Summer Skiing

Can you say SKIING? That’s what most people think of when they hear the words Taos, New Mexico.If you want to get creeped out a bit, try going to a ski resort in the summer. Other than the very occasional company employee or someone from a hotel who happens to be open, there are not a lot of people around. An occasional tourist might drive up the mountain just to see what all of the fuss is about, but that’s about it.

But, before I actually had that experience, I had to get there.

There are a lot of scenic drives in New Mexico, but around this area there is The High Road.

This is one of those scenic tours that you just might not want to trust to your GPS. There are a number of road number changes, including state and county and, I found myself wondering if I was going the right way on at least two occasions:

NM 502 to US 285/84 to NM 503 to CR 98 to NM 76 to NM 75 to NM 518
TURN RIGHT onto NM 68 to head into downtown Taos.

If you’re looking for unique town names this route should satisfy your desires . . .

Peñasco -Trampas -Truchas – Chimayó – Española

There are restaurants, shopping, area museums and just plain good old impressive scenery along the way on what could easily be called the “backroad” to Taos.

http://www.newmexico.org/explore/scenic_byways/highroad.php

When I arrived at the outskirts of south Taos, I decided to drive through town and stop on the way back. Following NM 68 north through town, you merge onto US 64 and head west, turning right onto NM 150 (Taos Ski Valley Road).

This is a 15-mile drive with great scenery. At about seven miles, the road up the mountain will begin to follow the Rio Hondo River, which flows fast and furious after the spring snow melts for about 29 miles down to the Rio Grande River. This is no slow flowing stream! The trout just might be jumping if you care to bring along your waders and fly outfit.

Rafters on Rio Grande River

TAOS SKI VALLEY

Sitting in the “shadow” of 13,161 ft. Wheeler Peak, the village sitting at an elevation of 9200 ft. is actually incorporated, with a Chamber of Commerce and a population of roughly 56.It is no mystery why ski resorts wish there was snow 12 months a year. Although summer hiking and fishing is available, they are still missing that prime ingredient that makes a ski resort, well, a ski resort … snow!

Taos Ski Valley – Photos by Roger Gillespie

Some resorts have even begun running their chair lifts in the summer to collect some extra revenue. You don’t have to ski to enjoy the views at the top of a 10,000 ft. mountain.

Taos Ski Valley runs a summer chairlift ride in which you can ride both ways, or, if you are prepared, there is always the hike down the mountain to the base.

Cost: $10 adults – $6 juniors
Hours 10 am – 4:30pm,
Thursdays through Mondays until August 31st
Saturdays & Sundays, September 3rd – 27th.

http://www.skitaos.org

RIO GRANDE GORGE BRIDGE

When I returned down the mountain from Taos Ski Village, I decided to turn right onto US 64 for a few miles. I saw it on a map and wondered what it was. I soon found out that this is one of those “FREE” scenic views of nature that just happens to be visible from a man-made structure. This man-made structure straddles a canyon 650 feet above the Rio Grande River.

I discovered that this is the fifth highest bridge in the U.S. Only the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia, Foresthill Bridge in California and Glen Canyon Dam Bridge in Arizona are higher. I was also proud to say that I had now crossed over by car and walked on all of them.

RIO GRANDE RIVER GORGE - view from Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Rafting is the predominant activity on the river below and is best viewed by binoculars or telephoto lenses. Or, better yet … from river level in an actual raft.

A parking lot is available at the northwest end of the bridge and you have the option of walking back the entire length of the bridge.

TAOS

As it was getting late in the day, I didn’t have much time to stop in Taos, so I took in the two most historic areas in town.

North of the city is a National Historic Landmark.

Taos Pueblo

This is a living Native American community with approximately 150 full-time residents. The multi-storied dwelling are made completely out of adobe, and, there is no electricity or running water within the buildings. But the most interesting fact is that they have been inhabited continuously for over 1000 years.

Taos Pueblo

HOURS: (Varies) 8am to 4:30pm, except during tribal rituals.

* Pueblo closed 10 weeks – late winter to early spring

NOTE: Special rules are in force when visiting the pueblo:

• Fee charged for each camera you carry into the Pueblo area.
• No photography of members the tribe without asking their permission.
• No photography in the chapel
• This is not a museum – enter only doors marked as “curio shops”

http://www.taospueblo.com

Taos Plaza

The Taos historic district is the center of town. Surrounded by old stores, the Plaza now houses restaurants, shops and art galleries. National Historic Landmarks fill the plaza area as well as along Kit Carson Road, Bent Street, and Ledoux Street.

http://www.taosguide.com

BACK TO SANTA FE

Unlike the High Road, returning to Santa Fe only takes two numbers to remember: NM 68 South and US 285 South. Within 72 miles (1:15), you’ll be back in downtown Santa Fe.

Would I take this whirlwind tour again? Yes, but with one major change … I would stay over in Taos. Although it can be done quickly, it really shouldn’t be. There is a lot to see and, with two or more passengers in your car, it is likely that you will be overruled on what’s important to them, like … lunch, breaks, shopping …

Tomorrow – Travel back to several wars