Taos Monte Bello, NM
How to describe Taos? I have imagined it as a small, mountain town. But it is nothing like it. Going north from Santa Fe, you drive through the mountains and along the Rio Grande, eventually coming to plains with Sangre de Cristos Mountains in the northeast. Actually, these are the same mountains that border Santa Fe (you learn something new every day).
I’m very taken by this expansive terrain. Our campground is west of town, on the high plains, with the Taos Ski Valley peaks right in front. Could not ask for better views.
About 9 miles west of the campground, there’s Rio Grande Gorge. The bridge over the river is 650 feet high. There are trails along the rim and you can also walk across the bridge. The river follows tectonic chasm, the rocks along it are volcanic, mostly basalt. The bridge is just two lanes, with great views north and south. We had fun exploring the walking paths and the bridge.
We took a drive to the Taos Ski Valley, going from 7000 feet to about 9200 feet at the resort base. That’s not a place I could ski, practically vertical! Resort is beautiful, tucked into a valley with a small ski village and lodgings. Along the road, there are 3 primitive campgrounds which we investigated. Just breathtaking with conifers and small stream along the road and snow still up the slope. It was a nice place to walk around and take a break.
When in Taos, a visit to the Pueblo is a must. It is UNESCO World Heritage Site. We took the guided tour, it provided interesting information on history of the Pueblo as well as the customs and daily lives of people living there. Those that live in the Pueblo, do so according to old ways, so no running water, electricity or indoor plumbing is allowed. Our guide commented many times on the nature-based spirituality and their connection to the land, though Christianity (Catholicism) is certainly is certainly part of their current traditions. It is interesting how that they combined these two belief systems.
We could not pass on some local food, Guadelajara Grill was perfect for that. Pork taco platter and some root beer did the trick. Of course, we walked around the Plaza and finally found some ice cream at Manzanita Market . The spiced fig was so yummy! They also had Kouign-Amann, like a sugary croissant, which I could not pass (no pictures, it was gone too fast).
I’m waiting for the sunset now, these have been worth waiting for, I’m looking at the mountains, enjoying the last bit of sunshine.
We will be on our way to Mesa Verde tomorrow.
