Taos Adventure Loop: 3 Days of Family & Nature Escapes
About This Trip
This 3-day road trip packs in the best of northern New Mexico's wild beauty while looping out of Taos. Family and pet-friendly, the route leads to riverside trails, towering canyons, and peaceful mountain forests. Stay at comfortable campgrounds and lodges with EV charging nearby, and savor authentic local vibes at every turn. Experience iconic bridges, hidden hot springs, and magnificent high-desert scenery—all on a loop designed for mid-range budgets.
Designed around:
Trip Route and Map
Click on the map above to open the route in Google Maps.
Route Overview
Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Taos to Wild Rivers: Canyons & the Gorge
Kick off your adventure with a dramatic drive through arid mesas to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, then head north for hiking and a riverside evening at Wild Rivers Recreation Area.
Stops
Start from Taos, New Mexico
Begin your journey here
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Marvel at one of New Mexico's most awe-inspiring sights—this steel span soars 650 feet above the Rio Grande. Snap photos at sunrise with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as your backdrop.
Walk the bridge pedestrian walkways; there’s a small visitor center (restrooms available) and often local crafts vendors.
Manby (Stagecoach) Hot Springs Trailhead
A short hike leads you to primitive riverside hot springs hidden at the bottom of the canyon. Enjoy a soak or just admire the wild setting with your family and pup.
Requires a 0.6-mile walk down a rough but manageable trail; bring water shoes and be wary of slippery rocks. Early arrivals avoid crowds.
Wild Rivers Visitor Center (Rio Grande del Norte National Monument)
Check out exhibits on local geology and wildlife before exploring a rim trail for sweeping canyon views. Family-friendly loops offer safe adventure for kids.
Pick up Junior Ranger booklets for kids; rangers share tips on local flora/fauna and best picnic spots.
La Junta Point Rim Trail
Short hike to a jaw-dropping overlook where the Red River meets the Rio Grande. Prime for sunset pics and spotting raptors gliding on canyon thermals.
Leashed dogs are welcome on trail; easy/moderate—bring hats and sunscreen for sun exposure. Great birdwatching in late afternoon.
Wild Rivers Campground
Settle in among piñon and juniper woodlands atop the rim, with stellar stargazing after dark. Family and pet-friendly sites, picnic tables, and clean facilities.
No on-site EV charging (nearest in Taos). Firewood for sale; reserve spot ahead in fall. Legendary sunsets right from your site.
Enchanted Circle: Red River & Cimarron Canyon
Circle into alpine country via Red River and Cimarron Canyon. Enjoy mountain hikes, family trout ponds, and an evening in a cozy riverside lodge. Stunning fall colors and cool forest air await.
Stops
Start from Wild Rivers Campground
Continue your adventure from here
Red River Town Park & Nature Trail
Start with a kid- and dog-friendly riverside walk. Red River is a classic mountain town—fresh air, trout ponds, and great coffee shops on Main Street.
Main Street Red River has dog-friendly patios; try the Corner Bakery for breakfast burritos. Trout fishing for kids at Mallette Park (licenses available).
Goose Lake Trailhead (Optional Adventure)
More ambitious families can detour up a scenic forest road for wildflower meadows and wildlife. Partial hike is rewarding even if you don’t reach the lake; autumn colors abound.
Road requires careful driving (gravel, high-clearance helpful but doable slowly in most vehicles). Turn back at trail’s first overlook if short on time. Bring jackets—winds pick up quickly.
Cimarron Canyon State Park (Clear Creek Trail)
A gentle 2-mile trail follows bubbling Clear Creek through pine and aspen groves—perfect for little legs, four-legged friends, and budding photographers.
Fee area ($5/vehicle); trailhead has restrooms and picnic tables. Look for golden aspens in fall. Keep kids and pets close—steep slopes off trail.
Eagle Nest Lake Shoreline Picnic Area
Pause at Eagle Nest Lake for breezy mountain views and a lakeside picnic. Expansive grassy areas are ideal for family games or just running free.
Free day use. Spot bald eagles and trout jumping. Breezy afternoons—bring a kite!
Rockin’ TJ Ranch Cabins
Unwind in a rustic-chic cabin just outside Eagle Nest, set among pines with fire pits and close access to the lake. Pet- and child-friendly, these cabins offer true mountain tranquility.
Pet fee applies; book ahead. No charging on site but public EV charger nearby in the town of Eagle Nest.
Taos Ski Valley & Williams Lake Hike
Complete the loop with dramatic mountain scenery: Visit the charming village of Arroyo Seco, enjoy a family-friendly alpine adventure in Taos Ski Valley, and return to Taos refreshed.
Stops
Start from Rockin’ TJ Ranch Cabins
Continue your adventure from here
Arroyo Seco Village
Begin with a stroll through this artsy, laid-back village known for its boutiques and bakery. The perfect spot for local java and pastries.
Stop at Taos Cow for ice cream—yes, even in the morning! Excellent coffee at Black Diamond Espresso. Shops often pet-friendly.
Taos Ski Valley Base & Parking
Ascend to 9,000 feet—the adventure gateway to Williams Lake. The village has an alpine vibe, trail maps, and gear rentals. A fun pocket of mountain charm any time of year.
Plenty of parking; check with the visitor center for current trail conditions. Lift rides for non-hikers available on weekends.
Williams Lake Trail
Take the scenic 4-mile (round-trip) hike to a high-elevation alpine lake beneath Wheeler Peak. The well-marked trail is dog-friendly and rewards with stunning fall colors.
Trail is moderate; best for families with kids 7+. Bring lunch for a lakeside picnic and plenty of water (high altitude). Leashed dogs do great here.
Martyrs Steakhouse (Taos town)
Cap your loop with a hearty family meal at a local favorite in Taos—local beef, vegetarian options, and patio dining for pets.
Pet-friendly patio; call ahead for large groups. Try the green chile cheeseburger for a New Mexican treat.
Return to Taos Plaza
Finish at Taos’s historic plaza—ideal for shopping, ice cream, and recounting your adventure. The vibe is as local as it gets.
Local artisans set up carts most afternoons; check out the John Dunn Shops behind the plaza for unique finds.
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Best Time to Visit
September to late October—golden aspens, crisp air, and milder temperatures make fall ideal, especially with fewer crowds and colorful foliage.
Recommended Vehicle
EVs and all standard cars are great; ample charging in Taos, Red River, and Angel Fire. Avoid low-clearance sports cars for forest road sections.
Charging & Gas Stations
Multiple EV charging stations in Taos, Red River, and Angel Fire. Rural stretches between towns have limited charging—plan accordingly.
Cell Coverage
Generally good along highways and main towns, but patchy in mountain canyons (especially Cimarron Canyon and parts of Wild Rivers). Download trail maps in advance.
Estimated Cost
Estimated $550–$750 total for three days (family of 4): includes mid-range camping cabins/lodges, groceries, dining, and fees for parks.
Parking Information
Plenty of free or low-cost parking at trailheads, recreation areas, and around town. Most campgrounds have free parking at each site.
Accommodation
Reserve campsites or rustic cabins early for fall weekends. Several campgrounds offer pet-friendly options and EV charging within towns (not at remote sites). Cabins/lodges from $90–$180/night.
Road Conditions
Paved highways throughout; short gravel stretches to campgrounds. Fall brings cool nights—pack layers. Some forest roads can be bumpy; drive carefully.
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