Visiting Taos Pueblo – World Heritage Site in New Mexico

Taos Pueblo is a must-see on your visit to northern New Mexico. Located just outside the main tourism area of modern Taos, it is the largest surviving multi-storied Pueblo structure in the United States. It is an amazing place and an important stop when you tour the area.

Taos Pueblo has been designated a National Historic Landmark.  Taos Pueblo is also on the United Nations World Heritage List.

History of Taos
Taos Pueblo is the northernmost of the nineteen Indian Pueblos. It is still owned by Pueblo families, some of whom live in the multi-story building, bake their bread in the hornos and farm in the valley. The Pueblo you will see on your visit was reportedly built around 1350, although the Taos people claim that they have always been settled in the valley.

When you visit New Mexico it is important to know a little history. Pay special attention to The Pueblo Revolt. The Pueblo people were mistreated by the Spanish and their spiritual practices forbidden. They collectively made the decision to revolt against the Spanish.  The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 was planned at Taos Pueblo. The revolt is an amazing story of determination and creative communication between the Pueblo peoples across New Mexico.

A runner coordinated efforts between the Pueblos who then revolted against the Spanish as a united effort. Spanish settlers fled to Santa Fe and Isleta Pueblo, one of the few Pueblos that did not participate in the revolt. The Puebloans then attacked the Governor’s Palace in Santa Fe driving the Spanish out of the city.

By the end of the century, however, the Spanish had re-conquered the Pueblos. Today, you will see certain pueblos take the step to return to their original names, giving up the Spanish names that were originally forced on them. The revolt continues in this small way.

Visiting Taos Pueblo
The Pueblo is generally open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, except when tribal rituals require closing the Pueblo. Late winter to early Spring the Pueblo closes for about ten weeks. The pueblo recommends that you call ahead if you’ll be visiting during this time. 505.758.1028.

Tourist Fees

Adult admission: $16 per person

Senior Rate: $14 per person

Students (11 and up, includes college with ID) $14 per person

Group Rate (8 or more Adults): $14 per person

Children 10 and under: Free

Camera Fees
Camera, cell phone and video fee may apply

You can take a self-guided walking tour with a map. Everything you will want to see, and are allowed to see, is around the main plaza.  

You can also go with a guide. Ask at the Visitor’s Building. The guides are usually available by 9 a.m. The 30 minute guided walking tours operate on a gratuity basis. No reservations are required for the tour and I highly encourage the tours as they are very informative and provide a source of income for the guides.

Taos Pueblo Things to See

I never cease to be amazed at the construction and beauty of the multi-story Pueblo buildings. You’ll recognize the architecture as artists across the United States have painted these beautiful buildings.

The beautiful San Geronimo Chapel is open to visitors and the outside is often photographed. You are not allowed to photograph the inside.

Visit the shops around the plaza. They are clearly marked. Each shop is also a part of the Pueblo building and is owned, as a home, by a family. The insides are all different. Some are just like they have always been and some have been modernized.

When you visit the shops look for items that are unique to Taos Pueblo. They are known for their micaceous pottery which has flecks of shiny mica in it. They are also known for their hide drums.

If you arrive in the morning, consider making a breakfast of one of the pastries baked in a horno oven. Freshly baked turnovers and breads are made by the locals and sold outside their homes.

Throughout the year, according to the ceremonial calendar, you may see some of the religious dances. If you happen to be at Taos Pueblo on one of these days, you will encounter a very special opportunity. Calendar of Events

Pueblo Etiquette
Taos Pueblo has rules which are typical of most pueblos. It is important to refrain from photography of people without permission. If there is a sign that tells you not to enter, respect the sign. This is a living pueblo with families residing there and ceremonial activity taking place.

There are times when the pueblo is closed and so it is always useful to call ahead.

Restrooms are at the Visitors Center so please do not ask to use facilities elsewhere.

How to Get to Taos Pueblo From Santa Fe:

The Taos Pueblo is approximately a one and a half hour drive north from central Santa Fe. Ask for directions to Highway 285. It is an absolutely beautiful drive. Follow Highway 285 for approximately 23 miles. Then turn onto Highway 68 and follow for 45 miles to the north. Highway 68 becomes Paseo del Pueblo Sur in Taos. Continue through the center of town. 1 mile from center of town, turn Right onto Veteran’s Highway and follow to the end at Taos Pueblo. Map

More Information

Taos Pueblo Website
Visiting the Town of Taos
The High Road from Santa Fe to Taos

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose

Photo: Quiet Time in a Taos Gallery

A local takes a break in a quiet corner of a Taos art gallery.
The tourists come and go but in the off season, the locals resume their lives
in beautiful Taos, New Mexico

2012: Best Travel Experiences

Discovering our United States and attractions in my own backyard proved to be my best travel experiences for 2012.

