10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Taos That You Shouldn't Miss

April 19, 2022 Russell Mellin

A rolling mesa at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos has a magical quality. Its rugged beauty, majestic mountains, wild Rio Grande river and unique blend of cultures - Spanish, Native American and Anglo - have historically drawn artists and photographers, evidenced by the plentiful galleries, museums and festivals. To experience the Native American culture here, explore Taos Pueblo, where the Tiwa Native Americans have practiced their traditions for centuries. Finally, the Anglo influence is prevalent in the business district, with its shops, art galleries and some of the finest restaurants in New Mexico. Skiing is also a major draw, but the challenging slopes are geared to the more advanced crowd. There's no rat race here; a fair share of non-mainstreamers have made this laid-back, low-key mecca their home. You, too, may not want to leave its tranquility and natural beauty.
Restaurants in Taos

1. Wild Earth Llama Adventures

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5.0 based on 508 reviews

Wild Earth Llama Adventures

Llama Trekking Adventures in New Mexico's Pristine Wilderness! "Take a Llama to Lunch!" Wilderness Day Hikes • Multi-Day Wilderness Adventures • Custom Wilderness Events Explore New Mexico's Pristine Wilderness, with our team of eco-friendly trail llamas, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Rio Grande Gorege, near Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico. On the trail, our gentle surefooted llamas carry the gear, leaving you unburdened to experience the natural beauty and inspiring solitude of the New Mexico wilderness. Experienced Naturalist Guides share information about local ecology, natural history, regional folklore, and wilderness skills. Backcountry Gourmet Meals are served on all of our New Mexico wilderness trips. All ages and fitness levels are welcome! Call us to answer any questions of to make reservations!

2. Los Rios River Runners

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5.0 based on 383 reviews

Los Rios River Runners

Los Rios River Runners is New Mexico's oldest, largest, and most experienced rafting company. We've been rafting through the spectacular river canyons of northern New Mexico since 1972. We offer trips from mild to wild, from half-day to 3-days, from the world-class white-knuckle whitewater of the Taos Box (available as a full-day adventure or as part of a multi-day overnight) to family fun adventures and serene floats. Spend starry nights in the serene Chama wilderness, or float along a mellow section of the Rio Grande with a Native Pueblo guide and a traditional feast meal awaiting you at the takeout. Sunset dinner floats too! And check out our multi-sport adventures: rock and raft, pedal and paddle, and paddle and saddle. Los Rios has more access to more stretches of river than any other NM rafting company, and offers the broadest variety of trips. Come boating with us, and take home lifetime memories.

3. Enchanted Circle Pottery

26871 East U.S. Hwy 64, Taos, NM 87571 +1 575-737-9640 [email protected] http://www.enchantedcirclepottery.com
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5.0 based on 232 reviews

Enchanted Circle Pottery

Enchanted Circle Pottery is a working art studio and gallery. Ceramic artists will provide a tour and explain the pottery process.

Reviewed By colbylane722

My family always loves stopping by this place when we're in Angel Fire - the owners and artists are so welcoming, so kind, and always happy to take the time to explain their process to you and give you a full tour of the studio and kiln where their works take shape. Every piece they make is beautiful and unique, and it's a great place to pick up gifts both for yourself and for others! Highly recommend stopping there if you're ever in the Enchanted Circle!

4. Mountain Skills Rock Guides, LLC

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5.0 based on 208 reviews

Mountain Skills Rock Guides, LLC

Mountain Skills Rock Climbing Guides offers guided rock climbing trips to the best climbing destinations in Northern New Mexico, and Las Vegas, NV. Whether you are a first time beginner or a seasoned veteran, come visit one of these pristine locations with us. You will be led by our professional, friendly, and experienced staff through an enjoyable adventure where you can relax and climb with confidence. Our staff has experience working with one on one privates, families, scout groups, church groups, corporate team building, and school groups of all sizes.

5. All is Well LC

119 Quesnel St, Taos, NM 87571-7315 +1 575-737-3045 [email protected] http://taospsychic.com/
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5.0 based on 55 reviews

All is Well LC

When you need answers, give All is Well LC a call at 1-575-737-3045 (toll free). This is our twelfth year helping folks in Taos, New Mexico. Enjoy your intuitive clairvoyant reading, in our cozy adobe office in the Historic Couse House, near the central Plaza. Open 9 am to 9 pm, by appointment. Take home new perspectives on your life, love, career, health, spiritual path, etc. Experience the transformational energy for which Taos is famous.

