A Weekend Adventure in Taos: Nature, Culture, and Thrills

If you're craving a weekend escape that blends art, culture, and outdoor adventure, Taos, New Mexico, is the perfect destination. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this charming town offers vibrant scenery, rich history, and thrilling activities. Here's how to make the most of a weekend getaway to Taos.

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Friday: Arrival and Exploration

Taos is a reasonable five-hour drive from Denver, so we opted for a road trip and set out early Friday morning to maximize our time there. After arriving around midday, we were ready to stretch our legs and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. 

After enjoying a delicious meal, we checked into our rental and got settled in. We opted for an Airbnb rental situated just outside of town to distance ourselves a bit from the hustle and bustle, providing amazing views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that surrounded it. A major bonus was that the Airbnb was pet-friendly, allowing us to bring our furry friend along for the adventure. 

Once settled, we headed straight to the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. It was fascinating to experience a place where Native Americans still live in a remarkably primitive yet deeply traditional way. The boys, especially our oldest, were captivated by how the residents lived off nearly nothing, relying on natural resources and handmade goods. They loved exploring the small shops within the Pueblo, each home offering unique, handcrafted items that reflected the rich cultural heritage of the people. We took the opportunity to teach them about the significance of dream catchers, purchasing a few to take home as meaningful souvenirs. Alongside that, we found beautifully crafted local goods, supporting the artisans who have preserved their traditions for generations. Walking through the Pueblo, seeing the traditional adobe structures, and learning about their way of life gave us a profound appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the people who call this historic site home.

After our visit to the Pueblo, we spent some time strolling through the Taos Plaza, where we explored the charming shops and art galleries. As chocolate lovers, we were especially thrilled to stumble upon Chokola, an artisan chocolate shop known for its bean-to-bar creations. We couldn’t resist treating ourselves to their rich, handcrafted chocolates and sipping on a velvety drinking chocolate, making for the perfect mid-afternoon indulgence. The boys were also excited to continue their tradition of collecting magnets from each new place we explore, finding the perfect Taos-themed keepsake to add to their growing collection. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of the plaza made it a wonderful place to take our time, soaking in the creativity and culture of Taos.

We wrapped our first day in Taos with a meal at Doc Martin’s Restaurant, a beloved spot known for its regional cuisine and warm ambiance. The restaurant had options for everyone, including kid-friendly dishes and gluten-free selections, making it an easy and enjoyable choice for the whole family. 

Saturday: Adventure and Culture

Saturday morning, we opted for some thrilling adventure, embarking on a whitewater rafting trip along the Rio Grande River. This was a first for both boys, and despite some nerves, they had a blast! We opted for a Class II and III trip, ensuring it was exciting yet manageable for our family. One important tip—always speak directly with the tour company to get a good understanding of the river flow at that given time. What is normally a Class II-III route could easily change with high water levels, making it much faster and more dangerous, or it could drop to a leisurely float at lower levels. Inexperienced rafters (like us) can easily get themselves into trouble if they don’t do due diligence, and with young kids, it was even more critical that we knew exactly what we were getting into to keep us all safe.

Once on the water, we navigated some exhilarating rapids with tight turns, carefully avoiding rocks emerging from the river. We got splashed along the way, laughing and grinning ear to ear the entire time. The boys absolutely loved the adventure, gaining confidence with each rapid we conquered. We all managed to stay in the raft, but one of the rafts on our tour lost a few passengers along the way. It was quite the experience to watch as the guides quickly jumped into action to retrieve them without incident! The entire experience made for an unforgettable adventure that we will remember for years to come.

After drying off, we opted for a quick lunch hitting up the  McDonald drive thru, before heading over to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge—one of the highest bridges in the U.S., towering over 650 feet above the Rio Grande. Walking across was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, especially for two parents with a fear of heights! The boys, on the other hand, had no hesitation, excitedly running ahead to take in the view. We held on as tight as we could to their hands as we peered over the edge into the vast canyon below. The experience was breathtaking, with the sheer drop creating an overwhelming sense of both awe and unease. Despite the nerves, the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape made the visit completely worthwhile, and we were all proud to have braved the journey across.

For dinner, we dined at Lambert’s of Taos, a meal that ended up being one of our favorites from the trip. The cozy yet upscale atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind after our adventurous day. 

Sunday: Sky-High Views and Departure

Sunday morning started bright and early with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride with Rio Grande Balloons. Sol, the owner and operator, was an incredible guide, making the entire experience seamless and exciting. These rides start before dawn, so it was an early morning for the boys, and there were plenty of nerves—especially from our youngest, who was hesitant to get into the basket. But once we were up in the air, everyone absolutely loved it!

You’d think as someone with a fear of heights that this wouldn’t be an enjoyable activity for me, but the sensation is so gentle—it truly feels like floating, with no real sense of height or fear as you glide through the sky. Watching the entire process unfold was fascinating: selecting the perfect takeoff spot, inflating the massive balloon (which the boys got to run inside before it was fully filled, their eyes lighting up with excitement), and finally firing up the torches to get it airborne.

The ride itself was breathtaking. At one point, we even dipped into the Rio Grande Gorge, floating below the canyon walls, which was an unbelievable experience. The quiet stillness of the morning, combined with the panoramic views of the rugged desert landscape, made it an unforgettable way to cap off our trip.

Equally as fascinating was what happened after the ride. Once the balloon was packed up, we gathered for a celebratory picnic, where a bottle of champagne was popped as a symbolic reference to the history of hot air ballooning. This tradition dates back to the first manned hot air balloon flight in France in 1783. When the Montgolfier brothers launched their balloon, they landed in the countryside, where locals had never seen such a sight and were frightened by the strange flying object. To ease concerns and prove they were of noble intent, the pilots carried a bottle of champagne to present to the landowners—a tradition that continues today as a celebratory toast after flights. Learning about this piece of history while enjoying a peaceful morning picnic made the experience even more special.

After the hot air balloon ride, we packed up and checked out of our rental before heading to Taos Ski Valley. We explored the resort, taking in the stunning alpine scenery, and even fit in a short hike—with our pup happily tagging along for the adventure! The fresh mountain air and breathtaking views made for a perfect way to stretch our legs before the long drive home. Before hitting the road, we grabbed a quick bite in the village, soaking in the last bits of Taos’ charm

With full hearts and plenty of memories, we departed Taos, feeling refreshed and inspired by the beauty and culture we’d experienced.