Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the population of Taos?
Towns in Taos County
Incorporated with 2003 populations: Taos (5,008), Questa (1,927), Red River (489), Taos Ski Valley (56)
Unincorporated: Amalia, Costilla, Ojo Caliente, Pilar, Penasco, Ranchos de Taos, Talpa, Tres Piedras, Valdez- What is the elevation of Taos?
Town of Taos: 6,967 feet
Taos Ski Valley: 9,207 feet
Wheeler Peak: 13,161 feet- What are the visiting hours at Taos Pueblo?
The Pueblo is generally open to visitors daily from 8am to 4:00pm, except when tribal rituals require closing the Pueblo.
The Pueblo closes every Spring from March through mid April (call for specific dates). To contact Taos Pueblo Tourism, call (575) 758-1028 or email tourism@taospueblo.com.
For more information about Taos Pueblo, click here.- What is the Enchanted Circle?
The Enchanted Circle is the most popular tour in our area. This National Forest Scenic Byway circles Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico at 13,161 feet. Throughout the drive, you'll see some of the oldest rocks in the southwest - quartz and feldspar that date back two billion years. Look for special Enchanted Circle markers to help guide your way.
For details about the driving tour, click here.- How long is the drive from Albuquerque to Taos?
Taos is located about 135 miles North of Albuquerque. If you are driving from Albuquerque drive North on I 25. At Santa Fe, drive towards Espanola on US 285. In Espanola, look for NM 68 to Taos. The drive from Albuquerque takes approximately 2 and a half hours.
- How long is the drive from Santa Fe to Taos?
The most direct route to Taos, also known as the “The Low Road”, is 73 miles north of Santa Fe. Estimated Time: 1 hour 21 minutes.
Travel the "Low Road", driving through Española where Spanish explorer Don Juan de Oñate staked his claim 400 years ago. Visit the nearby village of La Mesilla to admire the simple beauty of San Isidro, built in 1918, and the village of Velarde to see Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, built in 1817. Velarde is also a fruit-growing community, and roadside stands offer the season's freshest produce. Follow alongside the fertile valley of the Rio Grande as it winds through a narrow canyon to the villages of Embudo, Dixon, Rinconada and Pilar. For information about the artists and studio tours, stop at Dixon's Casa de Piedra Cooperative and the Pilar Yacht Club. At the top of the "horseshoe turn" just south of Taos, stop to admire the rich landscape of Taos valley.- How long is the High Road drive from Santa Fe to Taos?
Distance: 105 miles/170 KM
Driving Time: 2-1/2 hours from Santa Fe to Taos (no stops)
Trip Time: As there are so many interesting places to stop along the way, this trip can take from 4 to 7 hours. Please allow some extra time to enjoy this unique scenic byway and its tiny villages along the way.
Route: From Santa Fe,take Hwy. 285 north to Espanola; Hwy. 76 north to Chimayó , Cordova, Truchas, and Trampas; Hwy. 75 east to Peñasco; Hwy 518 north to Ranchos de Taos; and then Hwy 68 north to Taos Plaza.
Pressing into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains past 13,000-foot [3,962-meter] peaks, this route is the most scenic between Santa Fe and Taos. The small, isolated mountain towns sprinkled along the way retain the flavor of the early Spanish settlers who came here four centuries ago.
For detailed information on this driving tour, click here.- What is your favorite restaurant?
Taos has some of the regions most inventive and fun restaurants. Who can just pick one as a favorite? Casual dining in Taos allows you to enjoy wonderful world class cuisine with no jacket or tie required.
Be sure to check out our restaurants or go to TaosMenus.com.- Where are the hiking trails?
Geographically the town of Taos, New Mexico combines the high desert southwest with the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Bureau of Land Management publics lands are located throughout the Taos area and include two outstanding Wild and Scenic Rivers--the Rio Grande and the Rio Chama--and three developed recreation areas -- Wild Rivers, Santa Cruz Lake, and Orilla Verde. Opportunities for hiking and biking are plentiful on miles of developed trails in these areas offering dramatic vistas, wildlife viewing, solitude, and visits to prehistoric and historic cultural sites. To view the BLM web-site for further information, click here.
Taos is surrounded by the Carson National Forest. There are 330 miles of trails, some maintained by volunteer groups. Opportunities abound for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and 4-wheel drive exploring. Many summer hiking trails and forest roads become cross-country ski and snowmobile trails in winter. To view the Carson National Forest website, click here.
- Where is Taos Plaza?
In the middle of downtown is Taos Plaza, “The Heart of Taos”. Don Fernando de Taos Plaza was settled by the Spanish colonists more than 300 years ago and still retains its original shape. Taos Plaza is undeniably the main focal point of the Town of Taos. The entire community can gather to enjoy the culture, renew old friendships, and perhaps most importantly encourage new ones. The plaza provides a brief respite from busy lifestyles and activities. Traditional celebrations, live performances, as well as fund raising efforts are plentiful in this lovely town square. Visitors can enjoy art galleries, museums, specialty shops, restaurants - all located in a five block walking area!
