By Cindy Brown
In the Land of Enchantment, there are endless possibilities for experiencing the area’s dramatic beauty. A hike or bike ride can become a memorable experience if you’re lucky enough to see a majestic big horn sheep or a herd of elk running across the landscape, or catch the glow of the setting sun lighting up the mountain peaks. Here are some suggestions for favorite summer outdoor adventures on the land.
Hiking
Taos is surrounded by a variety of climate zones, each offering unique views and experiences. Trails to the west of Taos near the Rio Grande cross the desert and grasslands zone and travel along the rim of the river gorge or down to the river itself.
A favorite desert hike is the Big Arsenic Trail in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument north of Taos. This trail descends about 1 mile from the rim of the gorge down to the Rio Grande and reaches Big Arsenic Spring. Just beyond the spring, look for ancient rock carvings known as petroglyphs.
East of Taos, high altitude trails pass through fields of wildflowers and follow cold mountain streams. A popular summer hike is the Bull-of-the-Woods/Wheeler Peak Trail up 1 mile to Long Canyon, then through the canyon along a stream. Bubbling springs cross the trail, creating a perfect environment for columbine and other wildflowers. Those who are acclimated to higher elevations can continue upward to the summit of Gold Hill at 12,700 feet with its dramatic views to Taos Ski Valley and beyond.
Trail running
All the trails around Taos are also great running destinations. A local group, Taos Trail Runners, organizes regularly runs.
“Whether you’re looking for a scenic jog or an all-day adventure run, Taos has trails for you,” member Brook Eberle says. “The landscape is diverse — you can run through sagebrush and piñon forests with views of the Rio Grande Gorge or climb into aspen groves in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Taos offers a variety of trails, from gradual and wide, like Trail 18, to steep single track, like Gavilan Canyon.
“What makes Taos trails special is the solitude and vastness of our public lands, including the Carson National Forest, Columbine-Hondo Wilderness and the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument,” she says.
Eberle said the Horsethief Mesa trail system north of town is a Taos Trail Runners favorite.
These trails and the new trailhead off NM 522 are examples of collaboration between the Taos community, Enchanted Circle Trails Association, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
To learn more about weekly group runs, trail maintenance events and trail information, follow @TaosTrailRunners on Instagram or visit taostrailrunners.com.
Mountain biking
Much of the public land around Taos is open to mountain biking. To find a group of like-minded riders, check out the Taos Mountain Bike Association, which has 120 members of all ages and organizes weekly trail rides. High altitude trails go through the forest, while desert trails offer wide open views. There are bike parks at Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire, too.
To get involved, check the calendar at taosmtb.org for the most up-to-date information. There is also an email list dedicated to announcing upcoming rides and events.
Another organization expanding bicycling opportunities is the Enchanted Circle Trails Association. The group coordinates planning for new trails for bicycling and other recreational users as well as trail maintenance days. Find out more at enchantedcircletrails.org.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding offers a unique combination of outdoor adventure, nature immersion, and cultural discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or trying it for the first time, exploring on horseback is an unforgettable experience. The rhythm of hooves, fresh mountain air, and the connection with your horse offer a tranquil yet thrilling way to see stunning landscapes. In Northern New Mexico you can ride along the Rio Grande, through mountain forests, or across high desert mesas. Here are a few great places to saddle up:
Taos Area — Cieneguilla Stables (near Pilar): History-rich trail rides. 575-751-2815; Rio Grande Stables (Taos area): Mesa and river rides. 888-508-7667 | riograndestables.net
Red River — Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures (Red River): Cowboy evenings with rides, food, and music. 575-754-2769 | bobcatpass.wordpress.com; Red River Stables (Carson National Forest): One- to eight-hour scenic rides. 575-754-1700 | redriverstables.com
Angel Fire — Roadrunner Tours (Angel Fire): Wildlife, gold panning, and lessons. (575) 377-6416 | nancyburch.com
Climbing
Mountain Skills Rock Climbing adventures has been hosting climbing tours in Taos since 1994. Guide and owner Jay Foley says, “I love climbing in Taos because there are so many different areas to choose from — the desert in the Rio Grande gorge to the alpine granite cliffs at 10,000 feet. Taos affords year-round climbing opportunities and a great diversity in climbing styles and locations.”
Some of his favorite climbing locations are Tres Piedras, Comales Canyon and the Vista Verde area. This summer, Mountain Skills will be offering two people for the price of one, or 10 percent off groups of three or more. Visit the website at climbingschoolusa.com or call 575-776-2222.
Take a tour
Taos has a rich culture and history. To really understand Taos, start with a tour of the Taos Pueblo or with Whitefeather Native Cultural Tours that takes you beyond the Pueblo village to ancestral lands.
Heritage Inspirations offers e-biking, hiking and walking tours, along with cultural and stargazing excursions and glamping.
A variety of tours by trolley or walking feature Taos history and even ghost stories. Visit taos.org for a list of tours.
Cindy Brown has been a freelance writer and columnist for the Taos News for the last 14 years focused on the outdoors and health and is the author of “Taos Hiking Guide.”