Take a Hike
Spring is here, and with it comes a time of rebirth and renewal. Can you imagine a better time to explore the Taos Ski Valley’s plentiful hiking trails? From Williams Lake to Wheeler Peak, there’s a hike for every nature lover — whether you’re novice to advanced.
Carson National Forest offers seven unique hiking trails, ranging from the two-mile Williams Lake Trail to the eight-mile Wheeler Peak Trail. For beginners, Williams Lake is a fantastic choice. You’ll discover nature in all its green glory, thanks to a valley dotted with aspen, Englemann and blue spruce; western white fir; and even red fir and bristlecone pine. And don’t miss the lush meadows, alive with colorful wildflowers. For expert hikers, test your skills by climbing New Mexico’s highest peak, Whealer Peak. The more than 13,000-foot summit is known for its unmatched views, and occasional glimpses of a bighorn sheep, elk or mule deer.
No matter which hike you choose, remember to come prepared for varying temperatures, and to hike early to avoid afternoon lighting and rain showers. Waterproof boots and hiking poles are recommended, since many trails stay wet from winter snows into the summer.
If you’re ready to indulge in nature’s majestic beauty, why not take a hike?
First in Film
Movie geeks unite! The Taos Shortz Film Fest kicks off March 30, and this year will screen more than 100 juried global short films from more than 20 countries. After 11 years, this film-lovers festival has reached “The End,” and will be waving goodbye with its most passionate series of short films yet.
Recently honored by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the top “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” the only short film festival in New Mexico selects compelling, thought-provoking and technically excellent short films from all over the world. This season’s programming will feature several special events, global short films, a Native American Showcase, a best of the fest retrospective and so much more.
This unique festival creates one-of-a-kind two-hour programs, featuring 10 to 12 short films from a variety of genres, including documentary, drama, comedy, animation and “Out of the Ordinary.” According to Taos Shortz, this “art” of programming is exclusive to the festival and takes the audience on a journey through time, cultures and belief systems.” Taos Shortz Film Fest tickets are on sale now; see the full schedule at www.taosshortz.com.
A Hot & Cold Adventure
While Taos is known for its scenic skiing adventures, those of you looking to get in touch with your inner yogi will love a unique event offered by Heritage Inspirations.
Snowshoe & Hot Yoga is a full-day tour, available Thursday through Sunday, that indulges both your spiritual and athletic sides. Kick off your day with a snowshoeing adventure through the Amole Canyon — an 8,150-foot elevation — for two hours of snowy bliss. Then, after a gourmet lunch and warming beverage, relax at Hot Yoga Taos Studio for a muscle-soothing hot yoga session. The tour includes all necessary gear; learn more at heritageinspirations.com.
Whether it’s for the unmatched views, mind-calming yoga or simply an unexpected day date (Valentine’s Day weekend, maybe?), why not try something new during your next visit to El Pueblo Lodge?
Wine Time
Sip, swirl, ski? Ok, maybe not in that order …but on Feb. 1-5, visitors to El Pueblo Lodge will have the opportunity to attend a special Taos Ski Valley event that will please the palate of even the most particular of wine lovers.
At the Taos Winter Wine Fest, visitors and locals alike will savor the ability to blend world-class skiing with fine wines and top-notch cuisine. The weeklong event offers seminars, wine tastings, and wine dinners hosted by vintners and paired with Taos chefs.
Two Grand Tastings feature more than 75 unique wines from 20 wineries and savory bites from a dozen Taos and Taos Ski Valley restaurants. Looking for a keepsake to remember your time in Taos? A silent auction of rare wines will benefit the New Mexico Nature Conservancy. Sold!
Learn more about tickets, view a schedule of events and find transportation options at taoswinterwinefest.com.
Cheers to 2017!
5 Favorite Taos Holiday Musts
Who’s ready for a little sparkle and shine? ’Tis the season for a festive time in Taos. From torchlight parades to musical performances, fireworks and even the Procession of the Virgin, there’s a veritable feast of holiday activities. So hang up those skis (at least for a few hours) and see what Santa brought the (naughty and) nice boys and girls spending their holiday in Taos.
1. Home for the Holidays:
On Friday, Dec. 16, check out a free family concert featuring musicians Robert Mirabal, Max Gomez, Michael Hearne and Chris Arellano. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Taos Community Auditorium (ask the front desk about securing your tickets). BYO dancing shoes and holiday cheer!
2. Christmas Eve Torchlight Parades:
It’s a bright and shiny Christmas Eve at Taos Ski Valley, as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark of night as flares light their way. It’s a picture-perfect moment.
