Top Things to do in Taos County
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Taos County, Taos County
Looking for skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, turquoise and silver crafts, world-renowned art museums, literary history, and a thousand-year old Native American adobe pueblo? Not just anywhere. But near Georgia O’Keeffe landscapes, the Enchanted Circle, and the rivers, gorges, rolling mesas, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico? Choose a Taos area vacation.
Restaurants in Taos County
1. Columbine Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Approximately five miles one-way, this is a scenic and moderate-rated trail that leads hikers along a river and through meadows.
Reviewed By Missing-mountains - Joplin, United States
We got to explore this beautiful trail with old and young hikers (age range 8-50 years). It was a great trail will some slope and loose rock, but not a problem for our family. The water crossings were all either log bridges (so exciting for the kids) or well spaced, dry, solid stepping stones. In 1.5 hours we had seen numerous waterfalls, 2 meadows full of wild flowers and were tired enough to turn around. You can easily hike as far as you want or keep on pushing to the further trails. We took the easy going short hike. Enjoy.
2. Kenneth Wyatt Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Gallery that features the works of Kenneth Wyatt, celebrated artist who captures the traditions, culture and moods of the American West.
3. Wheeler Peak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
An extremely challenging, eight to ten mile hike (one way).
Reviewed By 2gonesomewhere - Marathon, United States
New Mexico's highest peak at 13167 (13161?13159? anyway it's the tallest). Shortest trail is up the Williams Lake side - about 1/4 mile before the lake hang a left. Well marked. I measured about 9.5 miles round trip from trail head at Williams Lake parking area, including a short detour to Mt. Walter which shares saddle to Wheeler and as second highest (13141) should easily be honored with a visit. Great views of Williams Lake area, and Red River area on the other side. Another trail leaves from the Taos Ski Valley parking lot and is much longer via Bull-of-the Woods Trail. This is a nice hike too - we went part way to visit Fraser (Frazer) Mountain at 12163'. Nice hike too, bighorns around. If you go to Wheeler this way it is more like 13-14 miles round trip.
4. Rottenstone Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Located in the heart of Arroyo Seco, NM, Rottenstone Pottery features premier local ceramic artists, sculptors, painters and photographers.
Reviewed By LegacyLinked - New Mexico, United States
You can see the magical influence of the Taos landscape in the the artwork on the shelves at Rottenstone Pottery. It is a place to find a souvenir or marvel at the skills of the local talent. We could not resist the "wine cups" that are perfect for tea, coffee, soup and more.
5. Taos Rockers Mineral & Fossil Outlet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
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.
6. Middlefork Lake
7. David Anthony Fine Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
David Anthony Fine Art, (DAFA), was founded by long-time Taos furniture maker David Mapes in 2011. The mission of DAFA is to exhibit the work of accomplished fine artists and exceptional craftspeople in a setting that is welcoming and accessible to all.
8. Rio Grande Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
This 800-foot-deep gorge in northern New Mexico offers exciting whitewater rafting, hiking trails around the rim and observation platforms with spectacular views of the winding river below.
Reviewed By NXTTRP - St. Petersburg, United States
We were told there was a walking trail heading south on the west side of the Rio Grande Gorge, beginning at the rest area. As it turned out, the trail is an easy walk and there were as many mountain bikers as walkers. Having said that, it was not crowded by any definition. The best views (and photos) of the bridge and gorge are available as you walk a mile or so down this trail. The gorge makes slight turns, creating corners for your photo ops.
9. San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 779 reviews
Buttressed church photograhed by legendary photographer Ansel Adams, and painted by famed artist Georgia O'Keeffe.
Reviewed By hrs314 - Houston, United States
Easy to see how this beautiful New Mexico Spanish Colonial Church inspired artists like Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams to capture its unique charm. With clean adobe lines and huge buttresses, it is an architectural and spiritual gem. Built between 1772 and 1816, it is the only original church which remains intact in the Taos area. As an active place of worship, the parishioners and the community members gather annually to re-plaster the historic adobe church. Known as "The Enjarre" or "The Mudding" of the church, volunteers mix an authentic blend of clay, sand, straw, and water into a thick mud paste. Layer by layer, the paste is applied from the top to the bottom of the church and then buffed with a sheepskin to reinforce the walls to be a resilient barrier to withstand the elements for another year. A bit tricky to find as the church is tucked away off the main highway, but definitely worth a visit.
10. Mallette Park Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Great walking path, short quarter-mile loop.
Reviewed By hmclellan - Seabrook, United States
Easy little trail right in town. It's nothing too long, but it's pretty and a nice spot to enjoy with kids. Fun little place to walk the dog if your four-legged family member is with you on your trip.
