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BIG SK IES
The horizon burns at dusk, stretching w i d e over the high desert. Beneath it, teepees stand still — small against a sky that defines everything.
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ELIJAH RAEL
MOV EM ENT A S L A NGUAGU E In shadow and light, dancers translate place into motion —
CLEMENTINE MILLER
each step grounded, each gesture reaching beyond.
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FR AMED I N DEVOT ION
GERAINT SMITH
Through a quiet doorway, adobe rises into light — a timeless meeting of faith, form and sky.
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carved in faith THE SANTOS OF M ILLICENT ROGER S MUSEUM
by Ellen Miller-Goins
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Inside the Millicent Rogers Museum, carved saints gaze quietly from gallery walls and display cases. Some appear stern; others, tender. Their painted robes glow in deep reds, blues and golds, their surfaces worn with the patina that comes from time, touch and devotion. Together, these bultos and retablos form one of the most significant public collections of Northern New Mexico santos in the world. This is not a gallery to rush through. The best way to experience it is slowly, allowing your eyes to settle on the details: a saint’s face softened by age, the faint crackle of gesso, the brushwork along a sleeve, the way wood grain emerges through paint — a quiet reminder that these images begin as something living.
For those who grew up here, santos may feel as familiar as weathered adobe and cottonwoods lining an acequia. They appear in homes, chapels and churches, serving not only as works of art but as companions in prayer and daily life. In many families, they are passed down through generations, carrying both spiritual and personal histories. At the Millicent Rogers Museum, that living connection remains central. “Part of what is so significant and rich about the santo tradition is the reference to the masters,” says Claire Pelaez Motsinger, museum curator. “These compositions and approaches are still being used in the contemporary tradition.” The forms themselves are simple to define, yet impossible to reduce. Bultos are carved wooden figures. Retablos are painted panels, often displayed on household altars or in churches and chapels. Both are created by santeros — artists who have shaped a distinctly Northern New Mexico tradition over centuries, tracing back to the colonial period. Spanish missionaries introduced Catholic imagery as a way to teach religious stories. Over time, local artisans adapted these forms. Early santeros worked with what the land provided Miguel Salazar, Eulogio Ortega. PREVIOUS SPREAD: COMPOSITE IMAGE FROM TOP LEFT CLOCKWISE: Leo Salazar, Miguel Salazar, Miguel Salazar, Luis Barela (left), Horacio Valdez (right).
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ART
“The museum demonstrates not just the objects, but a real sense of place,” Pelaez Motsinger says. That sense of place is everywhere — in the materials, in the forms, even in the gallery itself. The rooms echo the textures and tones of Northern New Mexico, grounding the collection in the landscape that shaped it. Santeros, past and present, are valued not only for their craftsmanship but for their devotion. Their work reflects a tradition that remains very much alive. Santos are not separate from everyday life. They are part of it. They have been handled, prayed to, repaired and passed down. They are artworks, certainly. But they are also reminders of a living tradition. For many who pass through the gallery, the experience is not only visual. It is deeply human. ♥ Al Qoyawayma, Star Liana York.
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A MUSEUM ROOTED IN PLACE The Millicent Rogers Museum, founded in 1956 by Paul Peralta-Ramos (one of Rogers' sons), includes 15 galleries arranged around a central courtyard in a hacienda-style layout. “It’s a home-like feeling combined with a formal museum setting,” says Claire Pelaez Motsinger. “We try to balance those two things.” One of the first stops for many DISCOVERTAOS.COM
visitors is the pottery gallery, anchored by the work of Maria Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo. The museum’s collection traces the arc of her career, from early polychrome and redware to the iconic black-onblack pottery she developed with her husband, Julian, and later continued with her family. Nearby galleries expand that story
of place and tradition. The museum holds more than 7,000 objects, including Native American art, jewelry, textiles and Hispanic devotional works, offering a broad view of the cultures that shape Northern New Mexico. The museum is moving toward a more focused exploration of the cultures it represents, while continuing to refresh galleries and rotate objects.
“We represent Hispanic and Native traditions in the area,” Pelaez Motsinger says. “That’s really where deeper education can happen.” Following the death of executive director Karen Chertok, the museum is in the process of hiring new leadership, with a new executive director expected soon.
Millicent Rogers Museum 1504 Millicent Rogers Rd, El Prado; 575-758-2462 millicentrogers .org
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THE ENDURING LEGACY OF DEANNA AUTUMN LEAF SUAZO Millicent Rogers Museum to host a tribute to promising Taos Pueblo artist BY RICK ROMANCITO
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DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo shown setting up her booth at Santa Fe’s annual Indian Market. LEFT: Pumpkin Harvest (2021), acrylic on canvas, by DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo.
he art of an emerging Taos Pueblo artist whose life was tragically cut short is on display in a tribute exhibition — “Honoring the Life and Work of DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo" — at the Millicent Rogers Museum. The artist of Diné and Taos Pueblo heritage created work that “reflected the cultural significance, aesthetics, and strength of her communities,” a museum statement reads. She was by all accounts a rising star in the art world. Then, on Nov. 13, 2021, Suazo’s life was cut short at the hands of her boyfriend, Santiago Martinez, who later was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter. The sentence drew widespread disappointment from DeAnna’s family and supporters who publicly stated it did not reflect the severity of the crime, a TV news report stated. The daughter of well-known artists Gary David Suazo of Taos Pueblo and Geraldine Tso of the Navajo Nation, DeAnna, 29, began making art at an early age, according to an article by this writer in the June 2024 edition of Trend Magazine. One of her fondest memories is from the time she attended the Taos Pueblo Head Start program as a young child. “We were drawing on the floor with crayons and I remember one of the teachers was like, ‘Oh wow, DeAnna, you put a neck on your person!’ And, for some reason, that memory always stuck. Why wouldn’t you put a neck on a human figure?,” she said. “My art now is about Indigenous women present
today, so what I’m doing is incorporating traditional attire — of course, it’s pre-contact attire.” “I’m Taos Pueblo and Navajo, but we’re also very modern and know how to balance the two,” she said. DeAnna graduated from the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in the spring of 2021 with a degree in studio arts. She also was admitted to IAIA‘s inaugural “MFA in Studio Arts” cohort in Summer 2021. “DeAnna loved celebrating her Diné and Taos Pueblo heritage and creating art that reflected Pueblo cultural significance and aesthetics,” reads a statement from IAIA issued upon her passing. “Inspired by heroic figures of Japanese manga novels, including Sailor Moon, she imbued her work with memory, resilience and good intentions. Her most recent work emphasized figural paintings of strong Indigenous women that, in her words, ‘grind every day for a better community.’” Her father said a small posthumous show at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque drew huge crowds, many of whom left comments like, “I’m so glad someone finally is doing something with pop culture for Native Americans. I loved the girl with the bubble gum. I loved the sunglasses.” DeAnna showed artwork at the Southwest Association for Indian Arts Market (SWAIA) for over a decade. She was also a featured artist at many national art markets including the Heard Museum Indian Market and Fair, the Autry Museum Artist Market and the Smithsonian National Museum of the
Honoring the Life and Work of DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo Exhibition continues through March 1, 2027. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Tuesday. General admission is $20, with $15 admission daily for veterans, students, and seniors (65+). Taos County residents receive free entry to the museum every Sunday. Free daily admission for children under 6, museum members, and tribal members. Visit millicentrogers.org for updates about this exhibition and for winter hours. DISCOVERTAOS.COM
American Indian Artist Market. She was a SITE Santa Fe Scholar and a 2021 Taos Fine Arts Visionary Artist. “She will be remembered as a dedicated student, a devoted friend, a kind person, and a passionate artist whose creativity knew no bounds,” the statement concludes. In downtown Taos, anyone driving along Civic Plaza Drive will be reminded of her as one of the images on a mural painted on the south wall of the University of New Mexico-Taos’ Rio Grande Hall. The “Historical Women of Taos” mural by renowned artist Jenny Ustick also features images of ancestral matriarch María Rosa Villalpando, historic preservationist Cleofas Martinez Jaramillo and philanthropist Helene Wurlitzer. The mural was unveiled in May of 2022. Inspired by her sister Shaundine, DeAnna began making drawings at an early age that reflected her interests in the world around her, “making them to her style,” her mom, Geraldine Tso, said. “She just did what she wanted.” Starting with small drawings, she eventually wanted to do larger and larger pieces. “I just let her go with it,” Tso said. As one would expect, losing her daughter in an act of violence affected her deeply. “It struck me really hard when I was first told by Shaundine who called me early that morning,” she said. “All I could think was a beautiful girl has been taken away. It hurt a lot.” “To this day, I feel very sad that she’s gone. I always wait for her to come through the door and say, ‘Hi mom!’” ♥ 57
Discover our collection of contemporary and historical arts from cultures of the Southwest.
Nearly 1,000 pieces of historic Native American jewelry. One extraordinary exhibition.
MillicentRogers.org • (575) 758-2462 1504 Millicent Rogers Rd, El Prado, NM DISCOVERTAOS.COM
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K ATHERINE EGLI/ TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO
ART
ABOVE: For many years, artists have
been donating their art to Holy Cross Hospital. DISCOVERTAOS.COM
If the local hospital’s art scene seems surprising, the next stop raises the element of surprise to a whole new level: the Taos Volunteer Fire Department, which may be the last place most people expect to find significant regional art. Step inside the firehouse and the space tells a different story. Works connected to the artists who helped establish Taos as one of the most important art colonies in the American Southwest adorn the walls. Pieces by early Taos painters — including those who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and helped define the
visual language of the region — form an extraordinary and largely unseen collection. But why the firehouse? The story behind the art is as unusual as the location. In the 1930s, fires threatened buildings around Taos Plaza, underscoring the need for an organized fire department. When the community rallied to support the effort, artists contributed paintings as part of fundraising drives. The works never sold. Instead, the department kept them, gradually CONTINUED PAGE 66
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ART
building a remarkable collection displayed inside a building dedicated to protecting the town and its residents. Over time, the firehouse became an unlikely steward of Taos art history — and likely one of the safest places for it to appear; after all, it is rare that a firehouse burns. From one unexpected sanctuary to another, the art trail continues uphill at The Blake at Taos Ski Valley. At the hotel named after Ernie Blake, the visionary founder of Taos Ski Valley, the art collection begins the moment guests walk through the doors and continues into places few visitors expect. Historic photographs of the pioneering Blake family and early layouts of the ski valley greet guests in the FROM TOP: Sculpture by R.C. Gorman and CONTINUED PAGE 70
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more art at Holy Cross Hospital.
