A Taos Ski Valley Summer
Taos Ski Valley makes its name in the winter months when, well, it’s ski season. But those mountains aren’t moving any time soon, and they’re equally moveable–and conquerable–in the summertime. We’ve put together a few itineraries for whatever your ideal Taos Ski Valley adventure looks like.
Hiking
The best trail in the Taos Ski Valley gets two for the price of one. Hiking to Wheeler Peak via the Williams Lake Trail is a moderately challenging hike that offers rewards all along the route. An out-and-back trail that culminates with the tallest point in New Mexico, this trail is 8.5 miles of dog-friendly, hiker-trafficked adventure.
Trail-running
If hiking doesn’t get your gears going quite like trail running does, we have another–arguably more scenic–trail for you. The Middle Fork Lake Trail is a 5.4-mile out-and-back trail with a gradual grade and 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Middle Fork Lake at your halfway point is one of the prettiest places around Taos that will surely warrant a rest and hydration break.
Mountain Biking
As an intermediate trail, the East Fork to Lost Lake loop is described as New Mexico’s best singletrack ride. A 2,327-foot climb over 14 miles of high alpine terrain is not for the faint of heart–or beginner, either. Unreal scenery highlighted by views of Lost Lake reminds you why you do this in the first place.
Rock Climbing
Any chance to point visitors toward the Rio Grande Gorge is taken advantage of. Just a 15-minute drive from El Pueblo, the Rio Grande Gorge has some of the best bouldering in Northern New Mexico. From Panorama Wall to the Pilar Area, there are bouldering opportunities for both experts and novices.
