Taos Outdoor Recreation

Ballooning
Take your Taos adventures to new heights on a hot air balloon ride. Paradise Balloons, captained by Federal Aviation Administration certified pilots, offers guests a number of different excursions - all designed to showcase New Mexico's breathtaking scenery. Join Paradise Balloons before dawn on a flight over the Rio Grande Gorge, after nightfall for a Moonlight Flight, or plan the excursion of your dreams. Balloon rides usually last one hour, but guests should allot approximately three hours for the whole experience. Call Paradise Balloons at (505) 751-6098 for information about flight options and fees.

Biking
When Taos' mountain bike descents have names such as Heaven on Earth and The Yellow Brick Road (in fall), there is no question that visiting cyclists are treated to some of the most gorgeous scenery in New Mexico. Trail 164 is one of the most popular biking routes in Taos, but it is also a challenging ride that is difficult to navigate without proper directions. The best way to experience Taos biking trails is with guides that are familiar with the local routes. Taos Cyclery, (505) 758-5551, can provide bikers with all the trail information they need, and they also schedule numerous group rides. Gearing Up Bicycle Shop, (505) 751-0365, provides rental bikes and local information. Native Sons Adventures, (800) 753-7559, can equip visitors with rental bikes and take them out on fantastic biking tours.

Fishing
The challenges brought from fly fishing among New Mexico's varied terrain and conditions makes a catch even more exciting. Experienced anglers might choose to fly fish solo, but beginners or those seeking the best fishing spots opt for guided trips. Los Rios Anglers, located at 126 W. Plaza Drive, offers full- and half-day guided wade trips in prime locations. Visitors can buy or rent equipment directly from Los Rios Anglers or bring their own. The guide service welcomes novices and experts. Call Los Rios Anglers at (800) 748-1707 for information about its trip options and fees.

Hiking
There are hundred of miles of trails to explore around Taos. One of the most popular hikes leads to the summit of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest mountain at 13,161 feet. This hike is quite strenuous, measuring a total 15 miles round-trip. Hikers should also prepare themselves for an elevation change close to 4,000 feet. However, the hardy people that brave the rigors of this hike are rewarded with fantastic vistas. The trailhead is located in Taos Ski Valley.

Horseback Riding
Horseback riding through Half Moon Cattle Co.'s 6,000-acre working cattle ranch provides outstanding views of the Sangre de Cristos Mountains. Guests can take a half-day excursion on a registered quarter horse, participate in riding lessons, or work with real cowboys on their visit to Half Moon. The ranch requires reservations for horseback outings, and it does not permit any riders under the age of 14. The cattle ranch is located just 10 miles west of Taos. Call the ranch at (505) 770-5380 for information about its different ranching experiences and fees.

Llama Trekking
One of the most unusual ways to experience New Mexico's varied landscapes and terrains is atop a llama. At Wild Earth Llama Adventures, guests are treated to gourmet meals as they trek through pristine and seldom visited areas of Carson National Forest, Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, Columbine/Hondo Wilderness Study Area, or Latir Peak Wilderness Area. Daylong and multiday excursions are available. Call Wild Earth Llama Adventures at (800) 758-LAMA (5262) to get information about trek options and fees or to make a reservation.

Whitewater Rafting
Rio Grande River Tours provides half-day and full-day whitewater rafting excursions. Prepare for a half-day's action-packed trip on the Pilar Racecourse, full of class-three rapids. Start out your day on the serene Lower Gorge before heading into the tumults of the Racecourse on a full-day trip. The really daring can arrange a Taos Box trip, a seven-hour excursion into the tumult of class-four rapids. Call Rio Grande River Tours at (800) 525-4966 for information about all its tour options and fees.

Skiing
Arguably the most famous ski destination in the Taos area is Taos Ski Valley, renowned for providing experts with endless alpine challenges and beginners with the world-class instruction needed to master the slopes. There are a number of lesser-known ski destinations within driving distance of Taos as well. The groomed trails at the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area are ideal for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The ski area also boasts a warming hut, outhouses, and ski patrol. It also offers periodic guided excursions, such as the Headlamp Snowshoe Tours, and evening sojourns on trails that promise sounds and views of indigenous wildlife.