ART
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The Watcher by Walter Ufer.
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nancygrabowski.com • zunibear61@hotmail.com Taos Artist Collective • 108 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos
Over 30 Years of Eclectic Fine Art Ann Huston
“Orion and the Fawn” Original Pastel Painting 24 x 21
Wilder Nightingale Fine Art 119 Kit Carson Road, Taos, NM • 575-758-3255 • wnightingale.com DISCOVERTAOS.COM
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Taos Plaza Live
The Mothership
MUSIC AT THE HEART OF TOWN
MUSIC ON THE MESA
Nothing captures the spirit of a Taos summer evening like live music on the Taos County Plaza. Taos Plaza Live returns Thursdays from late July through August, filling the historic gazebo with rotating regional acts. The series is rooted in community — built through local band participation and shaped by the crowd that gathers each week. Families spread out blankets, visitors wander in from nearby galleries and restaurants, and the music carries through the adobe-lined streets as the sun drops behind the mountains. taoschamber.com
Red Willow Park BIG SOUND, OPEN SKIES Outdoor concerts continue to expand in Taos, and Red Willow Park is leading the charge. On Aug. 22, Thee Sacred Souls take the stage alongside The La Lom and The Womack Sisters, part of the Lensic 360 concert series. The setting strikes a balance between festival and hometown show — a broad lawn, open sky and a crowd that blends locals with visitors chasing a summer tour stop. More announcements are expected as the season unfolds. lensic360.org
Can’t-miss music experiences around Northern New Mexico FROM HISTORIC PLAZAS to high-desert stages and mountain-town festivals, summer in Taos comes with a soundtrzack. The 2026 season layers free concerts, destination festivals and world-class performances across Northern New Mexico — all within a day’s drive. Summer in Taos doesn’t unfold on a single stage. It spreads outward — from the Taos County Plaza to the mesa, into the mountains and beyond — creating a season where live music becomes part of the landscape itself. In 2026, that landscape is especially rich. A single weekend might take you from a free concert at sunset to a ticketed headliner under the stars, or from a cultural celebration on the Taos County Plaza to a multi-day festival in the high country.
Out on the mesa, Taos Mesa Brewing’s “Music on the Mothership” series delivers a steady lineup of concerts all summer. Artists scheduled for 2026 include Los Lonely Boys, Shinyribs and Desert Dwellers. It’s as much about place as performance — wideopen views, sunset light and a purpose-built outdoor stage that turns every show into an experience. Start times vary, so checking ahead is part of the ritual. taosmesabrewing.com
She Rises A FESTIVAL WITH PURPOSE The She Rises International Women’s Music Festival returns July 16–18 at Daleee KTAOS, centering women in music through performances, workshops and community programming. More than a concert series, the festival creates space for connection and collaboration — a distinctly Taos approach to music that emphasizes both artistry and shared experience. sherisesfest.com
Las Fiestas de Taos TRADITION IN RHYTHM Las Fiestas de Taos (July 17–19) (pictured left) blends music with centuries-old cultural traditions on the historic Taos County Plaza. Mariachi, Spanish folk and community performances fill the weekend, accompanied by food, processions and gatherings that reflect the region’s deep roots. The full schedule typically comes later, but the atmosphere — vibrant, layered and distinctly Northern New Mexico — remains constant. fiestadetaos.com
Red River Jamboree A MOUNTAIN MUSIC WEEKEND Just along the Enchanted Circle, Red River Jamboree (July 17–19) turns Brandenburg Park into a hub for country and Americana. The format is simple: bring your own seating, settle CONTINUED PAGE 88
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DISCOVER OUTDOOR MUSIC
ALL SUMMER LONG RED WILLOW PARK JUN
19
GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV w/ His Band AUG
22
GHOSTRANCHMUSICFEST.COM
THEE SACRED SOULS w/ La Lom & The Womack Sisters THE MOTHERSHIP SEP
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FREE SUMMER MUSIC SERIES AT THE MOTHERSHIP
Doctor Nativo .................................... JUN 14 Halluci Nation ....................................... JUL 3 MarchFourth Marching Band ............. JUL 19 ABBAquerque ...................................... JUL 24 Los Straitjackets ................................... AUG 7 Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band ................................... AUG 16
THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS Benefit Concert for Taos Cancer Support Services DISCOVERTAOS.COM
TICKE TS AT LE NS IC 360.ORG
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ENTERTAINMENT
in for multiple days of music and let the mountain setting do the rest. A Sunday gospel session traditionally closes the weekend, giving the festival a communal, small-town feel. redriverjamboree.com
Angel Fire FROM BLUES TO CHAMBER MUSIC
visitangelfirenm.com musicfromangelfire.org
8750’ Festival WHERE MUSIC MEETS THE GRILL Aug. 12–16, Red River’s 8750’ BBQ & Music Festival combines live music with competitive cooking. Concerts unfold alongside BBQ, red chile and green chile cook-offs, creating a weekend that draws both music fans and food lovers. It’s a full-scale mountain-town event designed for lingering — not just a single night out. 8750festival.com
Big Barn Dance TRADITION UNDER THE STARS Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance returns Sept. 10–12, bringing its signature mix of Americana, country, folk and bluegrass to Taos for three days of music and community. Now in its 24th year, the festival has evolved from informal local gatherings into a well-known regional event, while maintaining its emphasis on songwriting and connection. Held at Red Willow Park, the format blends a “listening room” atmosphere with an outdoor festival setting, giving audiences a closer experience with performers and their work. The weekend traditionally builds toward a final night of dancing, reflecting the event’s roots as a community gathering centered on music and shared experience.
bigbarndance.com
Sunshine Festival A LABOR DAY ESCAPE Set in Sunshine Valley near Questa, the new Sunshine Festival (Sept. 4–5) offers a more immersive take on the music weekend. With camping, workshops and evolving program-
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ming, the festival blends music with art and community, inviting visitors to stay, explore and participate. It’s a fitting way to stretch the final days of summer. sunshinefestivalnm.com
Blossoms & Bones MUSIC IN O’KEEFFE COUNTRY At Ghost Ranch in Abiquiú, Blossoms & Bones (Sept. 10–12) closes the season with a destination festival set among some of Northern New Mexico’s most iconic landscapes. The 2026 lineup features nationally recognized artists, while the experience extends beyond the stage — hiking, camping and exploring the terrain that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe. ghostranchmusicfest.com
Bonus A CLASSICAL THROUGHLINE Beyond festivals, Taos’ summer music scene includes a strong classical presence. The Taos Opera Institute (May– June), Taos School of Music (June– August) and Taos Chamber Music Group all present concerts featuring emerging and established artists. ♥
FROM TOP:
Locals enjoy a performance at a packed Taos Plaza Live in 2021. Michael Hearne at the 23rd annual Big Barn Dance last year.
NATHAN BURTON, CLEMENTINE MILLER
Angel Fire’s summer calendar spans genres. BluewsFest (July 10–11) brings blues and craft beer together for a high-energy weekend, while the Summer Music Series adds weekly concerts beginning in June. Then, in August, Music from Angel Fire (Aug. 13–26) shifts the focus to chamber music, presenting performances by internationally recognized musicians in venues across the region.
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SHOPPING
Walk through Taos
Shopping the heart of the Historic District BY ELLEN MILLER-GOINS
I ABOVE: Coyote Moon at John Dunn Shops.
DISCOVERTAOS.COM
n Taos, shopping isn’t something you rush through — it’s something you settle into. It unfolds slowly, one doorway at a time, blending art, culture and community into an experience that feels as layered as the landscape itself. Just north of Red Willow Park, magpie shelves are filled with work by dozens of local artists — pottery, jewelry, folk art and functional pieces.
Nearby, Moxie Fair Trade & Handmade brings a global perspective, with colorful textiles, clothing and gifts. Then step into Aurora Folk Arts, where antiques, rare books, vintage finds and globally sourced goods fill every corner. From here, head south toward the heart of town. As you approach the historic district, turn toward Bent Street, where the pace slows. At the corner, Pat Woodall Fine Art anchors the transition — a long-standing gallery showcasing contemporary realism and Southwest landscapes. Then the path opens into Bent Street. Pop into Taos Cookery, a beloved kitchen shop housed in an old adobe, where locally made goods, cookware and whimsical finds sit alongside grab-and-go bites — perfect for a midshop snack. Art lovers can linger at Robert L. Parsons Fine Art, where early Taos masters and historic works create a gallery experience that feels closer to a museum than a storefront. Made Solid offers handcrafted leather goods — each piece stitched and finished by hand — blending function, craftsmanship and
timeless design. And at Jones Walker of Taos, the atmosphere is as memorable as the art itself. Explore clothing boutiques like Artemisia and Boxie Tees or floral design at Ultraviolet Floristry, each storefront adding its own personality to the walk.
John Dunn Shops A courtyard experience Tucked between Bent Street and the plaza, the John Dunn Shops offer a different kind of shopping — a shaded, pedestrian courtyard where the experience is as important as the stores themselves. Here, you’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry and textiles to books, clothing and gifts. Inside the courtyard, shops like op.cit. Books offer a cozy, curated literary escape, while Seconds Eco Store highlights recycled and sustainably made goods with a creative twist. At Las Comadres Gallery, a cooperative of local women artists, you’ll find everything from paintings to pottery — each piece carrying a distinctly Northern New Mexican voice. Shops 93
shopping
FROM TOP: Taos
Plaza has a mix of long time favorites and newer shop additions. Rings at El Rincon. FACING PAGE:
Don’t miss Mooncat Fiber in John Dunn Shops.
