To the south and west of Taos, a vast plain covered with sagebrush and conifers, riven by an immense chasm, spreads out as far as the eye can see. To the north and east, majestic mountains rise from the mesa, beckoning with their cool woods and lofty peaks. Hiking in Taos can take you from canyon bottoms, across mesas, and up mountains, each trail with its own distinctive and unmatched beauty.
It’s easy to feel truly tiny while walking along with the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge on one side and a sea of sagebrush on the other: like you’ve walked out of your life and into another century. You might come across ancient petroglyphs or encounter a herd of bighorn sheep grazing on the lip of the canyon. To descend into the gorge is an otherworldly experience of its own. Millions of years of geology are on display as you pick your way down to the river where you can bask in the shade of a lonely cottonwood tree before starting the trek back up.
Hiking in the mountains around Taos takes you up slopes shrouded in conifers and aspens, across trickling mountain streams, past high-mountain glacial lakes, and through alpine meadows full of wildflowers. It can even take you to the highest peak in New Mexico with 360° views of the surrounding wilderness. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
As the cold weather turns milder and the snow melts into our rivers and streams, you may not be ready for the outdoor fun to end after a winter of ...
The map requires cookies to be enabled.
With three developed recreation areas, this is a great place to enjoy a breathtaking view of a river gorge; hike miles of developed trails; camp under the stars; view wildlife; or visit prehistoric, historic, or active cultural sites.
You don't Have to camp in a campground! National Forests mean room to roam. You can camp anywhere in Carson National Forest. Leashed dogs welcome. 1.5 million acres of mountainous areas with fishing, hiking, picnics, and camping.
Experience some of the most beautiful alpine hiking in New Mexico year-round! Taos Ski Valley boasts ten public land hiking trails and four summit opportunities, including the highest in New Mexico: Wheeler Peak, topping out at 13,161 ft.
The renowned trout fishing in the Río Grande and its tributaries draws anglers from across the country. Discover the Wild Rivers Recreation Area at the confluence of the Río Grande and Red River for some great fishing spots.