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.
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.
Experience Historical Southwest
The Land of Enchantment has a very storied history, and Native Americans have honored the beauty, majesty, and mystery of New Mexico long before Taos, NM was ever on the map. Ancient Native American ruins are spread throughout New Mexico and, lucky for you, some of the most impressive are down the road from some of the best places to stay in Taos New Mexico. If you are wondering what to do in Taos this spring, set away some time to experience some of the state’s most astounding native ruins. Using El Pueblo Lodge as your home base, check out these three unforgettable historical landmarks.
Bandelier National Monument
An hour and a half from El Pueblo Lodge (one of the best places to stay in Taos) is Los Alamos and the breathtaking Bandelier National Monument. Sprawling over 33,000 acres of land, this national monument provides the perfect setting for visitors to explore canyon country while also experiencing the relics of this area’s ancient people. Dating back more than 11,000 years, the petroglyphs, cliff dwellings, and masonry remnants serve as a haunting reminder of a people and lifestyle long gone. In addition, the many trails at Bandelier National Monument expose guests to the flora, fauna, and wide-open expanses that make New Mexico so enchanting.
Head to the Southwest and Visit the Puye Cliff Dwellings
An hour to the south and west of your hotel in Taos New Mexico are the Puye Cliff Dwellings – the ancient home of 1,500 Pueblo Indians dating back to the early 900s AD. This National Historic Landmark provides the perfect place to discover early life in the desert Southwest, learn about American history, and simply enjoy the peace and quiet of beautiful New Mexico. The impressive cliff dwellings, inspiring petroglyphs, and well-preserved structures will leave you completely astounded.
A Local Gem in Taos
Atop the must-see list for any visitor to Taos, New Mexico is the Taos Pueblo, reopening to the public on April 25. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the ancestors of original Pueblo Indians and is one of the most private and conservative pueblos remaining in the U.S. For enquiring visitors however, you can schedule tours and attend various events to get a glimpse at this unique and inspiring culture. If you still find yourself wondering what to do in Taos NM, don’t let a visit to the Taos Pueblo pass you by! Only two miles from El Pueblo Lodge, visiting this remarkable place is a must.
New Mexico is home to countless ancient wonders and, for all Taos visitors, many are right out your back door. El Pueblo Lodge is here to serve as the most affordable and comfortable home base for you, as you explore The Land of Enchantment and its historical wonders this spring. Book your stay today!
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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.
A Celebration of Winter
Benefiting from a strong El Nino winter, the many ski areas and resorts around Taos are not only enjoying some of the best snow conditions in years, but their annual events have an even greater celebratory tone than usual. If you are wondering what to do in Taos, visiting in February will provide you with an overwhelming list of options. The area’s ski resorts are undoubtedly some of the best Taos attractions in winter, and the month of February is the perfect time to enjoy the slopes in addition to some special events. Below is just a small taste of what you can look forward to near El Pueblo Lodge.
Mardi Gras!
The small town of Red River is one of many nearby small mountain communities that are considered a local Taos attractions and Angel Fire Resort provides a great alternative to the more popular Taos Ski Valley. Historically, people do not flock to the Southwestern U.S. to celebrate Mardi Gras but these two destinations are doing their best to change that. From February 5 to 9, Red River transforms into a Mardi Gras headquarters, complete with parties, parades, Cajun cooking, and Creole music. During these same days, Angel Fire Resort showcases their own take on Mardi Gras festivities. Ski bike demos, shovel racing, slopeside events and live music, and a masquerade ball will help you to bring in February with style!
Skiing Competitions Amidst the Most Popular Taos Attractions
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains have long played host to a variety of ski competitions, and not a winter goes by without professional or semi-professional athletes visiting the area to showoff their skills in any number of competitions. This year isn’t any different, and on February 7 you can head to Angel Fire Resort to witness the aerial acrobatics of the USASA Southwest Freeride Competition. This regional event will pin skiers and snowboarders against each other in the Liberation Terrain Park in a fight to make the national circuit. If you are already planning on spending a day or two on the slopes during your stay, consider February 7th when you will get a freeride show from the area’s best with the price of your lift ticket!
Family Fun at February Fun Fest!
If your raucous ski-bum days are long gone and you have since replaced them with family vacations, stay with us over President’s Day Weekend for February Fun Fest at Sipapu Ski Resort! This weekend’s free festivities are geared for the entire family and include a parade, treasure hunt, games, contests, and even a giant snow castle.
February is arguably the best time to visit Taos, NM, as the snow is good and the holiday crowds are long gone. In addition to great skiing and eclectic culture, you can also experience many one-of-a-kind events this month. The above few are only a sampling, and when you book your next adventure with us, our guest service agents will be sure to help you find the perfect outings to help you make the most of your winter getaway.
