Hiking Near Taos

Taos Ski Valley is the main gateway to the Wheeler Peak high country. The drive from the Town of Taos gains several thousand feet before the hike even begins, which makes altitude part of the outing from the start.

Williams Lake

Williams Lake Trail #62 is one of Carson National Forest’s most frequently requested trails. It climbs through high-elevation forest toward an alpine lake below Wheeler Peak and is a logical choice for hikers who want mountain terrain without committing to the summit.

Conditions at the trailhead can differ sharply from conditions in town. Snow, ice, mud, cold temperatures, and fast weather changes can remain relevant after lower-elevation trails have dried.

Wheeler Peak

Wheeler Peak rises to 13,161 feet, the highest point in New Mexico. Carson National Forest specifically advises hikers to acclimatize for the elevation and notes that the route involves hiking above treeline and along exposed ridges.

The Forest Service also warns that weather can change rapidly during the summer monsoon period and recommends plenty of water, rain gear, and layered clothing.

West and south of Taos, the hiking landscape shifts from alpine forest to volcanic plateau and canyon country within Río Grande del Norte National Monument. Elevation is lower, but exposure to sun, wind, and dry air becomes more important.

West Rim Trail

BLM publishes the West Rim Trail at 9 miles one-way. Its north end is near the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge on US-64, while the south end reaches the west mesa above Taos Junction Bridge.

That one-way designation matters. A visitor who simply sees “9 miles” and expects a 9-mile out-and-back can badly misjudge the day. Shorter out-and-back hikes from the bridge remain possible because hikers can choose their own turnaround point.

Rift Valley + Taos Valley Overlook

Rift Valley is published at 10.5 miles and sits within the broader Taos Valley Overlook trail network south of town. BLM describes the current network as roughly 16 miles of multi-use dirt trail.

The terrain has little to no shade, and BLM states that there is no potable water at the trailheads. The system is open year-round, but trail use is discouraged when heavy rain or snowmelt leaves the surface extremely muddy.

Devisadero Loop Trail #108 is the closest major Carson National Forest hiking option to town. The Forest Service lists it as a 5-mile loop roughly 3 miles east of Taos on US-64.

That makes it useful for visitors who want an actual mountain hike without driving all the way to Taos Ski Valley. It also occupies a useful middle ground between the open mesa routes west of town and the much higher alpine terrain around Wheeler Peak.

The South Boundary National Recreation Trail is 22 miles long and crosses the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between the Taos side and the Angel Fire area. The route moves through conifer forest, aspen, ridges, valleys, and mountain terrain.

It is well known as a mountain-bike route, but it also supports hiking and backpacking. A full traverse is a fundamentally different undertaking from a short out-and-back because transportation, daylight, weather, food, and water planning become part of the route itself.

Fall is especially notable because large stands of aspen along the route change color across the mountains.

The final decision about a Taos hike should be made from current conditions, not from a static guide. Elevation, snow, thunderstorms, heat, fire restrictions, road access, and trail closures can materially change the same route from one week to the next.

• Acclimatize for elevation Carson National Forest specifically recommends acclimatization before hiking Wheeler Peak and other exposed high-elevation terrain.
• Carry enough water Dry air and elevation increase hydration demands. BLM states that Taos Valley Overlook trailheads have no potable water.
• Carry layers + rain gear The Forest Service advises layers and rain protection for Wheeler Peak because mountain weather can change rapidly.
• Watch the sky Exposed ridges and terrain above treeline leave little protection when thunderstorms build. Reassess the route as conditions change.
• Plan for sun + exposure Gorge and mesa routes can offer very little shade. Hat, sunscreen, appropriate footwear, food, water, and basic emergency supplies belong in the plan.
• Leave your itinerary Cell service can be limited on remote forest and gorge routes. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Check pet rules BLM requires pets on a 6-foot leash at Taos Valley Overlook. Rules can vary by land manager and location, so verify the specific route.
• Verify current access Fire restrictions, snow, mud, road conditions, restoration work, and temporary closures can change access without changing the permanent trail description.

Guided hiking is useful when route selection, natural history, or local terrain knowledge matters more than simply following a trail map. Taos also has a distinctive llama-trekking option in which pack llamas carry group gear while guests hike.

Wild Earth Llama Adventures

Guided llama-supported day hikes and multi-day wilderness trips in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Río Grande del Norte landscape.

Typical scheduled day hikes cover about 4 to 5 miles, with the route adjusted to the group and conditions.

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