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Clothing & Home

Perdido en Taos

Clothing & Home

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A tightly curated boutique of slow-fashion clothing, lighting, and accessories for men and women, owned by a working lighting designer.

Visitor Snapshot

Best ForSlow-fashion clothing and lighting curated by a designer

HoursTue–Sun 10am–5pm, closed Mon

TypeClothing & Home

Contact Details

Address110 Paseo del Pueblo Norte Ste A

Phone(575) 776-6242

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Zapotec Rugs / Since 1974

Starr Gallery

Zapotec Rugs / Since 1974

Hand-loomed 100% wool Zapotec Indian rugs, wall hangings, and pillows from Oaxaca, Mexico, paired with Mexican Southwest décor. Family-run in Taos since 1974.

Visitor Snapshot

Best ForZapotec rugs and wall hangings since 1974

HoursDaily 11am–6pm

TypeZapotec Rugs / Since 1974

Contact Details

Address117 Paseo del Pueblo Norte

Phone(575) 758-3065

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Paseo del Pueblo Sur

2 shops South of the Plaza

Vintage Clothing

Sophie's World

Vintage Clothing

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A French-curated vintage and resale collection, dog-friendly, with hours that run later in the afternoon and evening.

Visitor Snapshot

Best ForFrench-curated vintage and resale clothing

HoursMon 3pm–8pm, Thu–Sun 1pm–8pm, closed Tue & Wed

TypeVintage Clothing

Contact Details

Address122 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Ste B

Phone(575) 252-3345

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Women's Clothing

Spotted Bear

Women's Clothing

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A well-curated women's boutique with a large sale room in back, personalized service from the owner.

Visitor Snapshot

Best ForCurated women's boutique with a large sale room

HoursDaily 11am–5pm

TypeWomen's Clothing

Contact Details

Address127 Paseo del Pueblo Sur

Phone(575) 758-3040

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Paseo del Pueblo Norte & Sur

Shops on the Paseo

Paseo del Pueblo Norte

Camino Real Imports - Plaza

galerie 111

Michelle's

Moxie Fair Trade & Handmade

Perdido en Taos

Starr Gallery

Paseo del Pueblo Sur

Sophie's World

Spotted Bear

All Shopping Districts

All Shopping Guides

Country/region

Shops on the Paseo

Paseo del Pueblo Norte

Camino Real Imports - Plaza

galerie 111

Michelle's

Moxie Fair Trade & Handmade

Perdido en Taos

Starr Gallery

Paseo del Pueblo Sur

Sophie's World

Spotted Bear

All Shopping Districts

All Shopping Guides