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SHOPPING
Taos Plaza The heartbeat
and Coyote Moon celebrate craftsmanship — whether through yarn, gemstones or vibrant folk art. Clarke & Co. Menswear stands out for its refined, contemporary men’s clothing, while Moda extends that same sensibility to women’s fashion. Need a break? Grab a coffee or smoothie, sit by the fountain and watch the steady flow of people. DISCOVERTAOS.COM
Emerging from the courtyard, you arrive at Taos Plaza, the historic center where everything converges. Start at Chokolá Bean to Bar, tucked just off the plaza, where single-source chocolate, pastries and a decadent mousse bar offer the perfect reset. From there, browse the plaza’s mix of longtime favorites and newer additions. Indigo Market offers a fresh, modern take on lifestyle retail, blending clothing, home goods and gifts with a distinctly curated feel. Nearby, shops like Made in New Mexico and Six Hand Hat Company celebrate regional craftsmanship, from locally made foods to custom, hand-shaped hats. Wander into shops like Touchstone Gallery and Two Graces, where minerals, books and art create unexpected moments of discovery. The plaza is meant to be experienced more than once — each lap offering something new. From the plaza, cross the street and step into Atcitty’s, where jewelry, art and gifts reflect the cultures and traditions of the Southwest. Then continue onto Kit Carson Road, where the atmosphere shifts — still central, but a
little quieter, a little more contemplative. Step inside Cabot Plaza to browse. Be sure to visit the famed Ed Sandoval Gallery, then head back down Kit Carson Road where a highlight is El Rincon Trading Post, one of Taos’ oldest shops. For generations, it has offered Native American jewelry, vintage pieces and handcrafted works. Wilder Nightingale brings a contemporary edge, with carefully selected clothing, accessories and design-forward pieces that feel both current and rooted in place. Parsons Gallery of the West offers a look at historic and contemporary Western art, while Alhambra – Soul Inspired Living invites visitors into a thoughtfully curated space of furniture, textiles and globally inspired pieces. The walk naturally loops back toward Paseo del Pueblo, connecting the district into one experience. In the end, shopping in Taos isn’t about checking items off a list. It’s about wandering and stepping into spaces where artists, makers and shop owners are often the same people. About discovering something unexpected. Because here, every purchase carries a story. And every story is part of Taos. ♥ 95
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Taos Food Coop Taos del Food Coop Norte 314 Paseo Pueblo 314www.taosfoodcoop.com Paseo del Pueblo Norte www.taosfoodcoop.com 10-6 Monday - Saturday 10-6 Monday - Saturday
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Ranchos de Taos
W HER E HISTORY LI V ES, BR EATHES — A ND W EL COM ES YOU I N
by Ellen Miller-Goins
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here are places in Northern New Mexico where history is preserved. And then there is Ranchos de Taos — where history is still alive. Begin, as generations have, at the heart of it all: the San Francisco de Asís Mission Church. Rising from the earth in soft, sculpted curves of adobe, the church feels less constructed than grown — an organic form shaped by human hands and time itself. Built between 1772 and 1816, it remains one of the 102 DISCOVER TAOS SUMMER/FALL 2026
finest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States. Stand quietly behind the church in the late afternoon light and you begin to understand why artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams returned to it again and again. The famous rear view, with its rounded, beehive buttresses, captures something elemental: light, shadow, earth and spirit in perfect balance. The church is not a relic. It is still the center of daily life here. Parishioners gather for Mass, volunteers re-mud the
adobe each summer, and visitors are welcomed into a space that has never stopped being what it was built to be. Just steps from the church, the story of Ranchos unfolds. Step inside Chimayo Trading del Norte, a place often described as a museum where everything is for sale. Housed in nearly 300-year-old adobe buildings on the north side of the plaza, Chimayo Trading is more than a gallery. It is a living continuation of Northern New Mexico’s artistic traditions,
ABOVE:
The famous rear view of San Francisco de Asís Mission Church.
BILL CURRY. PREVIOUS SPREAD: GERAINT SMITH
SHOPPING
Celebrate our diversity. Discover our history. Village Belle, Taos, a photo taken circa 1880-1890 at Taos Pueblo. Image courtesy Denver Public Library, Western History Collection, X-30053.
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shopping
Stop at Trading Post Market in Ranchos de Taos for breakfast or lunch.
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shopping
everybody that walks in the door.” The setting is as memorable as the food. Thick adobe walls, low doorways, and rooms filled with folk art create a sense of warmth and continuity. From there, Ranchos invites you to wander. Across the road, RB Ravens Gallery offers a deep dive into Native American and Southwest art. Nearby, Ranchos Antique Furnishings feels like stepping into another era entirely. Just down the highway, Vargas Tile Company showcases vibrant handcrafted tile, while a few miles farther, Taos Drums carries forward a centuries-old tradition of drum making.
Make a day of it. Start your morning at Ranchos Plaza Grill, where traditional Northern New Mexican breakfast — think huevos rancheros or a smothered breakfast burrito — sets the tone for a day rooted in flavor and family tradition. For lunch, stop at Trading Post Market for a relaxed meal before continuing your exploration of the plaza. At day’s end, head to Old Martinez Hall. A beloved community gathering place for generations, this historic adobe landmark is reopening for summer 2026 as a lively community gathering space. Now operated by Heritage Hotels & Resorts and led by executive chef Cristina Martinez, the hall will feature a casual New Mexican menu, a full bar and regular live music, including Sunday afternoon performances (2–5 p.m.). Designed to be family-friendly, the venue will also host weddings, private events and celebrations, continuing its long tradition as a place where generations of Taoseños have gathered for music, food and community. Bed down at Desert Flower Boutique Hotel, LUXX Lodge, Glamping & RV Park (both featured elsewhere in this publication), Adobe & Pines Inn/ Hotel Bed and Breakfast or the new vacation rental at Chimayo Trading del Norte. Ranchos de Taos is not polished. It is not manufactured. It is art that blooms from tradition, food that comes from family, and a church that still anchors it all. ♥ DISCOVERTAOS.COM
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Northern New Mexico’s most unique Airbnb, VRBO and other rentals BY ELLEN MILLER-GOINS
I
n Northern New Mexico, where landscape and creativity go hand in hand, where you stay can be just as memorable as what you do. Across Taos County and the surrounding region, a growing collection of short-term rentals offers something beyond the expected. From handcrafted treehouses and off-grid Earthships to high-desert yurts and retro trailers, these stays are not just places to sleep — they’re places that tell a story.
Among the trees Elevated escapes in Northern New Mexico Treehouses in Northern New Mexico lean less toward childhood fantasy and more toward quiet immersion — spaces designed to slow you down and pull you into the landscape. In Angel Fire, RidgeWalk Treehouse offers a true canopy-level experience. Perched above a forested valley, the cabin opens onto a wide deck where mornings begin with coffee and hummingbirds and evenings stretch into long sunsets. Guests often mention the thoughtful hospitality and attentive hosts, which transforms the stay from simple lodging into something more personal. Wildlife sightings are common, from deer and elk to smaller forest creatures, reinforcing the sense of being tucked into the mountains. Book directly at ridgewalktreehouse.com. Closer to Taos, a second Treehouse on the Rio Hondo in the Valdez Valley 6 miles north of Taos offers a different kind of charm. Built by a local artist on a rural property north of town, the structure feels handcrafted and intimate, with a small deck overlooking open land dotted with wildlife. Alpacas graze nearby, and sculptural details throughout the property reflect the creative spirit of the area. Available through VRBO and Airbnb listings in Valdez/Rio Hondo Valley (search “The DISCOVERTAOS.COM
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WHERE TO WANDER THIS SUMMER AND FALL Golden sunsets stretch endlessly above sun-warmed peaks. Days unfold with soft breezes and a quiet, lingering wonder. Art-filled galleries circle the plaza, each one a portal into Taos’ soul. The river winds through glowing canyons, inviting exploration. Vistas dazzle. Waterfalls refresh. Retreat to a hidden mountain oasis—where every moment is steeped in color, and summer fades gently into fall unlike anywhere else on earth.
317 Kit Carson Road, Taos | 855-846-8267 | ElMonteSagrado.com
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LODGING
LUXX LODGE Glamping meets classic road-trip camping. A new kind of campground has arrived in Ranchos de Taos. LUXX LODGE blends the nostalgia of the American road trip with modern glamping comforts, offering everything from RV hookups and tent camping sites to boutique lodge suites and futuristic tiny homes known as ‘space cabins.’ The property includes 19 full-hookup RV or van sites, multiple tent or car camping sites, lodging suites, an Airstream, plus public restrooms with indoor saunas, laundry facilities and dog-friendly outdoor spaces. The space cabins feature all-glass fronts, rooftop decks and private patios that showcase sweeping views of the Taos mountains. Operations manager Lux Mullen describes the cabins as striking and futuristic accommodations. “They’re like Space Age modular units with an all-glass front. They’ve got rooftop decks so you can see the beautiful Taos mountains and private patios on each one,” Mullen says. Mullen says the team continues to refine the property as renovations progress, including new glamping units, a Swim Spa hot tub and additional guest suites. Luxx Lodge sits within walking
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distance of Ranchos Plaza Grill, the Trading Post Market, Mountain Monk Coffee and the historic San Francisco de Asís Church.
LUXX LODGE 1802 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Ranchos de Taos; 575-201-3339 luxxlodge.com
Desert Flower A boutique hotel rooted in art, food and community. In Ranchos de Taos, Desert Flower offers a deeply personal take on the boutique hotel experience. Owners Jody and Xochitl Wodrich transformed the former Casa de Taos Motel into a seven-room retreat that celebrates art, design and the spirit of Northern New Mexico.
Each room features its own theme and carefully curated aesthetic, with artwork from regional artists and custom playlists designed to match the mood of each space. Some rooms feature large copper soaking tubs, while the courtyard invites guests to linger with wine and charcuterie. The couple also planted fruit trees and gardens on the property and raise chickens so guests can enjoy farmfresh breakfasts and salsas. “It was a very natural progression for us, just based on our own wants and desires when we travel,” Jody Wodrich says. “I’ve seen so many hotels, the five-stars to the smaller hotels, and there are things that you would stop and notice. We wanted to make sure those types of things were in our hotel.” The hotel highlights local culture with Taos-roasted coffee, locally sourced bath products and artwork throughout the property. The owners also envision pop-ups, storytelling events and live music that immerse visitors in the culture of Taos. “We really wanted to create a place that gives people an experience,” Wodrich says.
