Mountain Biking in Northern New Mexico

Biking enthusiasts find nearly every level and type of off-road cycling in and around Taos, New Mexico, from steep, rocky mountain trails and rolling meadows of wildflowers to rides along mesas with wide-open vistas, and the sheer cliffs of the Rio Grande Gorge.

It is important to keep in mind that this is high elevation, wilderness mountain biking; often trails are not marked. Orientation skills are important to prevent getting lost in unfamiliar territory, and wilderness skills are essential. Many single-track biking trails can climb to well over 10,000 feet, so be prepared for rain, snow, and hail even in the summer. Always carry lots of water, food, and clothing for changes in the weather.

The Taos area also has some of the most beautiful and challenging road rides in New Mexico, or indeed, anywhere. Currently, there are no bike paths, and many Taos area roads are narrow with little or no shoulder, but this shouldn’t discourage any cyclist from enjoying the spectacular high desert, Rocky Mountain scenery, and world class climbing. And there are some routes with bike lanes or large shoulders.

Most local riders tend to begin their road rides in the morning to avoid possible afternoon wind and showers, especially during “monsoon season” from mid-July through August. Roads here are rough, so it is advisable to bring plenty of spare tubes and a patch kit, and be well versed in roadside repair skills.

The Taos area offers rides ranging from short town loops to several century, and even double century options and beyond. Temperatures can climb in the summer, but are moderate in spring and fall. Again, be prepared for changing weather by carrying a windbreaker or lightweight rain jacket, as weather in the mountains is unpredictable.

More information on mountain bike trails and Taos area road rides

High Altitude in Northern New Mexico

What is High Altitude?
Altitude is defined on the following scale: High 8,000-12,000 feet; Very High 12,000-18,000 feet; and Extremely High 18,000+ feet. As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, which affects humans by reducing the partial pressure of oxygen. The human body can adapt to high altitude by breathing faster, having a higher heart rate, and adjusting its blood chemistry. Extremely high altitude cannot be permanently tolerated by humans.

High Altitude Sickness
It can take days or weeks to adapt to high altitude. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it and some people don’t, and some people are more susceptible than others. Most people can go up to 8,000 feet with minimal effect. If you haven’t been to high altitude location before, it’s important to be cautious. If you have been at that altitude before with no problem, you can probably return to that altitude trouble free, as long as you are properly acclimatized. The major cause of altitude sickness is going too high too fast. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 days at any particular altitude.

Drink Water!
Before your trip to Taos or Santa Fe (and while you are here), drinking plenty of water is the number one way to help your body adjust easily to the higher altitude of these communities. The low humidity in Northern New Mexico keeps the air dry (afterall it is the desert), so you need about twice as much water here as you would drink at home.

Monitor Your Alcohol Intake
In Taos’ rarified air, golf balls go ten percent farther... and so do cocktails. Alcoholic drinks pack more of a wallop than at sea level. It is recommended that you go easy on the alcohol in the mountains and in Taos and Santa Fe, as its effects will feel stronger there.

Eat Foods High in Potassium
Foods such as broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes, and tomatoes will help you replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake. And all those wonderful foods are good for you to consume anytime!

Watch Your Physical Activity
The effects of exercise are more intense in the high desert. If you normally run 10 miles a day at home, you might try 6 miles in Taos or Santa Fe.

Pack for Sun
With less water vapor in the air at this altitude, the sky really is bluer in Taos. But there’s 25% less protection from the sun, so sunscreen is a must. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm... even in winter.

Dress in Layers
Two days before your trip to Taos or Santa Fe, check the weather and use that information to pack appropriately. Because Taos is closer to the sun, it can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the daytime, but then become very chilly after sundown, particularly in the Spring and Fall. It is best to layer your clothing.

Take It Easy and Have Fun!
Don’t let anything you hear about the high altitude in Northern New Mexico scare you. The air is just thinner and dryer. In fact, many people with respiratory problems move to Taos for the benefits of the dry air. Just follow these simple tips and you will very likely not even notice the difference.

Summer Is Upon Us

Well, summer is certainly upon us in Northern New Mexico! It’s been quite hot for a while now, but that is what is expected in the area, by locals and tourists alike. It’s one of the most active times of the year in Taos and Santa Fe, and if you are planning to visit us during the summer season, there’s always plenty of exciting events going on, and numerous recreational opportunities all across the state. So come and have some high desert fun! ~Jean

We’ve Got a Drought

We’ve been dealing with a serious drought throughout all of New Mexico, but it is extremely troubling this year in Taos. The last precipitation we got was back on April 25th, so it’s been all of Spring, and now into the Summer temperatures that we are not seeing any rain.

Life goes on, however, and all the usual activities, events, and festivals will keep both locals and tourists busy. We just have to take it easy with the water... and continue to pray for rain! ~Jean

Taos Plaza Live!

Taos Plaza Live! is a free annual concert series that takes place on the Historic Taos Plaza from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. every Thursday evening during the summer months.

The season opened with an All Star Jam. The plaza was crowded with locals and visitors alike, here to enjoy Northern New Mexico’s All Stars, which included members of Red River’s Damn Band and other local favorites.

Enjoy a full summer season of free music on the Plaza, with a great lineup of local musicians, encompassing all kinds of music. Whether you like jazz, blues, country & western, rock, or traditional New Mexican/Native American music, there is an evening of music for you!

It’s Time for TeePees

I love it when the teepees are erected in the Taos area for the summer season. It lets us natives know that the “time of the visitors” is here.

Taosenos have “modern day” designed teepees. They can be made of different fabrics including 100% cotton and blends of polyester and cotton for hard weather areas. The owner can create their own artwork for the teepee or choose from many pre-made designs. Modern teepees have floors made of dirt, cement or flagstone, and they also have the option of adding a liner to protect the inside of the teepee from the harsh elements in Northern New Mexico.

A teepee can usually be set up in one day and it is amazing to watch. The set up consists of placing the teepee poles in a tripod design, putting a lift pole in with the teepee cover attached, and finally, bringing the teepee cover around the poles. The teepee liner is inserted inside and is usually tied in bows in intervals around the structure.

Because we are now living in the 21st century’s high tech world, some Taos teepees are wired for electricity in order to accommodate lighting, heating, and TVs... some even have their own satellite dishes!

Of course, there is a long history about the original teepees of the many Indian tribes and pueblo peoples of the Great Southwest, but I thought today I’d just write about the newer teepees owned by Taos residents that can be viewed from the highway coming into town and other surrounding areas. If you are vacationing in  Taos, look for the giant teepees on the Taos Drums grounds located five miles south of Taos Plaza on highway 68. ~Jean