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Adventure, Culture, History and Nature!
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Rio Grande Gorge Bridge:
Located eleven miles northwest of Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
towers 650 feet above the rushing river below. The span is the
second highest suspension bridge in the country. Observation areas on
both sides of the bridge as well as a picnic area on the gorge rim allow
visitors to enjoy the magnitude of the steep cliffs and intervening chasm.
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Wilderness Adventures:
Taos is literally surrounded by pristine wilderness areas, dense
pine and fur forests, high peaks and secluded lakes. Taos county
features five ecosystems and over 720,000 acres of public land
managed by the Carson National Forest and Bureau of Land Management.
Few areas in this country offer the myriad of opportunities for
backpacking, camping, hunting, fishing, nature watching, or just
getting away from it all. You can go at it on your own or engage
one of the numerous outfitters in the area.
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White Water Rafting:
The state's premier white water run is the 17 miles through the Rio
Grande Gorge, a black basalt chasm that offers no easy exit from
beginning to end. Stunning cliffs and plentiful wildlife are often
missed because of the fast-moving water that tumbles over a number
steep drops demanding a boaters' near-constant attention. Eleven
Taos area commercial outfitters offer fully-guided day trips.
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Wildlife:
The Taos area brims with deer, elk, bear, wild turkey, and other
exotic animals including big horn sheep (in the high country).
These majestic animal provide seldom equaled opportunities for
wildlife watching, photography, or hunting (in season).
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Ballooning:
If you enjoy the Taos area on the ground, your likely to enjoy it even
more from above. Several experienced operators provide year round
high country ballooning adventures in the Taos area. If you simply like
to watch balloons, the area features several annual balloon rallies.
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Llama Trekking:
Hiking with a llama companion offers a great way to explore New
Mexico's pristine wilderness without the burden of a heavy backpack.
From "Take a Llama to Lunch!" day hikes to multi-day pack
trips, these professionally guided outdoor experiences offer a truly
unique way to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains surrounding Taos.
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Fall Foliage:
Golden aspens, red and orange oaks and green pines mix to provide
a spectacular autumn visual experience surrounding Chalet Rio and
the environs around Taos.
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Cross-Country Skiing:
The hundreds-of-thousands of acres of public land surrounding Taos
offer a plethora of cross-country skiing opportunities. Routes
typically follow U.S. Forest Service roads and hiking trails that
often lead to a pristine open area of powdery snow.
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Snowmobiling:
The Taos area's high mountains are prime snowmobiling country. The
Taos area as well as near by Red River, Angel Fire and Eagle Nest
offer designated snowmobile areas and trails. Several area businesses
offer rentals and tours.
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Native American Pueblos:
In addition to Taos Pueblo, northern New Mexico is home to
eighteen other Indian Pueblos. Many are within easy driving distance
of Taos. Visitors can often observe dances, feast days and other
celebrations.
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Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad:
Taos is located only a short drive away from either the Antonito, Colorado
(66 miles) or Chama, New Mexico (99 miles) station for this famous 64 mile
steam power locomotive excursions. The train operates from late May to
Mid-October.
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