Hiking in Taos, New Mexico
West Rim Trail — Walk along the edges of the gorge with stunning views of the Gorge Bridge. This dirt trail actually goes all the way south to the highway, running along the flat mesa with a slow downgrade from the bridge area. Parking: Just past the bridge, there is a recreation area pull-off area and parking lot.
Trail Info & Profile
Overlook Trails — These trails offer a network of single-track and two-track trails with intermediate difficulty, providing scenic views of the Taos Valley and the Rio Grande Gorge. The area is popular for hiking and mountain biking. Parking: There are dirt parking lots at the trailheads, which can get muddy after rain.
South Boundary and Devisadero Trails — This trail system offers a challenging and scenic experience, with the South Boundary Trail winding through forests and meadows and the Devisadero Trail climbing to the peak for panoramic views. The area is popular for hiking and mountain biking. Parking: A shared parking lot for both trails is located on Highway 64.
John Dunn Bridge Area — This historic area centers around the bridge crossing the Rio Grande, which was originally a toll bridge built in 1908. It’s a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and as a put-in for whitewater rafting the “Taos Box” section of the river. Parking: Parking is available lots and spots along the dirt road around the bridge area.
Black Rock Hot Springs — Situated on the west bank of the Rio Grande near the John Dunn Bridge, these natural hot springs offer a primitive and often-visited bathing experience. The temperature of the pools can vary depending on the river level. Parking: Park on the road near the John Dunn Bridge.
Waterfall Hike in El Salto — This hike leads to El Salto del Agua Cave and Waterfall, a beautiful and historic spot in the Arroyo Seco area. Parking: A parking area for the falls is located at the end of El Salto Rd.
Williams Lake & Wheeler Peak — The hike to Williams Lake offers a stunning alpine experience, leading to a beautiful lake nestled at the base of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point at 13,167 feet tall. The hike to Wheeler Peak itself is a challenging ascent with rewarding views from the summit. Parking: A parking lot is available at the trailhead on the backside of Taos Ski Valley en route to The Bavarian.
Bull of the Woods to Wheeler Peak — This is a challenging hike that starts at Taos Ski Valley village and ascends to Wheeler Peak. The trail passes through the Bull of the Woods Pasture, offering beautiful high-altitude meadows and a variety of scenery. Parking: Taos Ski Valley parking lot.
Gold Hill — The Gold Hill Trail is a demanding hike that leads to a 12,716-foot summit, offering exceptional views of the surrounding mountains and canyons. This mountain is the highest point in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness. Parking: Taos Ski Valley parking lot.
Wild Rivers BLM — A part of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, this area is where the Rio Grande and Red River converge in a dramatic canyon. The hike down to the convergance is steep single track with switchbacks. Visitors can find campgrounds, picnic facilities, and trails for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Parking: Day use parking is available at the trailheads within the recreation area.
Rio Grande del Norte — This national monument features a vast landscape of high plains, volcanic cones, and the deep gorge carved by the Rio Grande. It offers a wide range of recreational activities, including whitewater rafting, hiking, and camping, with a unique ecosystem and rich history.