3. Christmas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo:
After the torchlight parades, head to Taos Pueblo for a one-of-a-kind, magical holiday event. You’ll witness massive bonfires and the Procession of the Virgin, complete with rifle salutes from the rooftops of the 1,000-year-old adobe pueblo buildings.
4. Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance:
On Christmas Day at 2 p.m., witness a beautiful tradition at the Taos Pueblo Plaza. Ancient Native American ceremonial dances, honoring the depths of winter, will be danced and drummed by the people of Taos Pueblo. Take note: As these are sacred ceremonies, no cameras, cell phones or video cameras are allowed.
5. New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks:
Another extraordinary display of light, spend your New Year’s Eve viewing skiers, torches in hand, gliding down the famous Taos Ski Valley mountain. Plus, enjoy a kiss while firework displays light the winter sky in celebration of the new year. Hello, 2017!
It’s The Ultimate Snow Day
It’s time to break in those fancy new boots, wax your skis and tune up that board. Yes, November marks more than the start of the holiday season — Taos Ski Valley officially opens its 2016-2017 ski and ride season on Nov.24. (can we all give a collective “woot woot!”?)
But this area wasn’t always a mecca of pristine, powdery slopes. The Village of Taos Ski Valley, situated in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, was originally settled by a group of hearty and adventurous miners in the 1800s. Today, intrepid skiers and outdoor enthusiasts inhabit the community year-round.
In fact, the Taos Ski Valley is the brainchild of a Swiss-German named Ernie Blake and his wife Rhoda. A passionate skier, Blake dreamed for years of building a ski area, and launched Taos Ski Valley in 1955 on a shoestring budget. The European atmosphere and architecture of Taos Ski Valley is due to the ski area’s pioneers — a mix of German, French, Austrian and Swiss residents and employees — combined with the local Native American and Spanish cultures. The Village is surrounded by the Carson National Forest and offers activities, special events and fine dining all year long.
With an average annual snowfall of more than 300 inches, it’s easy to find prime powder all winter long. For a special treat, check out the Kachina lift — it serves the highest elevation of any triple chair on the North American continent. Talk about living the high life!
Something To Fall For
The season to chase colors is upon us and at the El Pueblo Lodge, we simply can’t wait for fall. The transition periods between seasons are often the most beautiful times of year and the shift from summer to fall is one of our favorite times to recommend planning your next vacation. A well-planned autumn visit will give you the opportunity to witness the annual foliage and learn about the colorful, but haunted, history surround Taos, New Mexico.
A Worthy Day-Trip Into the Mountains
If you have spent a lot of time in the area before and are wondering what to do in the area, consider taking a day trip to the Jemez Mountains for a welcomed change of scenery. About an hour and a half southwest of the lodge, this drive in autumn projects an array of colors through your windshield as you descend out of the Northern New Mexico and into the red rocks of the Jemez Mountains. The contrast between blue skies, red cliffs, jagged mountains and blazing leaves make the trip to the many national and state monuments and parks of the area well worth the drive. The photo pictured on this post is proof enough that this is a must-see when visiting.
Watch Hot Air Balloons add even more Color to the Fall Landscape
Each year, the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally puts an exclamation point on October, as hundreds of hot air balloonists and enthusiasts descend on our sleepy mountain town to celebrate their sport and the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. More intimate than similar Southwestern balloon rallies, this festival hosts about 50 balloons each year and allows for great views and participation for all in attendance. You will be able to see some of the spectacle from El Pueblo Lodge, but we recommend making the short drive to the launch point to fully take part in this unique celebration.
A Haunting Good Time
Spend an evening strolling the streets of Taos Plaza, guided by Ghosts of Taos. Your guide will provide colorful descriptions of haunted happenings that have occurred throughout the history of Taos. You will be guided to areas such as The Old Taos County Courthouse, Teresina Lane, Bent Street, Ledoux Street, Doña Luz Street & parking lot, Kit Carson Road and many more locations which history has left a mark on. This is a family friendly activity and can be customized to the appropriate level of spooky-ness for your enjoyment.
Summer Out Of The City
Here’s a a little guide to Taos. Temps are rising but so are the bevy of activities in Taos, New Mexico. Whether outdoor activities strike your fancy, historic sites or an artistic education, we’re gathered our tried and true favorites for a summer to-do list while you’re with us.
