TAOS GREAT OUTDOORS
Taos County is found in the north-central region of New Mexico in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The town of Taos (elevation 6,950 feet) was incorporated as such in 1934. Taos is located next to Taos Pueblo, the Native American village and tribe from which it takes its name. The word ‘Taos’ means ‘red willow’ in the Tiwa language.
TAOS SKI VALLEY
Just 20 miles from the historic plaza, relished by locals and visitors alike, Taos Ski Valley is home to the #1 Ski School in the country and is rated as 51% Expert. This is also what gives recognition to a favorite phrase “TAOS – A four letter word for STEEP”. The doors and the lifts opened to snowboarders for the first time ever just before Easter 2008. Close to the base of the mountain are several hiking trails that are loved by many for pristine show shoeing in the quietude of the surrounding national forest.
The ski experience itself at TSV is rivaled by none. From the base of the area, an observer sees a mere 30% of the overall terrain. Once up-top, what is known as ‘the back side’ boasts trails for all but the most beginning levels of skill, with easy access to a plethora of intermediate trails. Access to the lifts is provided by a season pass, a punch card or day-tickets.
Visit www.skitaos.org or www.taosskivalley.com for the weather report, conditions, rates, times and other calendar events.
Snow Sports Near Taos
The most familiar attraction and the highly popular recreational activity here is snow play. Taos is within a one to two hour’s drive from several ski and snowboard areas. From Angel Fire resort to the east to Sipapu to the south, and farther south Santa Fe Ski Area, snowboarding and skiing alike, along with other snow play such as snowmobiling, sledding and snow shoeing are long welcome at these areas. On up north, there is Wolf Creek in Colorado and Red River Ski Area.
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument (BLM)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the 242,555 acre Rio Grande del Norte National Monument (Monument). The Monument lies both north and south of Taos, New Mexico. Seclusion is easy to find, as are developed campgrounds, trails, and visitor centers.
One of the highlights of the Monument, designated by Presidential proclamation in March 2013, is the Rio Grande Gorge, deeply carved through layers of volcanic rock and ash that in places is 850 feet deep and a mile wide.
The Rio Grande offers some of the best whitewater boating in New Mexico WATCH VIDEO. The main river and its tributaries, particularly the Red River, also provide great opportunities for fishing. In the upper gorge, the Wild Rivers area near Questa has several campgrounds and non-motorized trails that provide hiking access to the river and along the rim. In the lower gorge, Orilla Verde has campgrounds, river access sites that can be driven to by car, and several developed trails.
Take a drive down the canyon and enjoy the turning of the seasons.
For a rejuvinating treat, enjoy
Ojo Caliente Mineral Spa
Bike, Hike, Trek, Climb
On two feet, on two wheels, on four feet, however you prefer, there’s a dizzying range of ways and places to make tracks on trails in Taos. Hiking, mountain and road biking, on horseback through Indian reservation land or accompanied by gentle llamas carrying your gear, you can do it all here - LEARN MORE.
Camping at Williams Lake
Horseback riding & lama packing!
And of course nothing compares to our vast New Mexico skies!
Photos by www.NewMexico.org
My name is Pavel Lukes and I am Broker/Owner of Dreamcatcher Real Estate Co. Inc. You can reach me at 575-770-1116 or pavel@taosnewmexico.com.