FROM LEFT:
LUXX LODGE is a new kind of campground. Desert Flower invites guests to linger. DISCOVERTAOS.COM
Desert Flower Boutique Hotel 4035 NM 68, Ranchos de Taos; 818-398-7799 desertflowerhotel.com CONTINUED PAGE 124
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TAOS-BASED • @SJK_240 • WWW.SARAKOLLIGART.WORK•SARAKOLLIG@GMAIL.COM
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LODGING
4K River Ranch A mountain base camp along the Red River. For travelers who crave cool mountain air and a classic Northern New Mexico summer escape, 4K River Ranch in Red River offers cabins, condos and RV sites on a 17-acre property where the Red River flows through the landscape. The property has deep roots in the valley. The land once belonged to early Red River resident Orin Mallette, a blacksmith and miner who operated a brick kiln there in the late 1800s. In 1936 the property became Lewis Ranch, a tourist resort with rustic
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cabins built from sawmill log slabs. Those early cabins helped establish Red River as a mountain getaway long before the modern ski town emerged. The family-run property has welcomed guests since the 1970s and continues to evolve with new riverfront cabins featuring fireplaces, kitchens and year-round availability. “We built brand new cabins on the river,” co-owner Paulette Kiker says. “They’re beautiful two-bedroom cabins right on the river with fireplaces, and we rent them year round.” Guests can fish in the property’s stocked trout pond or in the Red River
itself, relax beside the water or enjoy live music on summer evenings. “We stock the pond once a week starting in May through September,” Kiker says. Located just a mile from downtown Red River, the ranch provides easy access to hiking, fishing and scenic drives around the Enchanted Circle. ♥
4K River Ranch 1501 W Main St, Red River; 575-754-2293; 4kriverranch.com
4K River Ranch sits on 17-acres.
DINING
Martyrs Steakhouse
Pizaños
TAOS
TAOS SKI VALLEY ROAD
Set in a historic adobe home just off the plaza, Martyrs offers a patio that feels both elegant and deeply rooted in Taos history. Shaded by mature trees and surrounded by adobe walls, the space invites you to slow down — order a cocktail, share a few small plates or settle in for a full dinner. Menu highlights include steaks grilled to order, lamb tacos, calamari and fresh seasonal sides, along with cocktails like lavender lemonade and rotating specials. There’s a timeless quality here, where the past and present blend seamlessly, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors looking for a refined outdoor experience.
There’s something wonderfully simple about sitting outside with a great pizza and a view — and Pizaños does both so well. The patio faces Taos Mountain, offering a peaceful, open setting. Families love the grassy space for kids, while regulars swear by the wine margaritas and consistently excellent pastas and pizzas. Owner Charley Galer — who fell in love with New York-style pizza and brought that influence west — opened Pizaños in 2005 and still plays an active role in the business. Come at sunset or, better yet, during a full moon rise — when the mountain glows and the sky takes on that unmistakable Northern New Mexico magic.
146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos,575-751-3020 martyrs-steakhouse.com
23 NM-150, 575-776-1050 taospizza.com
Daleee at KTAOS Solar Center
Blonde Bear Tavern
TAOS SKI VALLEY ROAD
TAOS SKI VALLEY
Set against sweeping views of Taos Mountain, this expansive patio is one of the most dynamic outdoor gathering spaces in Northern New Mexico. The scene is equal parts laidback and high-energy — volleyball games in the sand, live music on the outdoor stage and a steady flow of locals and visitors soaking in the alpine atmosphere. A tiki bar anchors the space, while green grass, tables and open sky create room to spread out and stay awhile. The menu is consistent and crowd-pleasing, with daily happy hour specials and a full calendar of events that keeps the vibe going seven days a week. Grab a margarita, find a spot under the string lights and watch the sun dip behind the peaks. It’s casual, vibrant and unmistakably Taos.
This alpine-inspired patio at Edelweiss Lodge offers a quieter, more refined take on outdoor dining in Taos Ski Valley. Surrounded by aspens, the setting feels relaxed — a welcome contrast after a day on the trails. In summer, the Blonde Bear shifts gears, offering a brunch-style menu Fridays through Mondays with breakfast and lunch picks that fit the slower pace of summer days. The menu leans toward fresh, approachable fare — think breakfast classics, light and refreshing summer dishes, sandwiches and salads — alongside espresso drinks, cocktails and a full bar. Blonde Bear Tavern delivers a relaxed, high-altitude dining experience.
9 NM-150,575-425-0010 daleeektaos.com
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106 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley,575-737-6900 blondebeartavern.com
Red River Brewing & Distillery RED RIVER In the heart of Red River, this brewery patio captures the spirit of mountain-town summer. Fresh alpine air, surrounding peaks and a cold pint in hand — it doesn’t get much better. Known for its craft beers and laid-back vibe, the outdoor space is a natural gathering spot after a day on the river or Main Street. The menu features burgers, sandwiches and classic pub fare, complemented by house-brewed beers and small-batch spirits distilled on site. Founded by Red River native Michael Calhoun and his family, the brewery reflects a deep love for the community and a commitment to creating a place where locals and visitors alike can gather and make memories in the mountains.
217 W Main St., Red River, 575-754-4422 redriverbrewing.com
Elements ANGEL FIRE At 8,600 feet, everything feels a little more expansive — especially the views. Elements at Angel Fire Resort offers a spacious deck overlooking the Moreno Valley, where green meadows roll toward distant peaks and sunsets stretch across the horizon. Expect well-prepared cuts of beef, fresh fish, salads and rotating seasonal entrées. It’s an ideal stop after a day of hiking or golf — or anytime you want dinner with a view that truly delivers.
100 Country Club Drive, Angel Fire, 575-377-3055 angelfireresort.com/dining ♥
FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE:
Red River Brewing Company. The Taos Inn (Adobe Bar & Doc Martin’s Patio). Lambert’s. Dalee at KTAOS Solar Center.
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makes a popular picnic spot. For added fun, try this hike with llamas; Wild Earth Llama Adventures: llamaadventures.com
For more experienced hikers Columbine Canyon Trail connects with Deer Creek, Placer Fork and Willow Fork trails, which head toward Gold Hill. Stay on the main trail as it steepens and climbs a series of switchbacks. In this section, the creek flows across moss-covered boulders, and in the summer, columbine and blue chiming bells bloom nearby. After a third meadow, the trail steepens again and climbs to the ridge at 11,800 feet. Here, the trail connects with Gavilan Canyon Trail, which descends toward Taos Ski Valley. This hike gains 3,800 feet and runs about 12 miles round trip.
Why we love it
Where to find it
Columbine Where to start
North of Taos, east of Questa
Hikes begin at Columbine Campground
Family-friendly adventures Head up Columbine Canyon Trail (Carson National Forest #71) as it follows Columbine Creek. A gradual climb meanders through aspen and alder. The trail crosses the creek several times and leads to a small meadow — a good pwlace to end a short hike. Continue farther to reach a large meadow that
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How to get there From Taos Plaza, go north on Paseo del Pueblo, which becomes NM 522. Drive 24 miles to Questa and turn right at NM 38. Pass the Questa Ranger Station on the right. Near mile marker 5, turn right at the Columbine Campground entrance. Follow the one-way loop and go 0.5 miles to the trailhead across from the bathrooms.
ELLEN MILLER-GOINS; PREVIOUS SPREAD: MICHAEL HAWKINS
Columbine Creek keeps the hike cool, and the overflow creates a perfect environment for wildflowers in July and August.Ranchos Plaza Grill, the Trading Post Market, Mountain Monk Coffee and the historic San Francisco de Asís Church.
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Santa Barbara Where to find it South of Taos, near Peñasco
Where to start Santa Barbara Campground
Family-friendly adventures Set off from the campground on Santa Barbara Trail (CNF #24). The trail winds into the Pecos Wilderness, following the Rio Santa Barbara through conifer and aspen forests. It climbs gradually above the river, then drops to meet it again. Small meadows dot the route, and cattle may graze here at times. The trail crosses the river on a bridge, where the path begins to climb — a natural turnaround point for a shorter hike.
The possibilities stretch far beyond the main trail. Watch for the West Fork Trail (CNF #25) sign and turn right. The trail climbs to a large meadow with views of Chimayosos Peak. Wildflowers and mushrooms often appear here in summer, and wildlife sightings may include wild turkeys or even a bobcat. This route connects to the Santa Barbara Divide and Truchas Lakes.
Why we love it he Santa Barbara area shines in summer with abundant wildflowers and again in fall, when expansive aspen groves turn gold.
How to get there From Taos Plaza, drive 3 miles south on Paseo del Pueblo and turn left on NM 518. Climb US Hill and continue 16 miles before turning right on NM 75. Follow the road through Vadito and past the Camino Real Ranger District office. Shortly after, turn left on NM 73. Drive 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Santa Barbara Road and continue 5.5 miles to the campground. Depending on the season, a parking fee may apply.
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COLUMBINE CREEK WATERFALL BY CINDY BROWN
For more experienced hikers
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book now at cumbrestoltec.com 1-888-286-2737
America’s most historic scenic railroad
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ADVENTURE
Taos Ski Valley Northeast of Taos
Where to start Taos Ski Valley base area
Family-friendly adventures For a gentle walk along the Rio Hondo, try the JR Ramming Trail. The path begins near the Rio Hondo Children’s Learning Center and follows the river to the ski valley base area, where shops and restaurants await.
For more experienced hikers A favorite route climbs Long Canyon to Gold Hill. Start east of the parking lot at the Bull-of-the-Woods/Wheeler Peak Trail (CNF #90). Climb about 1 mile to the Long Canyon (CNF #63) turn and go left. Follow the stream through the canyon, then climb toward Gold Hill (CNF #64). The hike starts at 9,400 feet and tops out at 12,700
feet, gaining 3,300 feet over about 9 miles. Start early and leave exposed ridges if afternoon storms build.