First on the list? Whitewater Kayaking the Rio Grande
Golfing, fishing, horseback riding, biking–you name it, the Rio has it. But the most iconic adventure is braving the whitecaps and shredding the Rio. Lucky for summer travelers, the river is like bath water in the summer months.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Don’t miss the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, known by the locals the High Bridge, it’s the seventh highest bridge in the United States, stretching 10 miles Northwest of Taos. Breathtaking views keep locals and visitors alike coming back to this perennial favorite.
Millicent Rogers Museum
When in New Mexico, do as the locals do. Southwest design is a large part of the culture in Taos. This museum is a collection of all things southwest from famed collector Millicent Rogers. The museum is home to large collections of Native American and Hispanic art. Don’t miss out on the museum store which sells local artisan jewelry, paintings and textiles.
Taos Pueblo
Step back in time at one of the most private and conservative pueblos in Taos belonging to a Tiwa-speaking Native American tribe of Puebloan people, still inhabited today. A vibrant and authentic community, residents sell handmade crafts and visitors can take tours of this historic landmark.
High Road to Taos
A scenic route with winding roads, the High Road to Taos is hailed as a “must do.” 56-miles of desert, mountains, forests and small farms, this scenic byway is the perfect afternoon activity. Stop in Ranchos De Taos and snap a pic of the most painted and photographed churches in the nation– San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, and count yourself among the likes of Georgia O’Keeffe, Paul Strand and Ansel Adams.
The Taos Pueblo
Ahh, Taos, the Land of Enchantment. If you notice, the license plates on the cars in New Mexico read Land of Enchantment – a moniker that locals and visitors alike agree is rather fitting. While the beautiful landscape, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and endless starry skies contribute to the magic of Taos, New Mexico, much of the state’s enchantment can be attributed to the first people to inhabit this corner of the Southwestern United States.
When the Spanish first explored the western U.S. they encountered collections of small villages and referred to the inhabitants as the Pueblo people. Encompassing many Southwestern Native American tribes, the name is still used today to describe these early inhabitants. As you explore Taos, you will certainly discover many tributes and acknowledgements to these early people. From art, architecture, and events around town to notable area landmarks (Kachina Peak marks the highpoint of Taos Ski Valley), the spirit and influence of early Pueblo people is very much alive in the area. However, the best way to experience the lives of these people is to visit them yourself.
There are only twenty one surviving pueblo communities today and the majority of them can be found in New Mexico and neighboring Arizona. Next time you visit us at El Pueblo Lodge, we highly recommend making a stop at the Taos Pueblo located just one mile north of town. This living Native American community is nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is both a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taos Pueblo has been inhabited for over 1,000 years and, today, nearly 200 people still reside in this community full-time.
With so much to do in the Taos area, visiting this pueblo often slips between the cracks of the guest experience. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site is reason enough to stop by, but the true allure of the Taos Pueblo is its people. Friendly, spiritual, and tied to the Earth, the Pueblo people truly live an amazing life.
Of the remaining Pueblos in the United States, some say Taos one of the more private and conservative. Thankfully for you, however, that does not mean all doors are shut. The people of the Taos Pueblo are incredibly proud and enjoy sharing their life and culture with visitors. Whether you decide to visit on your own or schedule a tour with one of the locals (highly recommended), visiting the Taos Pueblo provides remarkable insight into a culture and people that are extraordinarily in tune with the world around them.
New Mexico is certainly a Land of Enchantment, and much of this can be credited to a group of people more tied to the value of community and natural world than any other population in this country. In an era marked by political quagmires, distrust, and fear we all could benefit from visiting and learning a bit more about the culture and people that have made New Mexico such an enchanted place.
Whether in Taos for adventure, leisure or communing with the arts, stay at the El Pueblo Lodge. We are located in the heart of Taos and close to the TaosCenter for the Arts. With over 50 rooms which open on to patios, a spa tub and an outdoor pool we are the place to stay in Taos.
photo credit: Ron Cogswell
Shape Up For Summer
Come summertime, many of the premiere Taos attractions are a result of hiking in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains. With hiking season right around the corner, it’s time to book a room and start getting yourself into hiking shape. With countless easy and moderate trails so close to El Pueblo Lodge, we are proud to serve as your local lodge and hiking headquarters. Check out the few hikes, perfect for early season training and rewarding all the same!
Take a Leisurely Stroll
It’s important to not overdo it in the early season when your legs aren’t quite in hiking shape yet. The Rift Valley Trail, down the road from us, is the perfect place to start. This one-mile trail will take you to a beautiful vista overlooking the Rio Grande. The view of the river, Taos Mountain, and desert mesa are certainly a top Taos attraction, and one you won’t have to work too hard for!
