Bringing History to Life
Native culture is alive and well in Taos, and inhabitants and visitors alike celebrate that unique and rich tradition everyday through a plethora of arts, culture and music events. There are eight northern pueblos that are open-to-the-public, where visitors can learn how Taos’ native communities’ pottery, jewelry, dancing and food influenced the art and culture of the Southwest.
1. Taos Pueblo: Taos Pueblo (“The Place of the Red Willows”) is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-story adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Archaeologists say ancestors of the Taos Indians lived in this valley long before Columbus discovered America and hundreds of years before Europe emerged from the Dark Ages. Ancient ruins in the Taos Valley indicate those native to the region lived there nearly 1,000 years ago. The main part of the present buildings were most likely constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D., and appeared much as they do today when the first Spanish explorers arrived in Northern New Mexico in 1540.
2. Picuris Pueblo: Named Pikuria (“Those Who Paint”) by Spanish colonizer Juan de Oñate, Picuris is located about 20 miles southeast of Taos in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Although it was once the largest, today Picuris is one of the smallest Tiwa pueblos, with less than 2,000 inhabitants. Like Taos, it was influenced by Plains Indian culture, particularly the Apaches. Picuris Pueblo is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
3. More to Visit: There are eight pueblos you can visit today in northern New Mexico, each with its own unique traditions and culture. In addition to Taos Pueblo and Picuris Pueblo, Nambé Pueblo (“Mound of Earth in the Corner”), Ohkay Owingeh (“Village of the Strong People”), Pojoaque Pueblo (“Water Drinking Place”), San Ildefonso Pueblo (“Where the Water Cuts Through”), Santa Clara Pueblo (“Valley of the Wild Roses”) and Tesuque Pueblo (“Cottonwood Tree Place”) each provide a unique footprint of Native American culture.
Learn more about the rich history of the region during your next trip to Taos. And remember: Before you visit, research the rules of each pueblo, such as photography and areas of the pueblo that are accessible to the public. Individual websites for each pueblo will give you the 411 on these Southwestern treasures.
Float On
While Taos may be most widely known for its arts and culture, stunning ski slopes and exhilarating hiking, there’s another activity that is guaranteed to take your Taos vacation to (literally) another level: A picturesque hot air balloon ride.
Taos hot air balloon rides follow a unique balloon flight path over and in the Rio Grande Gorge (baskets even touch the river!), the wilderness and the “high bridge” — which is unmatched in its scenic beauty and top-notch hot air balloon flight conditions. Four-hour flights start around $200 per person and usually include a post-flight champagne toast and brunch.
Traveling to Taos in fall? On Oct. 27-29, the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally will celebrate its 35th year. Each fall, Mother Nature paints the trees vivid shades of orange, red, amber and yellow — and even more color is added to the vista as the Taos skies are filled with dozens of brightly colored hot air balloons lifting into the Taos Mountain sunrise.The event hosts 35-50 balloons each year, and has become a popular stop for balloonists, families, crews, Taoseños and visitors alike. Click here to learn more!
Because after all, why walk when you can fly?
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
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.
Taos & Art Mix
With a rich past steeped in art and culture, That same culture is thriving today, thousands of people visit Taos each year because of the beautiful art and active artists that call this place home. Our three major art museums are conveniently located down the street from El Pueblo Lodge and all provide a unique look into the incredible talent that has come from our quaint mountain community.
The Harwood Museum of Art
Less than one mile from El Pueblo Lodge, is the second oldest art museum in all of New Mexico. This beautiful showcase houses a permanent collection of nearly 2,000 art pieces and over 15,000 photographs. Both this collection and the rotating pieces provide a beautiful and awe-inspiring look at Hispanic, Native American, and local art creating the perfect blend to showcase life and inspiration of Northern New Mexico.
Taos Art Museum
A three-minute walk from El Pueblo Lodge is Taos Art Museum. In the former home of artist Nicolai Fechin, this museum aims to bring the talents and works of local Taos artists to the public eye. Many pieces created by Taos artists have found their way to museums a far cry from Taos, NM and the Taos Art Museum is seeking to bring many of these pieces back home.
Millicent Rogers Museum: One of the Greatest Taos Attractions
Last on our list is the Millicent Rogers Museum located only four miles from the lodge. This museum is home to incredible multi-cultural collections including work from the Taos Pueblo as well as many other Southwestern Native American art. From Kachina dolls to pottery and baskets, the Millicent Rogers Museum is one of the top Taos attractions to for visitors to see and experience the art and culture of the area’s native populations.
Of everything that Taos and the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains have to offer, local art and artists have been drawing people to the region for longer than anything else. Native American, Hispanic, and contemporary local art line the hallways of the many galleries and museums of Taos, New Mexico. Of all the places to experience the best of local art, the above three museums provide the greatest look into the unique world of New Mexican art.
