Nestled in the rugged beauty of northern New Mexico, Taos Ski Valley is not just a winter sports wonderland but also a paradise for hikers. With towering peaks, lush alpine forests, and breathtaking vistas, the valley offers some of the most stunning trails in the Southwest. Whether you’re a casual explorer or a seasoned mountaineer, there’s a hike for you. Here are the top 9 hikes in Taos Ski Valley.
1. Wheeler Peak Summit via Williams Lake Trail
Distance: 8.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,961 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
As the tallest mountain in New Mexico at 13,161 feet, Wheeler Peak is a must-do for avid hikers who want to experience true Taos Elevation! The trail starts at the Williams Lake trailhead and just before reaching Williams Lake, the Wheeler Summit Trail intersects and ascends up switchbacks, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wildlife sightings, including marmots and bighorn sheep, add to the allure of this challenging and rewarding trek.
2. Williams Lake Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
If you only have time for one hike in Taos Ski Valley, this is the trail for you. With a shorter but equally scenic adventure, the Williams Lake Trail is a perfect option. This well-maintained path winds through alpine meadows and spruce forests, leading to a serene alpine lake surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Sangre de Cristos. It’s an excellent choice for families or those acclimating to the Taos elevation before tackling Wheeler Peak.
3. Italianos Canyon Trail
Distance: 7.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
Difficulty: Hard
This enchanting trail crisscrosses a cascading creek through a vibrant forest of aspens and mixed conifers. In the fall, the golden aspens create are a breathtaking canopy, making it a favorite among photographers and nature lovers. The gradual incline makes Italianos Canyon an excellent choice for intermediate hikers.
4. Gold Hill Trail
Distance: 11.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,311 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Gold Hill offers sweeping views of the Taos and Taos Ski Valley. The trek includes open meadows, dense forests, and alpine tundra, culminating at the 12,711-foot elevation summit. Connect with Long Canyon Trail for a wonderful loop hike. On clear days, hikers can see as far as Colorado. The strenuous elevation gain makes this a rewarding challenge.
5. Yerba Canyon Trail & Lobo Peak
Distance: 8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,915 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Yerba Canyon is a hidden treasure featuring aspen and willows, then spruce and fir toward the ridge and topping out on Lobo Peak with spectacular mountain vistas at 12,115 ft. Because it is less traveled, it offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in nature. The wildflowers in the summer are particularly stunning.
6. Lobo Peak Trail
Distance: 10.7 miles one way
Elevation Gain: 215 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This spectacular ridge line trail connects Lobo Peak (12,115 ft.) and Gold Hill (12,711 ft.) plus seven other trails to create numerous day loop hikes or multi-day trips. Once on Lobo or Gold Hill peaks, hikers can ‘bag’ both peaks in the same day.
7. Manzanita Canyon Trail
Distance: 8.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,450 feet
Difficulty: Hard
One of the most challenging hikes in the area, Manzanita Canyon Trail boasts incredible elevation gain, rugged terrain, and numerous creek crossings. The effort is well worth it, as hikers are treated to unparalleled views of Wheeler Peak and the surrounding wilderness once they reach the ridge line. This trail connects with Yerba Canyon to
create a loop hike.
8. Long Canyon Trail
Distance: 7.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
A lush and shaded trail, Long Canyon is perfect for those looking to experience the high-altitude beauty of Taos without the crowds. The forested path gradually climbs, then opens up to a series of small meadows, topping out to gorgeous views of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness and Taos Ski Valley.
9. Bull-of-the-Woods/Wheeler Peak Trail
Distance: 14.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,761 feet
Difficulty: Hard
This adventurous trail provides a fantastic alternative route to Wheeler Peak while also leading to Gold Hill. It offers incredible backcountry scenery, diverse landscapes, and the thrill of high-altitude above tree line hiking. By mid-June, the tundra flowers will bloom and provide a spectacular show for the rest of the summer. There is a good chance of spotting the resident herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.
Final Thoughts
Taos Ski Valley is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with hikes catering to all levels of experience. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk through wildflowers or a heart- pumping ascent to a mountain summit, these trails promise unforgettable experiences. Please be safe when hiking in the mountains and consider starting your journey earlier in the morning to avoid the afternoon monsoons which are prevalent in the summer months. Pack plenty of water, dress in layers, and prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty of northern New Mexico. Happy hiking!