Another Easy Hike with a Beautiful Ending
The West Rim Trail is another great option for the early season and happens to be very near the lodge. Similar to the Rift Valley Trail, the West Rim Trail has very little elevation gain over its short one-mile course. The end point is a beautiful shot of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and sweeping views of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Kick it up a Notch with Some Elevation Gain
Of course, some of the most spectacular Taos attractions require a bit of elevation gain. While you may not be in shape for major hikes yet, the Williams Lake Trail provides a great opportunity for you to get your feet wet. This 2-mile hike takes you up to a beautiful alpine lake and provides excellent views of the surrounding peaks in Sangre de Cristo Range. In contrast to the first to hikes on this list, the Williams Lake Trail does require 850 feet of upward travel to earn your views at the top. The length of the hike, in conjunction with relatively gradual elevation gain, makes for the perfect jaunt into the high country for your early season endeavors.
So tie up your hiking boots – it’s time to hit the trails.
Music That Moves You
If you’re one that gets moved by music, than visit us in June for some of the greatest art and music festivals of the summer. Join in on the fun and check out just a sampling of the amazing events in and around Taos this June.
Taos Poetry Festival
Using El Pueblo Lodge as a home base, make yourself comfortable and soak in the events and happenings of the annual Taos Poetry Festival. Taking place from June 2-4, our small community will become overtaken with poets from all walks of life. With special events, poetry slams, and workshops throughout our town, you never find yourself wondering what to do next.
Taos Mesa Brewing Company
Of all the great venues to host a music festival in the southwest, you’d be hard pressed to find a more fun environment than that of Taos Mesa Brewing Company. During the first weekend of June, from the 3rd to 5th, head to TMBC for the Music on the Mesa Festival – a three day festival of dancing, bluegrass, folk, and country music and plenty of beer. During this weekend in June, Taos Mountain Brewing Company will be transformed into one of the ultimate Taos attractions.River and Brews Music Festival
River and Brews Music Festival
If you’re still curious what to do in Taos NM, branch out a bit and head down to Red River for the annual River and Brews Music Festival. On June 11, Red River hosts an event with the perfect combination of mouth watering barbecue, live music, plenty of dancing, a great selection of microbreweries on site and perhaps one of the most beautiful backdrops to any live music venue around.
The above is just a smattering of the many events and festivals taking place in and around Taos, this June. Even if festivals aren’t you’re thing, June is still the perfect time to visit the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and soak up the trails, museums, art, and culture of our little slice of heaven.
Springtime in Taos
Historically, May in New Mexico has been a month of transition. Snowfields may still linger in the high country and spring flowers are blossoming in the valleys below. As such, locals and visitors alike head outside to take advantage of the changing seasons and warmer temperatures.
There are a wide variety of activities and events this May to help your entire family get outside and enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. El Pueblo Lodge is here to serve as your spring headquarters, allowing you to stop wondering what to do in Taos NM on your May vacation.
The Angel Fire Bike Park
A beautiful twenty-five mile drive from El Pueblo Lodge is Angel Fire Resort. This mountain getaway is a hub for skiers in the winter, but this spring secure your bikes to your car and get ready for another type of downhill adventure. 9am on May 12 marks opening day for the Angel Fire Bike Park, where you and your family can safely ride chairlifts up the mountain and enjoy a fast and exhilarating ride downhill. A few weeks later, on May 28, Angel Fire opens up their Zipline Adventure Tour – an adrenalin filled treetop tour on top of the mountain. This safe, fun, and exciting activity is fun for the whole family. Whether biking or zip lining, Angel Fire provides the perfect backdrop for the adventure-driven members of your family to get outside and enjoy a beautiful spring day in the mountains.
Cast a Line in Red River
Visit Red River, NM, for the annual Fishing Derby on May 14. The Town Ponds in Red River will be freshly stocked with trout and cash and prizes are awarded for every tagged fish caught! This event promises to be fun for the whole family and, with beautiful Red River serving as backdrop, there is no shortage of other area activities in which to participate.
Kick off Festival Season
If you still find yourself wondering what to do in Taos NM this spring or summer, keep a keen eye on the events calendar. Taos and Northern New Mexico play host to many festivals throughout the year, and one of the first big ones of spring is the Taos Lilac Festival held from May 20 – 27. From children games and events, live music and entertainment, a taco cook-off, craft fair, and all things lilac, this celebration taking place all around Taos is the perfect way to welcome the coming spring.
The warm months in Taos are the most popular times to visit, and May is the start of beautiful weather while the summer crowds have not yet begun to flock to our little slice of paradise. Book your adventure now.
