Autumn at the John Dunn Bridge area, about 20 minutes from the center of Taos, New Mexico. Video: Escape Brooklyn

Set between the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos carries a mix of rugged landscape and deeply rooted creative culture. The shifts in light define the place: long shadows stretching across the mesas, soft winter sun on adobe walls, and a muted palette that feels distinct to northern New Mexico.

Though compact, town life moves at an unhurried pace: coffee at a local hub, wandering through art galleries, an afternoon hike above the river, and dinners in cozy, mountain-adjacent spaces.

To the EB team, the surrounding landscape is the best part of the experience. The Low Road into Taos, following the Rio Grande through Pilar and Dixon, is the most scenic approach, passing cliffs, cottonwoods, and entry points to some of the region’s best hiking. Days easily alternate between exploring the rive corridor, driving out to Ojo Caliente for a soak, and taking a longer loop toward Abiquiú and Ghost Ranch, where Georgia O’Keeffe famously lived and worked. 

Just north of town, Taos Ski Valley adds another dimension, especially in winter. Tucked high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the resort is known for steep, challenging terrain and a low-key, unfussy atmosphere that mirrors Taos itself. Even outside ski season, the drive into the valley is worth making, with alpine trails, summer wildflowers, and cooler mountain air offering a sharp contrast to the high desert below.

Together, these elements shape Taos into a destination that balances art, culture, and high-desert quiet — with real access to the mountains year-round.

Left to right: a hot air balloon floats through the Rio Grande Gorge at daybreak near the John Dunn Bridge area; middle, in the same location, bighorn sheep are a common sighting on hiking trails. Right: a building at Ojo Caliente, a hot springs resort near Taos.

Most of Taos’ best browsing happens near the intersection of Kit Carson Road and Paseo del Pueblo (aka Route 68), where small galleries, independent boutiques, and a handful of long-running shops sit within an easy walking loop.

Starr Gallery is a highlight: a beautifully curated space specializing in Zapotec weavings, many featuring intricate geometrics, rich palettes, and traditional motifs. It feels like one of the most authentically “Taos” experiences in town. Nearby, Kimosabe brings a fun mix of vintage, antiques, and desert-inspired curiosities, a great stop for anyone who likes pieces with character.

A block or two away, the Taos Plaza has additional shops and cafés, though it leans more touristy. The side streets leading away from the Plaza — especially along Kit Carson — tend to offer a nicer mix of galleries and small-scale retail.

For something more contemporary, the very cute Cabot Plaza is home to Everywhere, created by the founder of Chicago’s Asrai Garden, with fine jewelry, artisan-made goods, home décor, and pieces that nod to a midcentury desert sensibility. A few doors down, The Arc, anewera carries tailored and vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories in a small studio-like space. They make good companion shops: different perspectives, equally thoughtful.

Farther north, the John Dunn Shops offer a quiet outdoor pedestrian area with a mix of small stores. Common Thread is the one to seek out — a textiles shop ideal for anyone drawn to fabrics, vintage textiles, sewing, and creative projects. It’s easy to pop in here on the way to or from Bent Street, where MoMo offers another refined edit of ceramics, jewelry, and design objects.

The San Francisco de Asis Church is an 18th-century, still-active church, a modern art icon, and a Taos landmark, built in the early 1800s. Photo: Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn.

Just beyond downtown, Taos Pueblo offers a deeper connection to the region’s Indigenous history. As a UNESCO World Heritage site continuously inhabited for over a thousand years, its multi-story adobe structures are some of the most iconic in the Southwest. Visitors can walk the historic grounds, browse artist-run shops, and stop into simple Pueblo cafés for frybread or baked goods.

In Ranchos de Taos, the San Francisco de Asís Mission Church — built in the 1700s — is worth a short stop. Its sculptural adobe form is one of the most photographed churches in America, and seeing it in person adds meaningful context to the area’s long-standing artistic identity. (It was one of Georgia O’Keeffe’s subjects, too.) Go early or ate the in the day to catch a softer light.

Hiking along the Rio Grande Gorge, dressed in autumn colors, near Pilar, NM. Photo: Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn.

The Rio Grande Gorge defines much of the landscape around Taos, and the best way to understand it is through its contrasting perspectives: wide-open rim trails, intimate in-gorge routes, and the rugged river corridor surrounding the John Dunn Bridge.

Above the gorge, the Rift Valley and West Rim Overlook trails trace the edge of volcanic cliffs with panoramic, big-sky views. These rim routes are spacious and straightforward, offering an immediate sense of scale without strenuous climbs — ideal for long, steady walks with uninterrupted horizon lines.