Jacksonville, Florida: Spring was an ideal time to visit northern Florida. Weather was mild and sometimes rainy. A trip to Jacksonville, left me with memories of white beaches and great seafood. I highly recommend a little place in Mayport, Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Scottsdale in March is ideal for sitting by the pool, gallery hopping, enjoying the outdoor Native Trails presentation and attending the Heard Indian Market in Phoenix. The Saguaro in downtown Scottsdale was a vibrant, yet relaxing place... a great base for exploring Scottsdale on foot. Later in the week I experienced the culinary delights of the Hyatt Regency. Strolling the lush grounds of the Hyatt and sitting by the pool was an ideal way to rest up after a busy week.

Taos, New Mexico: In Taos, it was a year of remarkable women. I enjoyed hearing about such special women as Standard Oil heiress, Millicent Rogers. I enjoyed a few days in lovely Taos and found a special place to dine in an old adobe church. You might want to give The Love Apple a try.

Santa Fe, New Mexico: There is so much to do and see in Santa Fe, especially during the summer. Summer is festival time! The contemporary and traditional Spanish Markets take place in July on The Plaza. Following Spanish Market is the world-famous Santa Fe Indian Market. This year's Indian Market was expanded to a week of activities including a Native Film Festival. 

Northern New Mexico: Fall is a special time in northern New Mexico. There are art tours, open studios and beautiful scenery. I especially enjoyed the High Road Art Tour and my time spent in Truchas, New Mexico. And, Fall is not complete without photographing the beautiful golden aspen in the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the striking cottonwoods on the High Road to Taos. 

Bosque Redondo (Ft. Sumner), New Mexico:  A day trip from Santa Fe, a pilgrimage of sorts, took me to the small town of Ft. Sumner and the Bosque Redondo Memorial. This area was the destination of "The Long Walk," when the Navajo people were removed from their traditional homeland in Arizona and forced to endure a 450 mile walk to Bosque Redondo in the mid 1800's.

Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico:  A December visit to Zuni Pueblo allowed me to witness part of the Shalako winter ritual. Huge 9 foot Kachinas arrived in the old village and ended their ceremonial time by having an endurance race in front of the mostly Zuni crowd. It was a memorable visit to a special place.

Portland, Oregon: After Zuni, it was off to Portland and Vancouver, WA . The Southwest has been suffering from drought and so the sight of the Columbia River, a bit of rain and the snow-capped mountains were welcome. While in Portland, I was introduced to Portland Food Adventures, an excellent way to dine around Portland, a major destination for foodies.

2012 was a year to explore both coasts of the United States and savor the food, festivals and history of New Mexico, right in my own backyard.

Photos Copyright: Elizabeth Rose Photography 

In Love with Northern New Mexico: Villages, Folk Art and Mountains

When you go to New Mexico, you must travel to Santa Fe and on to the mountain villages of northern New Mexico. Many of the towns and farms were original Spanish land grants and many of the original families have descendants living there.

Georgia O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch

When you travel the winding roads of northern New Mexico you will find surprises at every turn. With mountain views, clear blue skies and old adobe churches, the vistas will keep you entranced and pulling out your camera to capture the beauty. But you will also find surprises. Northern New Mexico is home to many artists ranging from traditional carvers to world class artists who have escaped from such art-rich areas as New York and southern California. I love northern New Mexico. Here are some highlights that may just get you thinking about a trip to this beautiful, often untouched area of the United States. 

Abiquiu

Georgia O'Keeffe fell in love with the Abiquiu area and you will too. The verdant valleys and fascinating rock formations captured her artistic interest. You can visit Ghost Ranch and take a Georgia O'Keefe "Landscape Tour" to see where she painted. By appointment, you can tour her Abiquiu home. It is simple adobe, traditional for the area. Her studio and home has been left much as it was when she lived there.  Abiquiu can be reached by driving north from Santa Fe to Espanola. Follow signs to Highway 84 to Chama. More on Georgia O'Keeffe's New Mexico.

Fun at Elkhorn Lodge in Chama

Chama

The drive to Chama via Abiquiu is a beautiful one, especially in the fall. Whether you want to ride the Cumbres and Toltec excursion train and see golden aspens or relax at the ElkhornLodge and enjoy the sounds of the river, you'll enjoy a getaway to the Chama area. More on Chama.

