The Riverbend Taos

A Little Bit About Taos and Northern New Mexico

The Town of Taos is located 70 miles north of Santa Fe and 129 miles northeast of Albuquerque, the State’s major and most populated city. The driving time from the Albuquerque Airport to Taos is approximately two and a half hours. One local Real Estate Appraisal Firm estimates the population of Taos County to be close to 50,000 including part time residents. This is well above the official 2006 census estimate of 32,000 residents. The County of Taos is growing at an estimated 4%-5% compounded annual rate. The Taos Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo range, has a four season climate. The warmest and wettest months are July and August and the coldest month is January. Most county residents look forward to the July/August “monsoon” rains. Summer nighttime temperatures are usually between 50 and 60 degrees which make for great sleeping conditions. The sun shines over 250 days each year. The annual precipitation in the Town of Taos is 12 inches. The Town receives 35 inches of snow annually. Taos Ski Valley receives 321 inches of snow on average.

Since nearly 57% of Taos County is government owned, working and playing in the outdoors is a lot of what we do here. Skiing, hunting, fishing, hiking, golfing, mountain biking, white water rafting and horseback riding are the main outdoor pursuits. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, the Valle Vidal, the Great Sand Dunes and a ride to the Brazos Cliffs are just a few of many outstanding day trips from Taos. Closer to town many first time visitors go to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Taos Ski Valley or Taos Pueblo. Taos is internationally known for skiing and its phenomenal art community. There is also a vibrant local music scene, local theater and many fabulous restaurants. Many regional and nationally known musicians make Taos a tour stop. The Taos Plaza, Paseo del Pueblo, East Kit Carson Road and the Bent Street neighborhood are the main focus for tourist shoppers. For a more intense shopping experience locals frequent Santa Fe. Holy Cross Hospital offers excellent medical care to folks from around the Enchanted Circle.

Taos Informational Websites