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2. Taos, NM Modern art, ancient history and counter culture in the luminous high desert.
Beyond Santa Fe, the high road (Highway 76) and the low road (Highway 68) are both beautiful routes to little Taos in the enchanted upper valley of the Rio Grande. Before the counterculture found it in the 1960s, before Spanish missionaries and mountain men like Kit Carson arrived, even before the building of the Taos pueblo in the 15th century, the Anasazi were here, leaving their ghosts to walk in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. These days tourists, seekers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts pack the plaza of the old adobe town, dabble in its many galleries and museums, delve into history at the 1804 Spanish Colonial Martinez Hacienda and attend concerts (the Music from Angel Fire is a world-class chamber music festival). But Taos (pop. 5,700) still speaks most compellingly to writers, photographers and artists who, like Georgia O’Keeffe and D.H. Lawrence before them, come for the flash of a passing spirit and the quality of the light. -- SS
Location: northern Vermont - previously NM, WA, & MA
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I was just up there today. The High Road is definitely the way to go, much prettier and less commercial with more colorful high desert scenery and forested hills and mountains along with some beautiful old churches. There is tons to do in Taos. My father and I stopped at the Taos Pueblo, there is no electricity and a clear running creek there which gives of an aura of peace and calm. The adobe structures have been there for many centuries and gives the place a very timeless feel. I'm looking forward to going up there this summer and hiking some of the high mountain trails and so some white water rafting. The Rio Grande Gorge is stunning!
I was just up there today. The High Road is definitely the way to go, much prettier and less commercial with more colorful high desert scenery and forested hills and mountains along with some beautiful old churches. There is tons to do in Taos. My father and I stopped at the Taos Pueblo, there is no electricity and a clear running creek there which gives of an aura of peace and calm. The adobe structures have been there for many centuries and gives the place a very timeless feel. I'm looking forward to going up there this summer and hiking some of the high mountain trails and so some white water rafting. The Rio Grande Gorge is stunning!
I see you made it to NM. Welcome to your new home!
I have to say, after many years, I take the more direct route to Taos along the Rio Grande to save time. I think it's pretty dramatic between the river and steep mountainside, and especially as you round the bend and first get a glimpse of Taos. They've added a nice little visitor center along the highway with interesting exhibits about the local flora, fauna, and geology. But I do see the attraction of going the high road, too.
Having seen the changes in Taos over the last 40 years (I've an uncle there since '68), all I can say is "keep my town (taos is now a city) OFF your top 20 list!"
Here comes more developer scum...
Having seen the changes in Taos over the last 40 years (I've an uncle there since '68), all I can say is "keep my town (taos is now a city) OFF your top 20 list!"
Here comes more developer scum...
I have to agree with Aries63, while the high road has its attraction, driving in on 68 from Espanola can be spectacular. We've made that drive once or twice a month for the last few years and continue to be in awe. After you make the big dip and turn and come out of the canyon, the town, the mountains and the Rio Grande canyon winding north are all laid out in front of you and is one of the best sights you ever will see.
Best of both worlds.... drive up from SF on the low road to get the gorge views; drive back on the high road.
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