Santuario de Chimayo

Chimayo

The main draw to the village of Chimayo is the world-famous Santuario de Chimayo, a fascinating little chapel where miracles are said to occur. At Easter, Chimayo becomes a destination for the faithful. The Good Friday procession, the Easter Pilgrimage, is an amazing sight. During Holy Week thousands of pilgrims journey to Santuario de Chimayó.  They leave from their homes, or their cars parked on the roadside, to walk 10, 20, 30, or even 100 miles to reach Chimayo.

Chimayo is also home to traditional weavers who have been there for many generations. Their art is found on walls of homes, vests and coats, and even on tables as runners and placemats.  You'll have the opportunity to visit weavers' studios. We drove down a country path, parked next to an orchard and enjoyed visiting the studio of Irvin Trujillo and his wife, Lisa (Centinela Traditional Arts). 

Ortega's Weaving Shop in Chimayo

Irvin, a seventh-generation weaver, descended from Don Gabriel Ortega, the first Ortega in Chimayo. The Trujillos have been in the area since the latter part of the 18th Century. Weaving has been an important part of Chimayo history and economy since the early 19th century. 

Another great stop is Ortega's weaving shop. Ortega's is probably the best-known weaving shop in the area. Many visitors don't realize that the original family homestead is part of the current building complex.

In the early 1900s the Ortega family opened a general store on the site. They sold weavings as well as everyday items. As more people discovered Santa Fe and the beautiful traditions of New Mexico, the demand for the weavings increased and today, the once general store, sells only the Ortega weavings along with area jewelry and pottery. The business has evolved so that the Ortegas now employ other local weavers to weave garments with their designs.

Truchas Church

High Road to Taos

One of the best ways to experience northern New Mexico is to drive the High Road to Taos. You'll be following Highway 76 most of the way. Map

On the High Road you'll encounter mission churches, little villages, farms and art studios. One of the best times to drive the High Road is in September during the High Road Art Tour. Many of the destinations I am highlighting in this article are along the High Road.

Getting to the High Road from Santa Fe (one way): Coming from Santa Fe and heading north on Hwy. 285/84 turn right (east) onto SR 503. Turn left (north) onto SR 98 (520). Turn right (east) onto SR 76. Continue along SR 76. Turn right (east) on to SR 75 in Penasco. Continue along SR 75. Turn left (north) on to SR 518 and continue along SR 518. The byway ends in Rancho de Taos where SR 518 junctions with SR 68.

Ortiz Carving Shop

Cordova Wood Carvers

If you travel the High Road to Taos, you'll leave Chimayo and travel higher and see a sign for Cordova. Head down into the valley to enjoy this traditional village and their traditional wood carving craft. There are two main shops that are usually open. First, you will come to the shop and home of Sabinita Lopez Ortiz. Follow the sign to the side of the home and a family member will greet you. Once in the shop, you will be wowed by the beautiful carvings done by this family. My favorites are the Nativity scenes.

Farther up the little road, you will find a sign to Gloria's shop. Follow the road up to her home and shop and ring the bell. Hopefully someone will be home so you can enjoy her shop, her award-winning carvings and, perhaps, buy a piece or two to take home.

Leaving Cordova and returning to the main road will put you back on the High Road to Taos. Truchas will be your next stop.

Truchas Buildings

Truchas

Truchas (Spanish for trout) will surprise you. It is a little village of, perhaps, 1,000 people. The inhabitants seem equally divided between local land grant families and accomplished artists. They live amicably together in a beautiful, untouched, village on the side of a valley with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

You can visit galleries, photograph the quaint adobe homes and church and walk along the road that will make you feel as though you are hundreds of miles from civilization as we know it. Don't be surprised if a little herd of goats (and one sheep) amble down the road in search of a patch of green to nibble on.

Low Road to Taos (The Rio Grande Gorge)

Taos Gorge

Sometimes in the high desert, you crave rushing water. And a drive along the Low Road to Taos will provide you with just that. The stretch of NM 68 from Espanola to Taos will take you through one of the most scenic areas of northern New Mexico. The Rio Grande Gorge is a deep volcanic canyon running through the rugged high desert of northern New Mexico.

You'll encounter white water rafters and kayakers as you travel. Boating within the Recreation Area can be extremely hazardous. All boaters must register or obtain a permit at the Visitor Center or Little Arsenic Trailhead prior to launching. (BLM). There are outfitters in the Taos/Pilar area.

You'll also find beautiful vistas, a winery or two and fruit stands where you can pick up some fresh fruit from the local orchards.

