Taos Is terrific | Such a Fine Sight to See
Taos really is a terrific town to visit for a few days, a week, or longer. In September my husband Ron and I trekked south with our trailer, for a weeklong stay in this most impressive hub of Southwest history.
The easy scenic drive south wends its way over La Veta Pass, and through the towns of Fort Garland and San Luis. Within 3-4 hours you can be driving into Taos Plaza for lunch at an outdoor bistro. We booked a week at the best RV park ever-Taos Valley RV (highly recommend!) that is only 2 miles from the downtown center.
Breathtaking sunset from Taos Valley RV in Taos, NM.
Here are some highlights from our trip:
Taos Pueblo
Amazingly these multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously occupied for over 1,000 years. The complicated story surrounding this living history museum revolves around not only Ancestral Puebloans, but Spanish and missionary pioneers. Taos Pueblo is a must-see destination to peruse the structures that have squatted on this high desert acreage for centuries, and to appreciate the tenacity of the occupants.
Ron Kinder at historic Taos Pueblo.
Many of the former homes are now open as shops, offering a sense of the ambience that still exists. The shopkeepers are friendly and willing to share their personal stories. Many of them are descendants of past Pueblo occupants.
Taos Plaza and Downtown
The plaza, dating from the 1790s, and the surrounding streets, alleys, and byways are simply a delight to explore. The cafes and bistros, intimate shops, historic homes, and museums buzz with energy and activity. We were enticed to stop by the homes of Taos pioneers: explorer Kit Carson, Governor Charles Bent and artist Nicolai Fechin. Carson and Bent were married to sisters Josefa and Maria Jaramillo. Carson frequently left his family to explore and help settle the Southwest. Bent was tragically killed in his own home by revolutionaries.
Street scene in one of the many courtyards off historic Taos Plaza in Taos, NM.
Stories abound and it is fortunate that these buildings have survived to tell them. We loved shopping on Bent Street, exploring narrow Ledoux Street, and dining on authentic southwestern cuisine at Doc Martin’s located in the historic Taos Inn.
Enchanted Circle Drive, the River Road and the High Road to Taos
Exploring the scenic drives and byways is a must when visiting Taos. They are breathtaking! The Enchanted Circle Drive travels past the ski areas of Angel Fire and Red River, through the small village of Eagle Nest with its sparkling lake, and through multiple art and historic communities. The River Road follows the Rio Grande River through an awesome gorge.
Libby, Ron, and Gracie Kinder at the courtyard entrance to Santuario de Chimayo, in Chimayo, NM.
I recommend returning to Taos via the High Road dotted with stunning landscapes. Be sure to stop at Santuario de Chimayo for a glimpse into the historic chapel. A worthwhile, heart pumping side-trip northwest of Taos is a drive and walk across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. It is the second highest bridge in the U.S. highway system. The steel expanse looks down into the deep chasm that drops 650 to the river below. It’s simply spectacular!
View off of Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos, NM.
Puyé Cliff Dwellings
There is something both magical and mysterious about visiting sites of ruins left by Ancestral Puebloan people. I like to imagine what life was like for those who lived there. Puyé Cliff Dwellings are located within the Santa Clara Pueblo Indian Reservation, and have been well-maintained and supervised over the years.
Restored mesa-top building at Puyé Cliff Dwellings near Taos, NM.
The mesa-top village and cliff dwellings were occupied by refugees from Mesa Verde during 1300-1600 A.D.. We took an outstanding tour that included the 740-room mesa-top village, and parts of the multistory cliff houses located along the walls of the wide canyon. At its peak the population of the thriving community was around 2,000.
Sweeping views of the surrounding countryside are absolutely stunning! We were mesmerized by the abundance of decorated pottery shards that dot the landscape. Visitors are encouraged to pick them up and examine them; and then, of course, respectfully replace them.
La Hacienda de los Martinez
This location offers another piece of southwestern history. Built in 1804 this 21-room adobe fortress served many purposes throughout the years. Not only was it the dwelling for the family of Don Severino Martinez and his descendants, but it became an important commercial and political hub for the Taos Valley. Visitors can explore the two enclosed courtyards, chapel, living spaces, blacksmith’s shop, and trade room to get a glimpse of rugged frontier life during the early 1800s. The displays and signage of the self-guided tour are excellent, telling enthralling tales of the challenges, heroics, and dangers during this time period.
Millicent Rogers Museum
Many people relish visiting art museums when traveling. My limit is one per trip! The museum we chose is spearheaded by Roger’s collection of arts unique to the Southwest. Millicent Rogers, an heiress to the Standard Oil Trust, lived in Taos a short 6 years prior to her death in 1953. She was a philanthropist and life-long collector of fine art and antiques. Her youngest son founded The Millicent Rogers Museum in 1956, and continued to collect art that is showcased in the building that was once a home. It is a fine collection of pottery, paintings, jewelry, fabric arts, and historical Hispanic artifacts. One turquoise necklace that belonged to Rogers weighs 4 pounds!
The places we visited provided just a taste of the wonders of northeastern New Mexico. I also recommend visiting Bandelier National Monument to explore more ruins, and Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch to absorb the inspiration behind much of the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe. The red-rock cliffs, colorful mesas, and striking desert vistas are replicated in many of O’Keeffe’s most outstanding paintings. Our future plan is to make Taos a yearly fall or spring destination.