Down inside the gorge along the Low Road, the trail networks that begin near Pilar offer a more immersive experience. La Vista Verde reveals one of the canyon’s most dramatic bends, opening onto the river framed by steep basalt walls. La Senda del Medio is a moderate, varied route that begins at river level before climbing through sections of volcanic rock. The footing shifts between smooth desert tread and scrambly rock, requiring moments of balance, but the payoff is exceptional: elevated overlooks that sit just above the water and offer some of the most beautiful river views in the region. Short, scenic loops near the Rio Pueblo Campground provide additional access points and quiet spots close to the river. (Download maps for any of these hikes ahead of time; there is no service in the gorge.)

The John Dunn Bridge area offers yet another perspective. While not a formal trail system, a switchback dirt road climbs from the river to the canyon’s upper edge — an easy, one-mile ascent that looks steeper from below than it feels. The views expand quickly with each turn, revealing broad stretches of the river and surrounding cliffs. Wildlife sightings are common; a herd of bighorn sheep often frequents the slopes. In warmer months, the riverbank becomes a popular swimming and fishing spot.

The iconic Chimney Rock, on the Chimney Rock trail – at Ghost Ranch. Photo: Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn.

To experience the region’s artistic lineage, plan a day in Abiquiú, where Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio offer a rare window into her landscape. Just beyond, Ghost Ranch provides additional trails and tours, along with an inn that makes an overnight stay especially appealing. Do the Chimney Rock and/or Box Canyon trails (both listed here.)

For a restorative break, Ojo Caliente lies about an hour from Taos. Mineral pools, steam rooms, piñon-fed outdoor fireplaces, and wide sagebrush hills set a lovely rhythm. If there’s extra time, wander the on-property paths leading to the remains of an ancient village, where pottery fragments still surface along the trail edges.

Last, a longer day but memorable add-on includes Great Dunes National Park, home of the USA’s tallest sand dunes. It’s great if you’re planning a longer roadtrip, and within striking distance of Colorado’s ultra-laid-back hot springs resorts like Joyful Journey and Valley View.

For the best overall food and vibe, our pick is The Stakeout — though it’s primarily an event space, open to the public only for Sunday dinners and somewhat seasonal. Check their Instagram for current hours. Photo c/o The Stakeout.

Taos’ food scene is compact but thoughtful, anchored by a mix of long-standing New Mexican staples and newer design-forward spots. Tomorrow & Tomorrow is a standout for coffee, house sourdough, sandwiches, and a small menu of “toasts” that are better than they have any right to be — the chocolate version especially. On weekend nights, the café shifts into a relaxed natural-wine-and-pizza setup, with counter service and a mellow local crowd.

Alternates for breakfast and lunch include Manzanita Market, which offers bright, fresh options in a sunny, easygoing space, while La Cueva provides an affordable, reliable take on New Mexican classics. Orlando’s is another beloved choice for a casual midday meal.

Hotel Willa’s restaurant Juliette delivers on vibe. The boutique hotel chain has outposts in Palm Springs, San Diego, Big Bear and Los Angeles. Photo: Patrick Chin.

Evenings offer a tight but excellent group of restaurants. SUCHNESS is often mentioned as one of Taos’ most compelling dinner experiences, with contemporary American dishes served in an intimate setting. Aceq, in Arroyo Seco, feels under the radar and cozy, with exceptional comforting, seasonal plates. For a truly memorable meal, make a reservation at The Love Apple for atmospheric dining inside a restored chapel.

Corner Office has the region’s strongest natural-wine list and a small menu of tapas-style plates, making it a great stop for a relaxed, modern evening. Hotel Willa’s restaurant, Juliette, is another appealing option, especially for travelers staying in town, with a warm, design-forward space and a menu built around seasonal ingredients. And when timing aligns, The Stakeout opens seasonally on Sundays above the gorge — a striking place to end the day, with sunset views and occasional live music.

Earthships — off-grid homes built from earth and recycled materials — line the mesa outside Taos. Photo from “Spectacular Earthship” c/o Airbnb.

Taos has a mix of small hotels and well-designed rentals, with a few standouts worth considering. Hotel Willa is the most reliable modern option, with simple, comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant (Juliette) that makes evenings easy.

The Taos Inn is the classic in-town stay. Rooms vary in size and style, but the lobby fireplace is great on cold nights, and its Adobe Bar is a fun, casual spot for a happy hour drink or live music. (There’s a formal restaurant on site, as well.)

Out on the mesa, Luna Mystica offers a vintage-trailer setup that grew out of the Southwest glamping trend. It’s more of a novelty stay than a comfort-driven one, though travelers enjoy the open mesa views and throwback vibe.

For something more rooted deeply in Taos’ unique artistic scene and earthy culture, booking an Earthship is a unique opportunity. There are dozens, but Modern Earthship on the Mesa, Spectacular Earthship and Taos Mesa Studio Earthship are standouts. Other notable Airbnbs include adobe casitas and other cozy Southwest homes. Taos is all about laid-back living, and a vacation rental makes it easy to settle into the rhythm here — especially for an extended stay, which the town more than rewards.