More Information on Northern New Mexico

New Mexico Tourism
Discovering Santa Fe and New Mexico

Photography copyright: Elizabeth Rose Photography

Lighting Ledoux: December 10th Holiday Event in Taos, NM

Saturday, December 10, 5-7:30 p.m. marks the 15^th December that families from northern New Mexico and visitors to Taos will gather downtown for an annual holiday tradition — the Lighting Ledoux. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with a parade down Ledoux Street led by the Taos Volunteer Fire Department’s historic truck Maria. There is also a rumor that Father Winter will be hitching a ride on Maria, en route to the Harwood Museum where he will have a sack full of presents for all children. Ledoux, the oldest street in Taos, will be lined with farolitos and luminarias marking the beginning of the holiday season. The Town of Taos will close Ledoux Street for the all ages free block party.

Museums, galleries, businesses and artist studios will be open with music, refreshments, entertainment and other surprises. Highlights include special one night prices at Andean Software, demonstrations at Shree Yoga, flamenco dancing at TurnStyle, pizza specials at Stella’s Restaurant, traditional music and treats at Inger Jirby Gallery, a bonfire and hot drinks in the Blumenschein Courtyard, felting demonstrations at Taos Fiber Arts, discounts on Aveda products at Salon Marjorie and cookies at the Harwood Museum of Art.  In addition, accomplished musician Audrey Davis will be playing the violin at the Blumenschein Museum Shop.  

Wrapping up the evening at 7 p.m.,the Runway Vigilantes will perform a 1940s inspired fashion show at ReNeux Consignment. Designers and stylists include Tatyana Di Pavloff, Nina Silfverburg, Nigel Kee, Laine Ember, Wendy Willis Price, Paloma Navarette, Michael Simone Regnier, Sarah Norris, Diana Rogers, and Shawna Yambire. Special guest models include Johnny Long, John Bucelli and Suki Mierzewski.


WHAT: Lighting Ledoux in Taos, N.M.
Participating businesses and organizations include Jackies Trading Post, ReNeux Consignment, Andean Software, Shree Yoga, Stella’s Italian Restaurant, Inger Jirby Gallery, E.L. Blumenschein Home & Museum, Baumann Gallery, R.C. Gorman Navajo Gallery, Blumenschein Studio Gallery, O’Malley Studio, Taos Fiber Arts, Salon Majorie, the Town of Taos and the Harwood Museum of Art.

WHERE: Along Ledoux Street and the Harwood Museum of Art of UNM, 238 Ledoux Street, Taos, NM
Directions: The Harwood Museum of Art is located on historic Ledoux Street, just south of, and within walking distance of, the Taos Plaza.  If driving, turn west onto Camino de la Placita and go 0.1 mi. west onto Ledoux Street, and 0.1 mi.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 10, 5-7:30 p.m.

Another Restaurant Recommendation for Taos - It's Not Trendy!

Dale, a friend of mine from our international walking club added to the list:
Dale Boone suggests... Ricky's Restaurant 312 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur in Taos. It is not trendy, but boy, the food sure is good!

Tips from Friends Visiting Taos - Have a burger!

My friends headed to Taos and I, of course, told them the best places to find New Mexican cuisine. Having minds of their own they chose to dine on hamburgers! After hearing their comments about Five Star Hamburgers, I was determined to try it out myself on my next venture to Taos.

From my friends:

Don't be put off by it's location on the Route 68 retail "strip." Five Star Burgers is a fast food joint with a bar. In fact, get there between 4 and 6 and you can have sliders and other bar food for $1 to $1.25.

We chose the Five Star Burger which is made with local grass fed, antibiotic free beef, gorgonzola cheese and applewood bacon. Delicious! Best burger I've had since The Red Devon in Stanfordville NY. Along with sweet potato fries and green chili mayo-I'm stuffed. I may try to force down an ice cream shooter (whatever that is. )

You learn something new about your friends at each visit. This time I learned that these New York/Phoenix residents know their burgers!

Five Star Burgers has locations in both Taos and Albuquerque.



Photo Credit: Five Star Burgers

What's in a Name? Hotel Owner Tells Staff to Ditch Their Names

This really frosted me. In multi-cultural Taos, New Mexico where people go to soak in the culture and beauty, a new hotel owner notified his Hispanic staff that they were to ditch their names and take on Anglo names. In the USA Today article, it describes a possibly ignorant approach by the hotel owner. Apparently once he "arrived at the Taos hotel, he banned hotel employees from speaking Spanish in his presence, directed some to Anglicize their names and fired several Hispanic employees."