Why we love it Along the Rio Hondo and its East Fork, columbine, wild geranium and other wildflowers bloom in July and August. At 9,400 feet, Taos Ski Valley stays cool in summer.
How to get there From Taos Plaza, go north on Paseo del Pueblo about 4 miles. Turn right on NM 150, the ski valley road. Drive through Arroyo Seco and bear left at the old school. Continue to Taos Ski Valley. For the JR Ramming Trail, turn right toward the Children’s Center. For Bull-of-the-Woods, stay left to the upper parking lot. The trailhead sits on the left (northeast) side. ♥
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MICHAEL HAWKINS
Where to find it
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T
he most treacherous hole isn’t the par 5 with the dogleg or the bunker-guarded green — it’s the watering hole at the clubhouse, where one strong margarita or an ice-cold Michelob has you retelling how you saved a double bogey with a pitching wedge and why your driver might belong in the trash. Follow the Enchanted Circle and you can chase great golf — then satisfy the hunger and thirst that comes with it. Start on the southern end at Taos Country Club. In what looks like a sea of sage, the course winds through silver-green brush, rugged arroyos and wide-open mountain views. Carefully maintained greens meet the raw character of Northern New Mexico terrain. If you tend to shank, think twice before hunting for balls in the sagebrush — this is rattlesnake country. If you’re bold, you might come away with a stash of balls left for dead. The wide-open vistas impress, but on a cloudless day the course tests even the toughest players. Walkers should feel no shame in renting a cart when the sun bears down. On the front nine, the eighth hole tests your patience. It’s a 513-yard par 5 from the white tees. The fairway slopes downhill at first, offering distance, before rising toward a sharply banked green that punishes downhill putts. You’ll second-guess every approach. The Terrace Bar and Grill stands on its own as a destination. Locals gather there for events and meals. Order the oysters Rockefeller while golfers work on their short game or lean into something smoky — an Islay scotch like Laphroaig paired with a cigar from the pro shop.
FROM TOP: Valle Escandido. Angel Fire Resort. FACING PAGE: Taos Country Club Terrace Bar and Grill.
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B
etween Taos and Angel Fire, Valle Escondido lives up to its name — a hidden valley tucked 12 miles from Taos Plaza along Highway 64. This nine-hole walking course offers a relaxed pace, ideal for beginners. You can take your time with your swing and even a mulligan or two. Prairie dogs provide the only audience. The course relies largely on natural rainfall and avoids pesticides, giving it an environmentally conscious edge. The ninth hole has earned its own T-shirt: “I can’t believe I made it up 9.” It’s a 478-yard uphill par 5 with a dogleg and a line of stout trees guarding the midway point. Make it through and reward yourself with a pastrami Reuben and a local IPA at the clubhouse.
F
inish your circuit in Angel Fire, where you tee off at 8,600 feet on a par 72, 6,653-yard course framed by Rocky Mountain peaks. The front nine stretches through canyons lined with aspen, spruce and pine. The back nine shifts to a links-inspired layout with tighter greens and strategic bunkers. The greens stay pristine. Deer sometimes wander through the morning dew, though scoring well requires discipline. A reliable 3 wood often becomes your best friend. Take advantage of the driving range and dial in every club. The signature sixth hole delivers the highlight. Golfers tee off from 200 feet above the green, sending a 239-yard shot into a corridor of aspens and pines. Stick the landing and you’ll feel like a pro. At Elements, the bar and restaurant match the setting. Try the Buffalo Milk Burrata, served with honey-roasted acorn squash, pumpkin seed dukkah, pomegranate and grilled bread. Even this far from the ocean, the pan-seared sea bass arrives golden, paired with bok choy, market vegetables and an orange-ginger nage. ♥ DISCOVERTAOS.COM
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the part of plant medicine that is handed down mother to daughter or father to son. This is where we have a lot of really rich belief systems that frequently overlap the scientific.” Plants can also carry spiritual meaning. Hawley says Native people often use plants both as functional medicine and as spirit medicine in ceremony. When gathering plants, Hawley follows practices of giving thanks and restoring the earth where the plants were taken. His teachers — both Hispanic Norteño and Native — taught him those traditions. He says he is simply part of a long, continuing tradition of using local plants for food and medicine in Northern New Mexico. “The difference between Western medicine and herbal medicine is that the Western approach is patriarchal, top-down,” he says, “whereas folk medicine empowers the individual to heal themselves and comes from Mother Earth-based healing.”
Herb walk
NATURAL HEALING IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO Taos herbalist Rob Hawley guides visitors and locals on wildcrafting herb walks BY CINDY BROWN
P Taos Herb Company 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite J, Taos (Albertson’s Cruz Alta Shopping Center), 575-758-1991, taosherb.com
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lant medicine is science, says Rob Hawley, co-founder of Taos Herb Company. The business has a storefront at 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite J, but Hawley also offers educational wildcrafting tours in nature several times a year. “Almost all of our modern-day drugs come from plants,” he says. And they also remain embedded in cultural systems of belief and healing. “Plants are scientific, but they also have a folk use,” Hawley says. “This is
On a Saturday last July, a group of 15 people gathered under overcast skies at Taos Herb to join Hawley for an herb walk east of Taos in the flatlands and mountains. Some participants, like Mitzi Mortensen and Jen Vaughn, are relatively new to the area and hoped to connect with the land by learning about local herbs. A mother and daughter, Angela and Michelle Martinez, came to remember what their ancestors once practiced and to continue that culture and tradition. Others, like Sage Romero, already study plants and herbs and wanted to expand their knowledge to become more self-sufficient. Those who have joined herb walks before brought their herb journals, which Hawley says are one of the best ways to learn about plants. “By collecting samples of herbs and saving them in a journal, you can create your own plant press that will allow you to increase your knowledge by looking up the plants in books and on the internet after you collect them,” he says. Heading out of town on NM 518, the group stopped at a pullout for their first lesson in collecting plants. After covering basic principles of herbal ABOVE: Osha is prized its many healing properties.
Join us for the 43rd Annual
2026
September 12, 2026
Oct. 24th & 25th, 2026
Taos Mountain Balloon Rally
Live music, trick-or-treat Balloon Glow Sat. evening Sunrise Mass Ascensions Sat. & Sun. mornings
details at www.taosballoonrally.org
Funded in part by Taos County Lodger’s Tax
ADVENTURE
Rob Hawley, co-founder of Taos Herb Company, points out chicory flowers during an herb walk in July 2025.
medicine, Hawley cut some willows — a species of the populous family known as jara or jarita in Spanish — and showed the group how to skin the bark from the stem. The next step, he says, is to dry the bark in shallow bags out of direct sunlight and chop it into small pieces. The bark can be simmered in hot water for about 30 minutes or more to make a tea. “Willow contains salicin, so it is like aspirin in that it is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, but it is not as strong, so there is almost no potential for toxicity,” he says. “It is useful for headaches or menstrual cramps or any kind of pain you can think of.” Hawley also points out blue chicory
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flowers and explains that the most useful part of chicory is the root, which acts as a diuretic used traditionally to treat urinary tract infections. In folk medicine, people believe roots hold their strongest energy in the fall, so gatherers often collect them closer to the end of the year. Next, Hawley cuts a branch of what locals call sagebrush — chamiso pardo or chamiso hediondo in Spanish — which belongs to the aster family. The bitter plant prepares the body to digest food. The group then heads toward U.S. Hill, turns onto a forest road and follows the rutted track, still wet from recent monsoons, into the woods. At the first meadow, Hawley points out the plant mullein. “Even though it hasn’t been here that long, perhaps 150 years, traditional Spanish midwives used the root as a postpartum sitz bath,” Hawley says. After stopping for lunch in the shade, the group heads farther up the road. In a wooded area they find osha — osha de la sierra in Spanish — which grows only above 8,500 feet on north-facing slopes in mixed aspen and conifer forests when a particular fungus is present. Locals prize the plant for what they believe are its many healing properties. Herbalists use it as an expectorant or diaphoretic and sometimes to help relieve menstrual cramping. Because it produces a mild numbing effect, herbalists also use osha in traditional medicine to soothe a sore throat. “If you have a cold in the wintertime with a cough and sore throat, osha is one of the most soothing things you can use,” Hawley says. “It has a strong smell and tastes like celery amplified by 50 times.” Along the walk, Hawley points out other healing plants such as arnica, valerian and betony. He also shows the group poisonous plants including mountain larkspur and Indian paintbrush. After a long day of collecting herbs, participants leave tired but excited to use their new knowledge in their own lives. Angela Martinez says the experience offered a powerful way to reconnect with
the traditions of her ancestors. As the group gathers for a photo, the moment carries a sense of cohesion and shared purpose. Psychologist Dacher Keltner describes this feeling as “collective effervescence” — the sense of connecting to something larger than yourself while participating in a likeminded group. “This group was remarkable for how excited and stimulated they were by learning about plants,” Hawley says. “It’s a privilege to teach when people are so engaged.”
A long relationship with herbs Hawley holds extensive knowledge of plants and their many uses. He has led herb walks for 40 years but began his career as a cancer research technician at the University of New Mexico Cancer Research Center. “I was originally in science,” Hawley says. “My dad was a doctor, and we took an herb walk with well-known plant expert Michael Moore, and I got turned on by plants. Shortly thereafter, I opened Taos Herb with my sister, Tina Hahn, and wife Julie, so I’ve been studying plants for the last 45 years. My basic bent is a science leaning.” The herb walks grew from that interest. Hawley usually leads a couple of them each year with groups of up to 30 people and has explored areas from the Rio Grande Gorge to Taos Ski Valley and along the Rio Chiquito. Hawley, along with his wife and sister, sold Taos Herb to longtime employee Chelsea Crawford last year. The herb walks continue as a way to preserve and share knowledge with the community. Visitors can stop by the shop to find some of Hawley’s favorite reference guides, including “Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West” by Michael Moore and “Healing Herbs of the Upper Rio Grande,” by L.S.M. Curtain, revised and edited by Moore. He also recommends the hard-to-find “Flowering Plants of New Mexico,” which includes hand-drawn illustrations by Robert DeWitt Ivey. ♥
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Environmental Impact (2017–2026):
• 327,615 metric tons of co2 reduced Equivalent to: • 76,400 gasoline-powered cars removed from the road for a full year • 5.4 million tree seedlings grown for 10 years • 37 million gallons of gasoline saved annually • Infrastructure: that has given us 100% daytime solar: 11 solar arrays in KCEC territory (approx. 44 MW) and 3 battery storage facilities (25 MW). We have agreements with renewable energy assets like Shallow Basket (140 MW) & Panorama Wind (50 MW).
