Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with an action-packed day of adventure in Taos, New Mexico. Surrounded by the Southern Rocky Mountains and the Rio Grande, Taos offers a plethora of outdoor activities. From thrilling whitewater rafting to peaceful hikes through aspen forests, this itinerary is tailored for the adventure enthusiast seeking to explore Taos’s natural wonders.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, El Prado, NM, USA
Gutiz, Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM, USA
Elevation Coffee, Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, El Prado, Taos, NM, USA
Los Rios River Runners, New Mexico 68, Ranchos de Taos, NM, USA
The Bavarian Restaurant, Kachina Road, Taos Ski Valley, NM, USA
Cid's Food Market, Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM, USA
Williams Lake Trail, Taos Ski Valley, NM, USA
Mountain Skills Rock Guides, LLC, Hondo Seco Road, Arroyo Seco, Taos, NM, USA
Taos Pizza Out Back, Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM, USA
Orlando's New Mexican Cafe, Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos, NM, USA
Earthship Biotecture Visitor Center, Earthship Way, Tres Piedras, NM, USA
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley, NM, USA
Wild Rivers Visitors Center, New Mexico 378, Questa, NM, USA
Before Breakfast in Taos
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Witness the sunrise from Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, as the first light bathes the rugged canyon in a golden hue. Standing 650 feet above the Rio Grande, it’s an awe-inspiring place to start your day of adventure.
Best Places for Breakfast in Taos
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Taos
Whitewater Rafting
Los Rios River Runners is the oldest and largest rafting company in New Mexico. Is your speed mild, wild, or somewhere in between? How much time do you have? Half-day, 3 days? These folks have a trip expedition down the Rio Grande suited for you. The full-day, white-knuckle Taos Box trip navigates Class IV rapids through a deep gorge, combining adrenaline with breathtaking scenery.
Best Places for Lunch in Taos
Cid's Food Market
The beloved Cid’s Food Market, primarily a grocery store, has a fantastic deli section where you can grab sandwiches, wraps, and salads for a quick and wholesome lunch. The market’s commitment to quality and community (and organic and locally-sourced produce) makes it a perfect stop for health-conscious. What did we do B.C. (Before Cid’s)? Picnics were paltry.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Taos
Hiking
Hiking around Taos can be exquisite. There are too many options, lengths, and skill levels to enumerate here. But I like the moderately-challenging and serene hike to Williams Lake in the Carson National Forest. The 4.2-mile out-and-back trail near Taos Ski Valley meanders through dense forests and alpine meadows, ending at the lake and surrounded by high mountain peaks.
Best Places for Dinner in Taos
Orlando's New Mexican Cafe
Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe is renowned for its classic and authentic flavors, dishes such as the blue corn chicken enchiladas and carne adovada, prepared with house-made chile sauces. The festive and colorful décor, coupled with friendly service, contributes to the lively atmosphere. Round off your meal with sopapillas drizzled with honey for a taste of New Mexican comfort.
Best Places to Stay in Taos
Earthship Biotecture
Earthship Biotecture offers a truly unique lodging experience just outside of Taos. These sustainable, off-the-grid homes are constructed using natural and recycled materials and are designed to be self-sufficient. Immerse yourself in an eco-friendly environment without sacrificing comfort. The interiors are creatively designed with an artistic flair, and the large windows offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Historic Taos, Peel Back the Centuries