Recreation in Taos, New Mexico, Taos Real Estate and Recreation

RECREATION IN TAOS

SKIING

Taos Ski Valley - Just twenty-five minutes from the heart of the town of Taos, Taos Ski Valley is one of the best ski areas in the entire country. The powder is dry, the skies are blue, and the mountain has a good mix of easy terrain with its ferocious steeps. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking, and the green chile stew in the lodge is perfect to warm up your belly. To top it off, their ski school is amazing, so even novice skiers can enjoy.

Angel Fire - If you want smaller crowds and snowboarding is your thing, then travel just east up the canyon from Taos to get to Angel Fire, which has its own ski hill. Smaller than Taos, Angel Fire offers a more intimate arrangement for the family, and the views of the Moreno Valley are superb.

Red River - Like Angel Fire, Red River is smaller than TSV, and also allows snowboarding. It is nestled in a little valley north of Taos, a few miles east of Questa. Its many saloons and barbeque joints give it an Old West sort of charm.

HIKING, CAMPING, AND MOUNTAIN BIKING

While simply walking out your door can qualify as a hike around these parts, the variety of accessible terrain here in the Taos Valley is mind-boggling. The Carson National Forest has hundreds of trails, including some terrific ones along the ski valley road. (Italianos, Yerba, Gavilan...)

There are also some terrific trails along the rim of the gorge, and down to the Rio Grande River itself. The Bureau of Land Management off Cruz Alta offers maps and guides to direct you to the hike that suits you best, and should let you know which trails permit mountain biking. Many of the recreation areas also allow camping so that you can sleep under the stars.

RIVER RAFTING

The Rio Grande is fun to ride in a raft each spring and summer. Late May/early June is usually when the water runs the highest, and many local companies will guide you down. The Box course is for those with a taste for adventure, and the Race Course further south is mellower.

GOLF

Taos Country Club provides a challenging course with beautiful desert scenery. Along with golf, the clubhouse has a nice restaurant and bar, as well as space for banquets or meetings. There is a gift and pro shop on premises as well.

Valle Escondido, a private community on the road to Angel Fire, has its own nine hole golf course as well. Far more rustic than the Taos course, you'll be above 9000 feet, surrounded by mountains, aspen trees, and plenty of quiet.

HEALTH CLUBS

Want your exercise accompanied by saunas and hot tubs? There are two health clubs conveniently located at the opposite ends of town. Each provides an outdoor swimming pool open in the summer, and tennis courts (which can sometimes be used in winter according to the snow). Each facility offers a selection of aerobic classes, yoga, spinning, free-weights, nautilus machines, steam room, sauna, hot tubs, indoor swimming pools, and more. I am sure one will suit your needs—
Northside Health and Fitness (751-1242)
Taos Spa & Tennis Club (758-1980)

LOCAL PARKS

Kit Carson Park - Located within walking distance of the plaza, right in the middle of town, this park is an oasis with a playground for kids. It's also home to many festivals and craft fairs including the well-known Taos Solar Fest held in the summer. This multi-day event brings musicians from around the world in the quest to bring great music to our town and solar energy into the mainstream. We can't forget the Wool Festival, which provides a petting zoo for kids, the Arts and Crafts festival with limitless booths, the classic car show which has awesome wheels, the grand barbecue that everyone agrees is delicious, and more good stuff.

Fred Baca Park - West of town, this park has a newly established conservationist trail that borders wetlands, where one can spot wildlife amongst the cattails. There are picnic and barbeque facilities available, as well as soccer fields, a playground, and basketball and tennis courts.

PUBLIC FACILITIES

The public library in town has books, videos, magazines, and newspapers. For those who don't have it at home or work, Internet service is available and free with a New Mexico driver's license or a library card, or one dollar for out of state residents.

The Don Fernando Swimming Pool - Located downtown on Civic Center Drive, this indoor swimming pool has both lap swim and recreation times. It is a great place for the whole family to enjoy.

The Taos Youth and Family Center is a great place for young folks to get together to play pool, video games, ice skate in the winter, and skateboard in the summer. The ice rink is the site for many great hockey games. Don't worry, there are adult size skates too!

HOT SPRINGS

Taos is lucky to have a couple of Hot Springs nearby. One is located in Arroyo Hondo, and the other in Stagecoach, so just ask any local to direct you, or look for the cars parked by the John Dunne Bridge.