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ADVENTURE
Many people think of Taos Ski Valley
as a winter-only playground. Powder days, chairlifts and après-ski come to mind long before summer adventures. But once the snow melts, the mountain reveals an entirely different personality filled with cliffside climbs, quiet forest trails and a few surprises that many locals haven’t yet discovered. It starts with two words: “via ferrata.” Via ferrata, Italian for “iron way,” refers to climbing routes constructed of steel cables, metal rungs and suspension bridges permanently fixed into rock. These routes originated in the Italian Dolomites during World War I and have long been popular throughout Europe. In the United States, they remain relatively
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rare, making TSV’s route particularly notable: it ranks among the few in the southern Rockies and among the highest in North America. The routes combine rock climbing and high-mountain hiking, letting beginners safely experience the thrill
NATHAN BURTON, JAMES HOLMES. PREVIOUS SPREAD: NATHAN BURTON
of moving across steep alpine cliffs while experts find plenty to challenge themselves. Nicole Ponte, a via ferrata guide, calls it a “challenge by choice.” Climbers of all abilities tackle the route at their own pace. My climbing partner, Greyson, uses advanced techniques while I — a mere beginner whose climbing résumé tops out at ladders and hiking trails — move carefully from rung to rung. Yet we climb together and both experience a sense of accomplishment. The adrenaline feels real. Step by step, I learn to trust the equipment, from grippy climbing shoes to carabiners and elasticized lanyards that act like shock absorbers. Standing on suspension bridges high above the valley delivers a mix of nerves and awe I hadn’t anticipated. Having skied these slopes before, I see the landscape in a new way — literally at my fingertips and beneath newly learned toeholds. Most people travel out of state, or even out of the country, to try a via ferrata. In Taos, the adventure sits just a short drive up the mountain. A celebratory lunch (don’t skip the pretzel appetizer) at The Bavarian afterward marks the perfect conclusion to a morning of climbing. But the mountain offers more: mountain biking. While many riders head to nearby Angel Fire, TSV quietly offers green, blue and black trails. We start in the ski valley’s free skills park, testing our balance and technique on teeter-totters, elevated tracks and small jumps before heading out on full-suspension bikes, padded helmets in place. Our guide, James Holmes, helps us warm up before we load our bikes onto the chairlift. Riding a bike where I normally ski feels unexpectedly mischievous. We zigzag through spruce and aspen, lean into berms, feel gravity’s pull and take in the stunning scenery. TSV’s one-way trail system allows us to gather speed and play without worrying about riders coming from the opposite direction. This rare yet intentional luxury makes the rides feel even more liberatig. After a morning of biking, we slow the pace with lunch in the village courtyard, listening to local legend Jimmy
Stadler perform. Later, a massage at the Spa & Wellness Center at The Blake and a dip in the heated pool offer a perfect reset after two days of adventure. Travelers can also end the day with dinner at 192 at The Blake, where new executive chef Claudio Cavalleri serves a thoughtfully curated menu in the hotel’s open-kitchen restaurant. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, summertime in the ski valley offers the opportunity to experience a familiar place with fresh eyes and discover that the adventure doesn’t end when winter does. In many ways, it’s just beginning. For information on pricing and hours for the via ferrata, mountain bike rentals, spa, live music schedules and more, visit skitaos.com. ♥
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COMMUNITIES Taos Taos Pueblo Picuris Pueblo Red River Eagle Nest Angel Fire Taos Ski Valley Arroyo Seco Questa
173 174 175 176 178 179 180 180 182
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Communities
TAOS THERE’S ALWAYS BEEN SOMETHING timeless about Taos: The light that invites artists to stay, the rhythm of life shaped by culture, land and community. Heading into the 2026 summer and fall seasons, Taos is also unmistakably in motion. Across town, a wave of change is unfolding: not replacing what makes Taos special, but deepening it. From revitalized public spaces to new places to stay, from expanded travel access to renewed creative energy, Taos is experiencing a moment that feels both new — and deeply rooted. At the center of that momentum is a renewed downtown. The Historic Taos Plaza is undergoing significant improvements, including upgrades to the gazebo, lighting and accessibility — all designed to enhance its role as a gathering place for events, music and community life. Nearby, the long-awaited reconstruction of the Old Taos County Courthouse is moving forward, with plans to reopen as a multi-use space featuring exhibits, performance areas and a deeper look at Taos history. Elsewhere, change reflects a broader commitment to honoring culture and place. The renaming of Kit Carson Park to Red Willow Park signals a meaningful step toward recognizing Tiwa heritage and strengthening connections between the Town of Taos and Taos Pueblo. Visitors will also notice improvements in the way Taos welcomes them. A new terminal at Taos Regional Airport is set to open this year, bringing expanded amenities and supporting increased air service to and from Northern New Mexico. Alongside expanded flight routes and ongoing infrastructure investments, getting to Taos is
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becoming easier — without losing the sense of arrival that makes the journey feel like stepping into another world. And once you’re here, there’s more to experience than ever. A standout addition is Hotel Willa, a reimagined boutique property that blends modern comfort with classic Taos character. All over town, historic and new spaces are bringing music, food and community programming. Even longtime institutions are evolving, including the Carson House & Museum, which now offers more inclusive storytelling that reflects the full cultural history of Taos, and the storied Millicent Rogers Museum, which continually transforms its spaces. Yet for all that’s new, what defines Taos remains its enduring spirit.
Summer and fall bring that spirit to life in full color. Free concerts on the Plaza, outdoor movies and concerts at Red Willow Park and community events throughout the season create a rhythm of gathering and celebration. Signature traditions like Las Fiestas de Taos, the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow and the annual Rodeo de Taos and Gymkhana series at the Taos County Sheriff’s Posse Arena continue to anchor the calendar, alongside beloved experiences like the Taos Farmers Market and performances that fill the high desert with music and movement. This is a place where culture isn’t staged — it’s lived. Visitors can walk through Taos Pueblo, a community continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years, explore galleries shaped by generations of artists, or simply spend time on the Plaza, where conversations unfold at their own pace.
That balance — between preservation and possibility — is intentional. Taos has embraced a destination stewardship approach, focusing on tourism that supports local culture, protects natural resources and strengthens the community for generations to come. For those planning a visit, the newly published “Visit Taos New Mexico” visitor guide, produced by the Taos News in partnership with the Town of Taos, offers a comprehensive starting point. Inside, readers will find travel tips, cultural insights and curated recommendations for dining, events and outdoor adventure — all designed to help visitors experience Taos with both curiosity and respect. In Taos, what’s new never stands apart from what’s always been. Instead, it builds on it; layer by layer, story by story.
while shaping its future. A place where innovation meets tradition, and where every visit offers something unexpected. And as always, the invitation remains the same: slow down, look around and let Taos reveal itself — in its own time. Taos Visitor Center / Taos Pueblo Collective 1201 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571 575-758-3873
Elevation 6,960 feet Miles from Taos 0
taoschamber .com
TAOS
This is a story of renewal. A town honoring its past
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Taos Pueblo Powwow
Communities
TAOS PUEBLO Miles from Taos 2.9
taospueblo .com
TAOS PUEBLO
TAOS
AT THE BASE OF THE SANGRE DE Cristo Mountains, Taos Pueblo stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. The multi-storied adobe homes — built, maintained and replastered across generations — rise in terraced tiers beside the Rio Pueblo, reflecting a way of life that has endured for more than a thousand years. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pueblo is both an architectural landmark and a living community shaped by tradition, family and place. The present village is believed to have taken form between 1000 and 1450 A.D., with earlier settlements in the surrounding valley. Its structures, ceremonial spaces and agricultural landscape reflect deep connections to land and water, as well as to cultural
174 DISCOVER TAOS SUMMER/FALL 2026
practices that continue today. Central to that continuity is Blue Lake, a sacred site returned to Taos Pueblo in 1970. Daily life continues within these historic walls. Homes are inhabited, traditions are practiced and the rhythms of the community remain tied to ceremony and season. Visitors encounter not a preserved past, but a place
where history is ongoing. Guided tours offer an overview of the culture, history and people of the region and last 20–30 minutes. Here, you’ll find colorful shops offering Native-made, handcrafted works from jewelry to pottery to paintings, plus foods at Dawn Butterfly Café and Tiwa Kitchen. All sales are tax-free.
RICK ROMANCITO
Elevation 7,119 feet
Bison at Picuris Pueblo
Communities
PICURIS PUEBLO
PETE LONGWORTH
FOLLOW THE HIGH ROAD INTO THE Sangre de Cristo Mountains — N.M. 518 S to N.M. 75 W — and you’ll find Picuris Pueblo, known as “Pin, wel, ene,” tucked along the Rio Pueblo in what locals call the Hidden Valley. Like Taos Pueblo to the north, Picuris has been home to its people for centuries, with roots tracing back at least 750 years to the Pot Creek area. Surrounded by mountains and forest, Picuris offers a quiet blend of natural beauty and living culture. Explore San Lorenzo de Picuris, the historic adobe mission church at the center of the village, and learn more at the Picuris Pueblo Museum and Interpretive Center, which features permanent and rotating exhibits and is open Fridays and Saturdays, with weekday visits available by appointment.
