Taos, founded in 1795 and incorporated in 1934, sits at 6,969 ft elevation with a 2020 population of 6,474 and serves as the county seat of Taos County.
Taos was founded in 1795 and incorporated in 1934. It sits at an elevation of 6,969 ft (2,124 m) and had a population of 6,474 as of the 2020 census. Taos serves as the county seat of Taos County. Long one of America's foremost art colonies, Taos is known for Taos Pueblo, Taos Ski Valley, and Earthships.
Named attractions include Taos Pueblo, Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church in Ranchos de Taos. Visitors can explore the Harwood Museum of Art or join Los Jardineros Garden Club of Taos events. Upcoming events include Artist at Work: Ronald Rael, Earth to Table: Unearthing Futures Feast, and multiple “Unearthing Futures/Desenterrando Futuros” programs. Outdoor options range from Taos Pueblo trails and Orilla Verde Recreation Area to fishing at South Fork Rio Hondo and Rio Grande.
Taos Pueblo is a living Native American community continuously inhabited for over 1000 years, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark; located just north of the town. Follow posted protocols, respect access windows and feast-day closures, and obtain any required permits or join guided tours. Photography and drones are often restricted—always check current rules before visiting.
Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark.
Taos was founded in 1795.
Activities include hiking Taos Valley Overlook Trails, camping at Las Petacas Campground, and fishing at Rio Grande or Red River.
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.
Single-track loops and two-track trails totaling about 16 miles above the Rio Grande Gorge.
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.
About a 12-mile loop rated intermediate with some technical, rocky sections.
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.
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 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 Rito de las Olla 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 Rito de las Olla 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.