Taos, New Mexico Travel Guide
City City in New Mexico, United States
Adobe walls, galleries and mountain light pull people to Taos. Taos Pueblo’s earthen terraces, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, skiing at Taos Ski Valley, and chile-smothered plates keep cameras and appetites busy.
Why Visit Taos, New Mexico? #
High desert light and adobe architecture make Taos a magnet for artists and history seekers. Taos Pueblo’s layered adobe terraces and the long-running Taos art colony provide a deep cultural backdrop, while the region’s green-chile cuisine and access to Taos Ski Valley add culinary heat and outdoor variety. Many travelers arrive for the mix of Pueblo heritage, creative energy and dramatic Sangre de Cristo views.
Top Things to Do in Taos, New Mexico
All Attractions ›
- Taos Pueblo - Ancient adobe pueblo inhabited continuously for over a thousand years and recognized by UNESCO.
- Taos Plaza - The town's heart with shops, galleries, and historic buildings gathered around an open square.
- Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - Steel bridge spanning a deep gorge with roadside viewpoints and dramatic river views below.
- Taos Ski Valley - High‑elevation ski area offering challenging terrain and alpine scenery within short driving distance.
- Kit Carson Home and Museum - Small historic house museum detailing frontiersman Kit Carson's life and local nineteenth‑century history.
- Mabel Dodge Luhan House - Early‑20th‑century artist salon offering guided tours and insight into Taos's cultural history.
- Millicent Rogers Museum - Collection of Southwestern art, textiles, and jewelry highlighting regional craft traditions.
- Santa Fe - Historic capital with museums, adobe architecture, and the Canyon Road art district to visit.
- Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway - Loop drive through mountain towns, alpine lakes, and varied high‑desert landscapes surrounding Taos.
Best Time to Visit Taos, New Mexico #
Taos' high‑desert climate yields sunny days and cool nights; go in summer for hiking and festivals, or winter for skiing at nearby resorts.
Best Time to Visit Taos, New Mexico #
Taos, New Mexico's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 8°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 14 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 56 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 19°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Taos, New Mexico
Taos is served by a small local airport (SKX) with limited flights and by Albuquerque (ABQ) for most connections; from ABQ the trip is a scenic 2-2½ hour drive. Once in Taos, a car is useful for accessing surrounding pueblos, ski areas and trailheads.
Taos Regional Airport (SKX): Taos has a small regional airport with limited scheduled and seasonal flights (Taos Air has operated seasonal routes in peak periods). SKX is convenient - the terminal is about 10-15 minutes from Taos town by taxi.
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): Albuquerque is the main gateway for most visitors. Driving time to Taos is roughly 2-2½ hours depending on route (110-135 miles). Options from ABQ include rental car, private shuttle services and occasional regional coaches.
Train: There is no direct Amtrak service to Taos; the nearest Amtrak station is Lamy/Santa Fe (served indirectly) with onward bus or car connections.
Bus: Regional shuttle operators and charter coaches run between Albuquerque and Taos (journey ~2-2½ hours). Local Taos transit covers the town and nearby ski areas; schedules vary seasonally so book or check times in advance.
How to Get Around Taos, New Mexico #
Taos town centre and the Plaza are very walkable, with most galleries, shops and restaurants within a short stroll. A car is useful to reach nearby ski areas, Taos Pueblo and the High Road; limited local bus service and seasonal shuttles operate, but distances and winter weather make driving common.
Where to Stay in Taos, New Mexico #
- Taos Inn - Historic, affordable rooms on Taos Plaza
- Hotel La Fonda de Taos - Comfortable, traditional Taos lodging
- Taos Inn - Central, historic with good dining options
- Hotel La Fonda de Taos - Comfortable mid-range with Southwestern style
- El Monte Sagrado Resort & Spa - Wellness-focused resort with upscale amenities
- Taos Inn (select suites) - Top suites with historic character
Where to Eat in Taos, New Mexico #
- The Love Apple - Farm-to-table New Mexican, seasonal menu
- La Fonda de Taos - Historic hotel restaurant, classic New Mexican dishes
- Doc Martin's at Taos Inn - Southwest comfort food in a courtyard setting
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Taos, New Mexico's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Taos, New Mexico #
Taos has a lively, arts-oriented evening scene: small music venues, brewpubs and bars offer live music and performances. Seasonal outdoor concerts and destination venues in the surrounding high desert add variety to the local options.
- Taos Brewing Company - Local brewery with taproom and occasional live music nights.
- KTAO - Solar-powered radio station and outdoor music venue hosting concerts.
- Taos Mesa - Desert concert spot with seasonal shows and a brewery.
Shopping in Taos, New Mexico #
Taos’ shopping concentrates around the Plaza and adjacent streets - you’ll find Native American arts, galleries, jewelry, and handcrafted goods. The Taos Pueblo area and local markets offer traditional crafts; ask about authenticity and licensing when buying Native-made items.