What’s more, each museum is only a short commute from El Pueblo Lodge! So waste no time and make a reservation today to soak up all the best art and culture of Taos, New Mexico.
Kiss Winter Goodbye
Many locals are sad to see winter go, but perhaps even more are excited to welcome the coming spring with open arms! Here at El Pueblo Lodge we love the excitement of the changing seasons in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo range and are never left wondering what to do.
We encourage all of our guests to get out and enjoy the spectacular town and surrounding mountains every spring. There is so much to see and do that you will treat us simply as a place to rest your head after a long day enjoying the wonders of Northern New Mexico.Wondering specifically what to do in Taos NM? Check out these three events that mark the end of winter and the beginning of an exciting spring and summer ahead.
Closing Day at Taos Ski Valley
Closing day at any ski resort is a day to celebrate the many laughs and memories of a winter past, and Taos Ski Valley may very well throw the best celebration around. April 3rd marks the last day to ski, and in addition to the standard revelry is the greatest event of the season: The Pond Skimming Championship. Watch hundreds of costumed people attempt to cross a nearly 100 foot pool of water on skis, snowboards, or creative contraptions of any kind. While the event is open for anyone to compete, simply showing up to watch the spectacle is totally worth it!
Taos Shortz Film Fest: The Most Fun Film Festival in Northern New Mexico
The Taos Shortz Film Fest, featuring more than 150 films from over 33 countries, has become a staple of spring in the Sangre de Cristo range. The Taos Community Auditorium, less than half a mile from El Pueblo Lodge, will host this event from April 7 – April 10. The many global short films, clinics, speakers, and parties make this a must-do for anyone visiting the area in early April.
A Musical Spring Celebration Walking Distance from your Hotel in Taos NM
Less than a mile from El Pueblo Lodge is the Arthur Bell Auditorium at the Harwood Museum of Art, and on April 16th and 17th the Taos Chamber Music Group will be performing Colores! – a program in celebration of the coming spring. Featuring flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, this quaint auditorium will come to life with the sounds of blossoming flowers, warm evenings, and longer days as the summer draws near.
If you are thinking of visiting Northern New Mexico but wondering what to do in Taos, wonder no more! Spring is the perfect time to book a stay with us. And as the hiking trails start to thaw and the mountains and valleys return to life after a dormant winter, there truly is no better time to visit the Land of Enchantment.
Hit The Slopes This Spring
And just like that, another season is on its way out in Northern New Mexico. It’s hard to believe that only a few months ago we were looking forward to the upcoming El Nino winter and here we are with the excitement and celebrations of March just around the corner. Of the many Taos attractions, the area’s ski resorts are always the place to be as the temperatures warm and the snow softens. El Pueblo Lodge is here to serve as your spring skiing headquarters.
All of the area resorts showcase hilariously fun beach weeks, Hawaii themed days and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations through the month of March. Read on to learn more about four of our favorite early spring mountain traditions.
4 Star Freeride World Qualifying Event
One of the most exciting events of the entire winter is back this March and we couldn’t be more excited. On the weekend of March 4th, watch professional and semi-professional skiers and snowboarders compete on the most legendary terrain that Taos Ski Valley has to offer. This jaw-dropping event will showcase incredible skiers doing unbelievable things with the ultimate goal of making the final cut for the Freeride World Tour.
Head to the Ski Bum Ball
This annual event has been providing locals and visitors alike a chance to celebrate ski bum culture in all of its glory. Hosted by Angel Fire Resort, the Ski Bum Ball on March 5th is the perfect way to begin Spring Break with live music, dancing, and drinks. Arrive by 6pm to watch the annual crowning of the Ski Bum King and Queen!
Countless Laughs at Cardboard Derby
Each year Sipapu Ski Resort hosts the Cardboard Derby – arguably the most entertaining event all spring. With divisions for all ages, this family friendly event asks competitors to build sleds using only cardboard, duct tape, and string and rewards the best finishes with many amazing prizes. Join in on the fun or just enjoy the laughs that come naturally as a casual observer!
An Unforgettable Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate spring by making the short trip over to Taos Ski Valley to take part in the mountain-wide New Belgium Scavenger Hunt. Complete with crazy competitions, goofy costumes, prize giveaways, and games all day, March 12th will surely go down as one of the year’s best days on the mountain!
If you find yourself wondering what to do in Taos, visiting us in March is an easy way to put your concerns to rest. The region’s many ski resorts are always top Taos attractions, but in early springtime their celebrations are unrivaled. Check out the above events during your visit with us or head to one of the area’s many resorts to join in on a seemingly endless string of spring festivities!
