5 Attractions You Must Visit Near Taos Ski Valley
The 400-year-old town of Taos, New Mexico, is situated at the base of the highest peaks in the state. It’s a welcoming little place long renowned as an artists’ colony and a hub for outdoor activities.
When planning your next vacation at a Taos ski valley hotel, you can add plenty of things to do in the historic town. Hitting the slopes for skiing, fishing, hot-air ballooning, hiking, river rafting, and visiting stunning museums and art galleries are some of the many activities you can include.
Use this guide for some attractions you must include while visiting the charming town of Taos:
Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo, a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the northern outskirts of Taos. The Native American settlement, inhabited for over a thousand years, is made up of impressive multi-story adobe (mudbrick) structures. The area is situated against a background of photogenic forested and snow-capped peaks.
Enjoy year-round local dances, arts and crafts, and artisanal jewelry during your visit. Stop by the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House for a dose of native culture.
Tao Ski Valley
While staying in luxury at a Taos ski valley hotel, heading to the slopes is necessary. One of the top ski areas in New Mexico, Tao Ski Valley Resort, is located about 30 minutes from town. The valley receives 25 feet of light, fluffy powder snow each year and is a magical experience to witness all year round.
The resort is 1,294 acres of a snowy landscape with numerous lifts and multiple runs to enjoy a lovely skiing vacation. With enough land for everyone, a quiet corner to yourself is a definite possibility to practice the sport. Get your snowboards too!
San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church
Four miles from the heart of Taos is the San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church, a World Heritage site listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Purportedly the most photographed church in North America, it also goes by Mission Dolores.
Construction started in 1772 and is a remarkable example of Spanish Colonial architecture. It’s hard to miss the striking buttresses on either side and the perfectly rounded edges throughout the adobe.
A functioning Catholic church, the mission holds services regularly. It’s the ideal location for introspection because of its tranquil and calm interiors.
El Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
The vast 250,000 acres of public land extends from Taos to the Colorado border. Established in 2013, the El Rio Grande del Norte National Monument includes diverse ecosystems, including the rocky, open grasslands, sage-covered mountains, the Rio Grande Gorge, and the alpine peaks of Ute Mountain.
It provides various outdoor activities, like rafting, camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and animal viewing.
Hot Air Ballooning
Given Taos’ sizable high-altitude plateau, the region is renowned among ballooning enthusiasts as one of the best spots in the world to fly. Pilots fly tourists into Rio Grande Gorge and dip the basket in the river, search for wildlife, and examine old petroglyphs from the air. Excursions also cross vast volcanic plains of the west mesa and the tall peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
Plan a stay with Taos Vacation Homes!
To experience the southwestern charm of the historic town, find the best ski valley hotels in Taos at Taos Vacation Homes. Highly rated budget stays are available year-round, featuring hotels close to the attractions for easy access.