Day 1: Scenic Arrival & Cultural Experiences
Morning
Start your 3 days hiking and dining in Taos with brunch at Doc Martin’s, a local institution and on-site restaurant at the Historic Taos Inn. Serving up breakfast classics with a Northern New Mexico twist, you’re sure to enjoy the Chimayo Red Chile Hollandaise spicing up a traditional Eggs Benedict. Or for the sweet tooth at breakfast, try the Blueberry Pinon Pancakes.
Late Morning Hike
Work off that breakfast by heading for the Devisadero Loop Trail (5.7 miles, moderate effort). This scenic trail starts close to town and offers sweeping views of Taos Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This lollipop trail has shaded, rolling trails if you break left and sunny, exposed, steeper inclines if you break right. Both meet at Divisadero Peak (8,300ft). Plan 2–3 hours to complete it; poles can be helpful on the switchback portions.
Lunch
Surely your hunger has returned by now! Head back to town and enjoy lunch at the Bent Street Grille, a casual bistro with a sizable outdoor patio in the John Dunn shopping district. The Rueben sandwich is excellent and they feature a variety of salads and offer a full bar. Walk off lunch with a stroll through the eclectic shops in the area or pick up a cup of coffee at Café Sagrado nearby.
Afternoon
Visit the Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) for an incredibly unique cultural experience. Continuously occupied by Native Americans for nearly 1,000 years, this is the ultimate ‘living culture’ community. You can book a bespoke tour led by a long-time Pueblo resident through Whitefeather Native Cultural Tours. Many Pueblo residents have shops on site where you can buy directly from the maker/artist. You can also pick up breads and cookies that are baked fresh every day in the hornos at the Pueblo, a traditional outdoor, wood-fired, earthen oven.
Dinner
Reserve a table at La Luna @ La Fonda on the plaza for a tantalizing lineup of indigenous inspired dishes utilizing ingredients from North, Central and South America. All ingredients are locally sourced and many recipes go back generations. There has been a hotel on the site of the La Fonda since 1820, with the current building erected in 1937.
Day 2: High Desert Adventure & Relaxation
Breakfast
Today’s suggested hike is a little mellower so you can eat light fare for breakfast. Try the morning espresso bar at Hotel Willa’s onsite restaurant, Juliette. Each morning from 7-11am specialty espresso and teas are available as well as an assortment of decadent breakfast pastries like bacon and green chile scones or pistachio rolls with cardamom.
Morning Hike
Drive to the Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail (up to 20 miles, easy). From this out and back trail you can choose your own adventure and walk as far or as little as you like. The first quarter mile is handicap accessible (on a dirt path). You’ll get breathtaking views of the gorge and the Rio Grande river 600 ft. below. The area is fantastic for photography and spotting wildlife like bighorn sheep.
Afternoon
Unwind at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs (about 30 minutes past the Gorge Bridge). Soak in natural hot springs and enjoy stunning desert views. With 8 different natural mineral hot spring pools you can spend a good amount of time soaking in them all. A full service spa is on site where you can book a massage or spa service or simply enjoy the indoor sauna.
You can take a break from your soaking and head over to The Artesian Restaurant on site (You can even walk over in your swimsuit and robe!). Sophisticated, but casual fare awaits you, as well as an extensive list from the Wine Bar.
Reservations are recommended for spa services or private soaks.
Dinner
After an afternoon of relaxation head back toward Taos, but continue on to Arroyo Seco. Situated in the heart of this cute town, Aceq is consistently rated as a top dining destination in the Taos area. Aceq is a cozy space that features elevated cuisine paired with inventive cocktails for every palette. In the village surrounding Aceq you’ll find plenty of gift shops, vintage clothes, local textiles, beautiful old buildings and gardens; be sure to wander around before you head in for dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Optional Evening
On your way back into the Town of Taos stop to catch live music at Daleee at KTAO. There is live music and entertainment every night of the week. In the summer the ‘backyard’ has an unimpeded view of Taos mountain and sports a casual, local vibe. Late night Argentinian snacks are excellent and there’s even a Tiki bar out back on certain nights.
Day 3: Alpine Beauty, Art & Beer!
Breakfast
Start at Gutiz, a Spanish-French fusion café with amazing “as seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” French Toast, Crêpes, Spanish Tortilla Omelet and strong coffee. Arrive near opening hours to avoid a wait as this is a popular destination.
Morning Hike
Head up to Williams Lake Trail in Taos Ski Valley (4.2 miles, moderate). If you can only do one hike when you’re in Taos, hike Williams Lake. Surrounded by fir forests, this trail leads to a beautiful alpine lake bordered by New Mexico’s highest peaks that will leave you speechless. The lake sits at just over 11,000 feet elevation so bring layers — the weather can [and does] change quickly.
Lunch
After your hike, grab lunch on the deck of The Bavarian, located at the Williams Lake trailhead in Taos Ski Valley. This is a purely German experience with authentic fare like bratwurst, pretzels and schnitzel, which pair perfectly with cold German beers. Treat this as a well-deserved reward after your hike, and you can soak in the epic views of Kachina mountain from the expansive deck.
Afternoon
Visit the Millicent Rogers Museum to explore one of Taos’ most diverse art museums, with pieces originally collected by Millicent Rogers, a Taos socialite and Standard Oil heiress. The museum is known for its Native American work and stunning collection of vintage jewelry, most worn by Millicent herself.
Dinner
Finish out your three days in Taos with the classic – pizza and beer! At Taos Mesa Brewing Taproom you’ll find this everyman meal elevated. Expect a variety of house craft beer and cider as well as locally distilled cocktails. The pizzas are cooked in a giant wood fired oven and feature inventive flavors using local ingredients. Don’t overlook their appetizers and salads, the roasted broccolini with burrata is an unexpected star.
Skip to main content