Fortunately the community of Taos, who value their Native American and Hispanic roots, protested and the hotel-owner was soon "educated." The name of the hotel is The Whitten Inn, just in case you might be visiting Taos. The website is still under the former name... Paragon Inn.

Travel Writer Unblocked

I enjoyed the tour of northern New Mexico's pottery makers so much, that was my inspiration for a series of articles on Southwest US Travel. I focused, for now, on two potters that I met on that trip. The first was Felipe Ortega and the second, Kevin and JoAnne De Keuster. They are all in rural New Mexico and driving to their studios is half the pleasure of the trip.

The second half is meeting and spending time with the potters. Felipe creates cooking pots from micaceous clay and is a fascinating person who speaks several languages, reads several more and is an Apache Medicine Man.

The DeKeusters have created a work/live retreat on a hillside overlooking rolling hills with evergreens. I was in awe of the beauty of northern New Mexico. My articles will lead you to some awesome potters with fascinating tales to tell.

Confessions of a Travel Writer - Liz Style

I just got back from a travel writer's tour of northern New Mexico. It was just fantastic and I'm going to enjoy writing about it. But between you and me, there were some things that just weren't right. Warning: Watch out for the low light rant!

I checked in to the absolutely gorgeous, newly remodeled St. Francis Hotel and had lunch in their new corner restaurant. The waiter was so friendly and professional and we found since it was Sunday that there was a brunch menu. I hate eggs, but the waiter and the cook were extrememly accommodating and I ended up with a blue corn chicken enchilada, calabacitas and beans.... wonderful!

After I checked in to my room, I enjoyed some time with my friends who live near The Plaza, went to dinner at Maria's with my travel writer friends and returned to find.... dark, dim lighting in the room. I suppose it was romantic, but since I was traveling alone, it didn't put me in the mood. It just made it hard to unpack and check my itinerary for the next day.

OK, here goes. Here's where I say what I don't say in my official writings. Whether it be a rant or a rave, here I can let it all out!

Low Light Rant

So I returned to my gorgeous room decorated in elegant minimalist style and found that I could barely see in the mirror. The basin was in the bedroom, actually. It was one of those trendy high basins. But the mirror was small, and located directly behind the basin. There was no way I, with my nearsightedness, could get close to the mirror. And there was a simple decorative globe to light the sink area. It did have a dimmer switch but it only went from lightly dim to really dim!

I brushed what I believe were my teeth and went to bed wondering how on earth I was going to put on my make-up in the morning. I finally decided that I would wait until sunrise and then open the curtains to take on this challenge.

Let the Sunhine In

Good morning! I looked forward to a day of traveling in Santa Fe and gleefully opened the curtains waiting for dawn. When the sun came up, the glare in the one and only mirror was blinding. I tried my best to comb my hair, put make up on and check my attire in this little mirror with the dark lightbulb. We became weird sort of friends as I almost sent my back into spasms leaning around the basin to check whether my lipstick was actually on my lips.

I have to admit that I am an elder and thought that I'd be the only one who had this issue at the Hotel St. Francis, but lo and behold, a 30-something travel writer had the same issues. A 50-something writer chimed in that she wished she could see in the mirror as well and couldn't.

Another High End Hotel with Miserable Lighting

Toward the end of the stay, we checked in to the beautiful, eclectic, art-filled resort and spa in Taos named El Monte Sagrado. I was pretty excited to be assigned the Crazy Horse suite (named after South Dakota's Chief Crazy Horse) as had climbed the mountain where they are sculpting his likeness.

But I digress.... I walked into the suite and immediately had to open the curtains. It was another low-light nightmare! The whole resort was decorated in this meant-to be-soothing low-light. My suite was like others in the American Indian wing. It had "romantic, soothing, relaxing" low light. Bah Humbug! If I want romance, I'll light a few candles!

I have to give El Monte Sagrado some credit. They had a long counter for toiletries and had installed one of those lighted make-up mirrors so I could actually see my face without breaking my back leaning over yet another raised sink. But OMG... the adjustable make-up mirror didn't adjust as far as light went. It was low light or nothing! And, there was no way to let sunlight into the room to help me with my morning routine. I even called the desk and asked if there was a dimmer switch I wasn't finding. They said no... no dimmer.

Meanwhile my 30-something and 50-something friends who had suffered along with me at the Hotel St. Francis, were in a gorgeous suite decorated with some sort of South American motif. They had dimmers on their bathroom lighting and had no complaints. I was jealous!

What's Your Experience?

End of Rant! I look forward to stories from readers who have experienced the stress of grooming in a low-light environment. I also welcome comments from readers who love the romance of low light. Comment away!!!!