Motel.com » Blog » Take the High Road to Taos
Blog Search
Blog Categories
Blog Archives
- May 2015
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
Motel.com Newsletter
Sep
30
By Wayne Lazarus on September 30th, 2009
Categories: Linda's Travel Articles
One of the most scenic drives to Taos is the High Road from Santa Fe. The natural scenery is spectacular, from dramatic canyons to pastoral fields to Truchas Peak, the state’s second highest point. The drive is only 105 miles, but it takes longer because there are so many historic and cultural places of interest along the way.
From Santa Fe, take US 285 N, right on NM 503, then left on county road 98 to Chimayo, famous for its generations of weavers. The Santuario de Chimayó, almost 200 years old, is said to have been built on ground with mystical healing powers. A few miles northeast along NM 76 is Cordova, as famous for its generations of woodcarvers as Chimayo is for its weavers.
The galleries here and in the next towns of Truchas and Ojo Sarco will delight you with their offerings. (See the High Road Art Tour website for more about the artists.) Further along the High Road, Las Trampas’ 225-year-old San Jose de Gracia is considered one of the best examples of Spanish Colonial missions in New Mexico. At the Picuris (San Lorenzo) Pueblo, visit the Picuris Pueblo Museum and Visitor’s Center. Before you turn north on NM 518 towards, Taos, go south just a few miles to Ranchos De Taos, to see the most painted and photographed church in the state, the San Francisco de Asis Mission. You won’t want to miss the galleries and shops built around the plaza. Here you will be in the Carson National Forest. It has been 200 years since famous scout Kit Carson was born and the Kit Carson Home and Museum is just one of the many fascinating museums in Taos.
Famous both for its resident artists and scenic beauty, Taos has plenty to offer the traveler. You’ll find excellent cuisine, spas, golfing and outdoor recreation of all kinds. The nearby Rio Grande (don’t miss the view of the Gorge Bridge) offers whitewater rafting, and fishing, and the ski resorts in Taos Ski Valley are popular year-round. (Lilac and Adobe photo by Terry Thompson and Taos Vacation Guide, San Francisco de Asis by Ray Lutz and Taos County Chamber of Commerce)