El Prado is a small unincorporated community and census-designated place just north of Taos in north-central New Mexico, serving as a gateway to the high-desert landscapes, trails, and Taos Pueblo.
El Prado is an unincorporated suburb and census-designated place on the north side of Taos in Taos County. It sits at an elevation of 7,123 feet along U.S. Route 64 and New Mexico State Roads 150 and 522.
Explore nearby outdoor activities including Taos Pueblo, Las Petacas Campground, La Sombra Campground, Horsethief Mesa Trail, Yerba Creek, South Fork Rio Hondo, Taos Valley Overlook Trails, Italianos Creek, Orilla Verde Recreation Area, Gavilan Canyon, Columbine Creek, Rio Grande, Goose Lake, Red River, Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, Rinconada Loop Trail, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, and Wild Rivers Recreation Area. Catch local events such as the Habitat For Humanity Taos Volleyball Tournament and Two Step Sunday gatherings with Swingdust, The Rifters, and Green Oaks at venues including Sustenance Research Institute and DALEEE KTAOS.
El Prado lies along major routes including U.S. 64 and NM 150, with NM 522 beginning at the intersection known locally as the old blinking light. It is approximately four miles north of Taos.
El Prado sits near Taos Pueblo, home to a Tiwa-speaking Pueblo community. Photography, sketching, and commercial filming require permits and fees; some areas and all religious ceremonies prohibit cameras and recording devices entirely. Call ahead for current access, closures during ceremonial periods, and posted rules. Respect all protocols, obtain permits where required, and never photograph individuals without permission.
El Prado sits at 7,123 feet.
Yes, El Prado is an unincorporated suburb north of Taos and close to Taos Pueblo.
Permits and fees are required for photography; religious ceremonies prohibit cameras and recording. Call ahead for current guidelines.
A living Native community inhabited for over 1,000 years — multi-storied adobe dwellings at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Set in a beautiful canyon close to Taos, with good access to Rio Fernando de Taos for fishing.
Popular Taos Canyon site near Capulin Campground and Shady Brook. No drinking water; adjacent to Rio Fernando for fishing.
About a 12-mile loop rated intermediate with some technical, rocky sections.
From NM Highway 150 crossing upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
From confluence with Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
Single-track loops and two-track trails totaling about 16 miles above the Rio Grande Gorge.
From NM Highway 150 crossing upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
Within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Campgrounds offer nearby river access within the steep-walled Rio Grande Gorge; gentle waters with occasional small rapids suit many recreational activities.
Within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument; campgrounds offer river access in the Rio Grande Gorge.
From NM Highway 150 crossing upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
From NM Highway 38 upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
Every fact below was independently verified against the cited source.