6. Wild Rivers Recreation Area

Rio Grande Gorge Cerro, NM, Taos, NM http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/taos/wild_rivers_rec_area.html
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5.0 based on 174 reviews

Wild Rivers Recreation Area

Reviewed By cavers2

Want to visit a beautiful, scenic area without the crowds you'd find at a national park? This is the place. You're on a high plataeu above the Rio Grande Gorge with plenty of camping, hiking, rafting, & biking options. The remoteness of the area allows for amazing night skies so camping out is highly recommended.The campgrounds at Wild Rivers are first come, first served so try to arrive early in the day to secure your site. A favortie hike of ours is the Arsenic Springs trail to the river and petroglyph viewing - try it!

7. Taos Rockers Mineral & Fossil Outlet

229 Camino de La Placita Ste A, Taos, NM 87571-5001 +1 575-758-2326 http://www.taosrockers.com/
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Taos Rockers Mineral & Fossil Outlet

Reviewed By mjcor - Malabar, United States

I walked in a total novice and walked out an hour later with a book and poster of rocks and minerals! Since then, I have taken buckets of rocks on Mondays for Kelle to patiently help me identify my 'finds'. This man is a walking encyclopedia and so helpful with the geology of the area. Valerie is just as friendly and knowledgeable, handing out local maps to find some 'treasure'. And that is just the staff. The selection of rocks and minerals at all price levels are just incredible. Well displayed, your truly do not want to leave. We did manage to find some great gifts when certain minerals 'spoke' to us:) By far the least intimidating rock shop we have been to and highly recommended for novices and experts.

8. Taos Sage Waters Massage & Spa

Northstar Plaza 67 HWY 522 Suite B, Taos, NM 87529 +1 575-758-4634 [email protected] http://taossagewaters.com
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Taos Sage Waters Massage & Spa

Taos Sage Waters Spa is a Restoration Sanctuary offering healing sessions to individuals, couples, and small groups. Come and treat yourself to a blissful combination of spa services. TSW offers "Signature" Hot Stone Massage, Lymphatic Body Scrub, Reflexology foot treatments, and customized facials using premier organic skin care line. To enhance your experience add a 30 minute infrared sauna to any spa package. Same day appointments are available.

9. Taos Pueblo

120 Veterans Highway, Taos, NM 87571 +1 575-758-1028 [email protected] http://www.taospueblo.com
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4.5 based on 3,039 reviews

Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. We welcome you to visit our village when you travel to northern New Mexico.Taos Pueblo Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 8:30am-4:00pm.Guided Tours available daily starting at 9:00 am.Pueblo Shops open daily.Taos Pueblo is expected to be open for the winter season. Any closures would be due to unexpected events within the community and will be posted on our official website.

Reviewed By MildaLeo - London, United Kingdom

We were lucky to visit Taos Pueblo during their feast day. While we didn't had enough time to see dances, we still managed to see natives in ceremonial clothes, joined a guided tour (free, with donation) lead by an inspiring young local woman, and visited local stores. Wekll worth the visit - as Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. You can see the multi-storied adobe buildings which have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years, have no running water or electricity. You will have to leave your cameras and phones in the car (or just not to take them out from your bag). But what you get is true authenticity and chance to interact with locals. We had a nice chat with a local jeweller while he was making me a silver bracelet there on the spot and measured to my wrist size.

10. Millicent Rogers Museum

1504 Millicent Rogers Rd, Taos, NM 87571 +1 575-758-2462 http://www.millicentrogers.org/
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4.5 based on 750 reviews

Millicent Rogers Museum

This impressive museum has more than a dozen galleries with some 5000 pieces of Native American and Hispanic art, including furniture, weaving, paintings, pottery and a celebrated collection of Native American jewelry.

Reviewed By WC-Travelers-75

We knew nothing of this museum other than it was listed in the AAA TourBook before we visited. Because we allowed extra time in our travel to Taos, we took it in. What a surprise! An extensive collection of Southwestern art of many cultures and mediums. The jewelry collection was memorable, with some pieces you wonder if they were meant to be worn given their size. We lingered to take it all in as best we could. This museum is a gem! We would visit again if in Taos since exhibits change.

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