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Outdoor recreation continues to expand. ThuTha Lake offers fishing with permits available at the Picuris Travel Center, which also provides fuel, restrooms and an EV charging station. The Pueblo’s recreation park includes trails, courts and a popular bike pump track with multiple lines for riders of varying skill levels. Check out Tribal
Slice, a locally operated pizzeria that has become a gathering place for the community and draws diners from across Northern New Mexico. Plan ahead and visit respectfully. All guests should check in at the Tribal Administrative Office upon arrival, where information is available and required photo permits may be purchased (cash only). Photogra-
phy and recording are strictly prohibited during ceremonies and dances. The Pueblo’s gift shop offers locally made art and crafts, including traditional micaceous pottery and other works by Picuris artisans. Seasonal events include San Lorenzo Feast Day on Aug. 10. Visitors should call ahead for details and current schedules.
Elevation 7,277 feet Miles from Taos 28.0
visitpicuris .com
TAOS
PICURIS PUEBLO
175
Enchanted Circle Bike Tour
Communities
RED RIVER Elevation 8,671 feet Miles from Taos 36.5
At 8,750 feet, the former mining community offers a refreshing escape and easy access to the outdoors.
redriver .org
RED RIVER
TAOS
RED RIVER IS A PICTURESQUE mountain town where a mile-long Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants, motels, lodges and a brewery/distillery, all set against a backdrop of cool alpine air and bright blue skies.
Come for adventure and stay for the laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road trails wind through the surrounding Carson National Forest, while nearby lakes and streams offer excellent fishing. Head to the Red River Ski & Summer Area for scenic chairlift rides, zip lines, an aerial adventure park, summer tubing and disc golf.
176 DISCOVER TAOS SUMMER/FALL 2026
Summer and fall bring a full calendar of events, including the Red River Car Show, Vino in the Valley, Fourth of July Parade & Celebration, Red River Jamboree, 8750’ BBQ & Music Festival, Aspencade and Oktoberfest. Longtime traditions continue at the Red River Community House, where families gather
for activities like line dancing, bingo, movie nights and the ever-popular summer boat races. Getting around town is easy with Red River’s free, on-demand Miners Transit system, making it simple to explore without a car. With its mix of outdoor recreation, signature events and small-
town charm, Red River remains a favorite Northern New Mexico destination, drawing visitors back year after year.
Eagle Nest Lake
Communities
EAGLE NEST Miles from Taos 31.3
visiteaglenest .org
EAGLE NEST
TAOS
SET ALONG THE ENCHANTED CIRCLE in neighboring Colfax County, laid-back Eagle Nest draws visitors with cool summer days, big-sky views and easy access to adventure. Perched beside Eagle Nest Lake in the Moreno Valley, it’s a great base camp for scenic drives, shopping, hiking and fishing. The warmer months are all about the outdoors: paddling at sunrise, casting for trout and salmon, hiking local trails and mountain biking. Eagle Nest Lake State Park is a favorite for boating and birding, and visitors should plan ahead for seasonal park hours, changing conditions and current camping availability.
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Back in town, Therma Drive offers gift shops, casual eats and a pint with a view at Comanche Creek Brewing Company at 5 Comanche Creek Road. Seasonal favorites include the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks, Michael Martin Murphey’s summer concert series at the Enchanted Circle Pavilion, the High
Country Arts Festival on July 25–26 and Fish Fest in September. Check current events, park alerts and fire restrictions at eaglenestchamber. com/events.
ELIJAH RAEL
Elevation 8,238 feet
Family biking in Angel Fire
Communities
ANGEL FIRE SET IN THE WIDE-OPEN MORENO Valley, Angel Fire is a high-country retreat where cool summer days and crisp mountain evenings define the experience.
ary Trail, one of Northern New Mexico’s most scenic backcountry routes.
Surrounded by alpine peaks and forested trails, the village blends laid-back charm with year-round adventure.
Summer weekends center on community events. Balloons Over Angel Fire returns June 19–21, filling the valley with sunrise color, while the weekly Farmers Market runs Sundays, June 21 through Sept. 13. In Au-
From May 15 through Nov. 1, Angel Fire Resort’s summer offerings include lift-served biking, scenic chairlift rides and zipline tours, while Monte Verde Lake offers a slower pace for paddling and fishing. Hikers and riders can explore miles of Greenbelt trails or venture onto the renowned South Bound-
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gust, Music from Angel Fire (Aug. 13–26) brings world-class performances to intimate mountain venues. As fall approaches, golden aspens light up the valley, extending the season with quiet trails, scenic drives and the kind of easygoing mountain atmosphere that defines Angel Fire.
Elevation 8,600 feet Miles from Taos 24.0
angelfirenm .gov
ANGEL FIRE
TAOS
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Taos Ski Valley Community Day
Communities
TAOS SKI VALLEY Elevation 9,321 feet Miles from Taos 18.8
taosskivalley .com
TAOS SKI VALLEY
TAOS
ADVENTURE-SEEKERS CAN FOLLOW NM 150 up the scenic Rio Hondo canyon to its end, where the Village of Taos Ski Valley offers a cool, high-alpine basecamp near Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. At more than 9,000 feet, this walkable mountain village is an ideal place to beat the heat and launch into Northern New Mexico’s outdoor and cultural experiences. In the warmer months, visitors can hike to Williams Lake or summit Wheeler Peak, explore Carson National Forest trails, or enjoy lift-served mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides in Kachina Basin. Guided Via Ferrata climbs on Kachina Peak offer a unique way to experience the alpine landscape. The
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village also hosts lawn games, family-friendly activities and seasonal programming. Originally a timber and mining area, Taos Ski Valley was transformed in the 1950s by ski pioneer Ernie Blake into a world-class destination. Today, it remains a vibrant, yearround community with lodging, dining, shopping and wellness
offerings rooted in stewardship and connection to the land. Whether seeking high-country adventure or a peaceful escape, Taos Ski Valley delivers both, with easy access to Taos’ arts, culture and cuisine just down the canyon.
San Isidro water ceremony
Communities
ARROYO SECO THE VILLAGE OF ARROYO SECO SITS just north of Taos along NM 150 — the scenic road to Taos Ski Valley — and serves as a creative, easygoing basecamp between town and the mountains. Its character comes through in its walkable main street, where locally owned shops, galleries and eateries reflect the area’s long-standing artistic spirit and tight-knit feel. History remains part of the village fabric. La Santísima Trinidad Church, built prior to 1834, is listed on the State Register of Cultural Properties and stands as a reminder of Arroyo Seco’s deep roots in Northern New Mexico.
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Seco Live continues to anchor the local arts scene with community-driven programming, including seasonal events like Seco Potter Fest and other workshops, concerts and gatherings throughout the summer and fall. Visitors are encouraged to check current listings for updated schedules.
With its blend of culture, history and proximity to alpine adventure, Arroyo Seco remains one of the Taos Valley’s most inviting small communities — a place where a day in the mountains ends with a relaxed evening in the village.
Elevation 7,634 feet Miles from Taos 8.9
secolive .org
ARROYO SECO
TAOS
181
Questa Art Tour
Communities
QUESTA Elevation 7,461 feet Miles from Taos 24.2
visitquesta .com
QUESTA
TAOS
ABOUT 30 MINUTES NORTH OF TAOS, Questa serves as the quieter northern gateway to the Enchanted Circle, where NM-38 meets NM-522 and access opens to both the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and the high country of the Carson National Forest. Long shaped by its mining history, Questa is known for its strong sense of community, local traditions and growing arts presence. Outdoor recreation defines the experience here. To the west, the Rio Grande cuts a dramatic gorge through volcanic mesas, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking. To the east, Cabresto and Columbine canyons lead quickly into alpine terrain, with trailheads, campgrounds and
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high-elevation lakes. In town, the historic San Antonio de Padua Church anchors the village plaza, while a short self-guided history trail highlights local heritage. Visitors will also find casual dining, small shops and a welcoming, small-town pace. Community events bring added energy
in summer and fall. The Questa Farmers Market runs Sundays from May 24 through Oct. 4, and the Questa Art Tour returns Aug. 8–9, showcasing local artists and studios. For more information, stop by the Questa Visitor Center at 1 NM-38.
GETTING HERE
INFORMATION RESOURCES Discover Taos 575-758-2241; DiscoverTaos.com
Taos News 575-758-2241; TaosNews.com
Taos Visitors Center/ Taos Pueblo Collective 575-758-3873; taos.org
56
54
Shuttle Taos South Boundary & Continental Divide Shuttles. 575-770-4033; shuttletaos.com PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION North Central Regional Transit District Reservations required. (866) 206-0754 or ncrtd.org or taosexpress.com
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84
27
380
84
AIRPORT SHUTTLE Mountain View Shuttle 575-770-8759
Taos Taxi Year-round service to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. 575-770-7563
287
Angel Fire Chamber 575-377-6353; angelfirechamber.org
LOCAL GROUND TRANSPORTATION Taos Rides, LLC Shuttle Service New Mexico DOT-certified charter and shuttle service. Door-to-door service up to 12 passengers to Taos. Santa Fe and Albuquerque airports. 575-613-3256; taosrides@gmail.com; taosrides.com
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Red River Chamber 575-754-2366; redriverchamber.org
CAR RENTAL COMPANIES Enterprise 1350 Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Taos 575-758-5553; enterprise.com
15
87
Angel Fire Visitor Center 575-377-6555; visitangelfirenm.com
Red River Visitor Center 575-754-3030; redriver.org
Visit Questa 575-613-2852; visitquesta.com
Eagle Nest Visitor Center & Gateway Museum 505-721-0704; visiteaglenest.org
DRIVING DISTANCES Approximate travel time to Taos MILES
HOURS
ALBUQUERQUE
135
2½
AMARILLO
302
4½
AUSTIN
764
12
BRECKENRIDGE
263
4
COLORADO SPRINGS
230
3¾
CRESTED BUTTE
271
4¼
DALLAS
682
10½
DENVER
300
4½
DURANGO
208
3¼
EL PASO
400
6
OKLAHOMA CITY
558
8¼
PHOENIX
568
8½
PURGATORY
233
3¾
SANTA FE
72
1¼
TELLURIDE
324
5
TUCSON
569
8½
VAIL
276
4½
WALKING MAP
TOWN OF TAOS
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185
Town of Taos and vicinity The historic Taos Plaza was the site of the original Spanish settlement. It is the center of the downtown area and five of our seven museums are within a five-block walking area.
2.
Taos Plaza
3.
Guadalupe Plaza
4.
La Loma Plaza
5. San Francisco
11.
Kit Carson Home and Museum
12.
Gov. Bent House and Museum Harwood Museum of Art Taos Art Museum at Fechin House Bert Phillips House Couse-Sharp Historic Site El Rincon Trading Post Hotel La Fonda de Taos John Dunn House Shops
13.
de Asís Church 14.
6. Río Grande Gorge Bridge
15. 16.
MUSEUMS/STUDIOS
17. 18.
Blumenschein Home and Museum
8. Hacienda de los
19.
Martinez 20.
Stables Art Gallery
Mabel Dodge Luhan
42. Taos Youth and Family
31. Taos Eco Park
43. Gutters Bowling Alley
Center
22.
Old County Courthouse
32. Motor Vehicle Division/ Labor Dept.
44. Mitchell Theater
23.
Walter Ufer Studio
24.
Victor Higgins House
33. Stray Hearts Animal Shelter
46.
25.
D.H. Lawrence Ranch
115 45. Fred Baca Park
Red Willow Park
SOUTH ON 115 Holy TO 47. Cross Medical OJO CALIENTE
34. Juan I. Gonzales Agricultural Center
48. UNM-Taos Klauer
35. Hanuman Temple
26.
Taos Civic Center
37. Pot Creek Cultural Site
27.
Taos Community Auditorium
38. Taos News
50.
Historic Taos Inn
39. Ancianos Senior Citizen Center
51.
Taos Public Library
52.
Taos Town Hall
40. Taos County Sheriff
53.
Campus
36. Taos Country Club
49. National Guard Armory
Taos Visitors Center/
41. Taos Rodeo Grounds
29. Taos County Courthouse
SO ON 1 OJO C
Center
COMMUNITY SERVICES
28. Carson National Forest Offices
Taos Regional Airport
Taos Pueblo Collective
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WEST ON HWY 64 TO WORLD EARTHSHIP COMMUNITY, TRES PIEDRAS, US 285, OJO CALIENTE, CHAMA and ANTONITO, CO.
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NORTH ON HWY 522 TO QUESTA, RED RIVER,WILD RIVERS RECREATION AREA, VALLE VIDAL, and DENVER, CO.
CARSON N AT I O N A L FOREST
SOUTH ON HWY 518 TO POT CREEK CULTURAL SITE PICURÍS PUEBLO, PEÑASCO, SIPAPU SKI AREA and HIGH ROAD
37 187
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SUMMERLONG EVENTS
JUNE Fiber Arts Fest with Taos Wools
Movies on the Green
June 7–8 taoswoolsfestival.com Arroyo Seco
Family friendly and alcohol free. Wednesdays, June–August taosnm.gov Red Willow Park
Red River Car Show June 6 redriver.org, Red River
Music at Red Willow Park
National Trails Day Hike
Dates below, more dates TBD, lensic360.org Red Willow Park
Saturdays, May-November taosfarmersmarket.org Taos County Courthouse area
Taos Plaza Live Thursdays, July 23–Aug. 20 taoschamber.com Taos County Plaza
Summer-long and monthly events for the Enchanted Circle | Summer and Fall 2026 *Events are in Taos unless noted otherwise.
Questa Farmers Market
M AY 2026
Questa Veteran’s Healing Field
June 13 taospueblo.com Taos Pueblo
Sundays, May-October questafarmers market.org 1 NM-38, Questa
Mother’s Day Rio Grande Whitewater Races
Angel Fire Farmers Market
May 8–10 mothersdaywhite water.com, Pilar
Memorial Day Weekend Events at Vietnam Veterans Memorial
June 19 lensic360.org Red Willow Park
Dennis Hopper Day
May 24–25 vietnamveterans memorial.org Angel Fire
Balloons Over Angel Fire
Questa Craft & Artisan Markets
Sundays, June–September visitangelfirenm.com Frontier Park
Saturdays visitquesta.com 1 NM-38, Questa
Eagle Nest Farmers Market Fridays, June– September eaglenestchamber.com Eagle Nest
188 DISCOVER TAOS SUMMER/FALL 2026
May 16–17 robbyromero.com/ dennis-hopper-day
Mayfest in the Mountains May 21–25 redriver.org Red River
May 22-26 healingfield.org Questa
San Antonio Feast Day
Gregory Alan Isakov
June 19–21 visitangelfirenm.com Angel Fire
Taos Opera Institute May–June taosoi.org
ELIJAH RAEL
Taos Farmers Market
June 6 friendsofeaglenest lake.org Cimarron Canyon
Vino in the Valley: Art and Wine Festival June 19–21 redriverchamber.org Red River
San Juan Feast Day June 24 taospueblo.com Taos Pueblo Healing Arts Fest June 28–29 secolive.org Arroyo Seco
Questa Fiestas Date TBD visitquesta.com Questa
J ULY 4th of July Celebrations — 250 Years! Parades, live music and community festivities across the Enchanted Circle, July 4 weekend various locations
BlewsFest
Healing Arts Fest July 18–19 secolive.org Arroyo Seco
Taos Ski Valley Arts Festival July 18–19 taosskivalley.com Taos Ski Valley
High Country Artisan Festival July 25–26 eaglenestchamber.com Eagle Nest
Enchanted Forest Trail Races
Music from Angel Fire Aug. 13–26 musicfromangelfire.org Angel Fire
8750’ BBQ & Music Festival Aug. 12–16 redriver.org Red River
Taos Mountain Wellness Festival Aug. 14–16 taosskivalley.com Taos Ski Valley
Sept. 5 taosskivalley.com Taos Ski Valley
Blossom & Bones Music Festival
Santa Ana Feast Day
Aug. 22 lensic360.org Red Willow Park
Sept. 11–13 ghostranchmusic fest.com Abiquiú
Town of Taos Touch-A-Truck
Taos Youth Flight Rally
Aug. 29 taosnm.gov Taos Youth & Family Center
Sept. 12 taosnm.gov Taos Regional Airport
July 10–11 taospueblo.com Taos Pueblo
Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour
Aug. 30 taosmesabrewing.com
Aug. 8 theridecollective.com Red River
Seco Potter Fest
Questa Studio Art Tour Aug. 8–9 questacreative.org Questa
High Road Art Tour
Aug. 30–Sept. 1 secolive.org Arroyo Seco
Sept. 29–30 taospueblo.com Taos Pueblo
Taos Wools Festival
Thee Sacred Souls with La Lom & The Womack Sisters
Songs & Stories: Ray Wylie Hubbard, Eliza Gilkyson, Jimmie Dale Gilmore
San Geronimo Feast Days
Sept. 5–7 taosstudiotour.org
July 25 taospueblo.com Taos Pueblo
AUGUST
Sept. 26–27 angelfirechamber.org Angel Fire
OCTOBER
Santiago Feast Day
July 26 taospueblo.com Taos Pueblo
Angel Fire Studio Tour
Taos Studio Tour
Sept. 9–12 bigbarndance.com Kit Carson Park
Aug. 1–2 taosskivalley.com Taos Ski Valley
July 18 fiestadetaos.com
Bull of the Woods Trail Race
Aug. 15–16 eaglenestchamber.com Eagle Nest
Taos Pueblo Pow Wow
“El Viborón” Fiesta de Taos Children’s Parade
Sept. 4–5 sunshinefestivalnm.com Questa
Eagle Nest BalloonFest & more
July 25 geminiadventures.com Red River
Up & Over Trail Run Weekend
July 17–19 fiestadetaos.com Taos Plaza
Sunshine Festival
Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance Music Festival
July 10–11 visitangelfirenm.com Angel Fire
Las Fiestas de Taos
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 19–20 & 26–27 highroadnew mexico.com Taos–Chimayo Fish Fest & Pike Roundup Sept. 24–27 eaglenestchamber.com Eagle Nest
Aspencade Music & Arts Festival Sept. 25–27 redriver.org Red River
Oct. 3–4 taoswoolsfestival.com
Cambalache Harvest Festival Oct. 4 visitquesta.com Questa
Red River Oktoberfest Oct. 9–11 redriverchamber.org Red River
Abiquiú Studio Tour Oct. 10–12 abiquiustudiotour.org Abiquiú
Cider & Fiber Festival Oct. 18 eaglenestchamber.com Eagle Nest
Taos Mountain Balloon Rally Oct. 24–25 taosballoonrally.org
Taos Halloween Community Event Oct. 31, taosnm.gov
NOVEMBER Dixon Studio Tour Nov. 7–8, dixonarts.org
DISCOVERTAOS.COM
189
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS
Parades, live music and community festivities across the Enchanted Circle, including the Mayor’s Pancake Breakfast on Taos County Plaza. July 4 weekend Various locations
190 DISCOVER TAOS SUMMER/FALL 2026
ZOË ZIMMERMAN
250 Years !
Representing the Historical Classics and the Best Contemporary Artists
Santa Clara Pottery by Sharon Naranjo, San Ildefonso Pottery by Martha Appleleaf Drums by Lee Lujan of Taos Pueblo, Navajo Weaving by Charlene Laughing
14k Gold bracelets with Australian Opal and Natural American Turquoise by Gabriel Abrums
Located 3.7 miles south of the Taos Plaza #1 Saint Francis Church Plaza, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557
575-758-0504 | www.chimayotrading.com Contact us for the evaluation and resale of your Southwestern collectable art DISCOVERTAOS.COM
191
Where History Meets Art In Taos
“Chama, Colorado” Oil on linen, 14” x 18”
575.758.0504 • www.chimayotrading.com 192 DISCOVER TAOS SUMMER/FALL 2026
Representing the Historical Classics and the Best Contemporary Artists
“Upper Ojito Ruins” Oil on canvas, 36” x 48”
Chris MMel 575.758.0504 • www.chimayotrading.com DISCOVERTAOS.COM
193
Where History Meets Art In Taos
“Summer Sanctuary” Oil on canvas, 30” x 30”
Brad Teee
575.758.0504 • www.chimayotrading.com