While the advent of the Covid Pandemic has both limited the ability to easily travel, and has resulted in the closure/cancellation of many attractions and festivals in Taos, there are still many things that you can do on your trip to stay at the Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast.
Taos is known for its festivals and concerts during the year, and they have unfortunately been cancelled for 2020, there are still things that you can do to enjoy your stay.
Outdoor Activities:
Given that Taos is located adjacent to the Carson National Forest, as well as many other state and local parks, there are numerous chances to get outside and enjoy nature in the area through hikes, bird watching, or simply driving to any of the spectacular areas to enjoy a picnic and the views. Some of the best outdoor activities and recreation areas are as follows:
1. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument: This National Monument extends more than 300,000 acres around the Taos and Northern New Mexican area. With numerous opportunities to hike, explore the Rio Grande Gorge, and watch the wildlife, including birds, Mountain Goats, Big Horn Sheep and Elk, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the richness and beauty of the area. https://taos.org/outdoor- recreation/hiking-rio-grande- del-norte-national-monument/
2. Carson National Forest: This National Monument that surrounds Taos consists of over 1.5 million acres of forest land. The Carson National Forest not only has many hiking trails for those of all abilities, it also contains the highest mountain in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak, at over 13,000 feet, should you decide to test your mountain climbing abilities. https://www.fs.usda.gov/ carson
3. Rio Grande Gorge and Bridge: One attraction that most visitors to the area visit is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which towers more than 650 feet above the Rio Grande River. This is not only a great place for pictures, and to walk over the bridge to test your fear of heights, but the surrounding area contains easy hikes that allow you to travel along the Gorge to find new and amazing vistas of Northern New Mexico. During warmer weather, white water rafting or kayaking on the Rio Grande is a very popular activity. Feel free to ask us for information regarding booking a trip. https://taos.org/what-to-do/ landmark-sites/rio-grande- gorge-bridge/
Explore the attractions of Northern New Mexico on the Enchanted Circle Drive:
– The Enchanted Circle drive: This drive, which takes you through the Carson National Forest and around Wheeler Peak, is one of the most scenic drives in the United States, giving numerous opportunities to stop and enjoy the view, or take some amazing photographs of the forest, Mountains, and the flora and fauna of the area. Additionally, you will find quaint small towns along the way where you can stop for a meal or to explore the shops. Red River is an Alpine village located at an elevation of more than 8,600 feet. It not only has a challenging Ski Resort in town, it has many small restaurants and shops that you can explore. Also during your drive, don’t forget to stop at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, and the Angel Fire Ski Resort area. https://taos.org/plan- your-trip/maps-resources/ driving-maps/enchanted-circle- driving-tour/
Enjoy the Shopping and Restaurants of Taos and the Surrounding area:
– While there are limitations regarding the number of people allowed in the stores and restaurants in town, most of the shops that people love to explore are still open in Taos. From the dozens of restaurants, many with outdoor dining, to the Art galleries and souvenir shops, you can take days to explore the available businesses. Take a walk around the Historic Taos Plaza and the John Dunn shopping area, located a short walk from the Bed and Breakfast- or borrow our tandem bike to explore the town.
Wander the Many Museums located in Taos:
– Although some of the museums in Taos have been closed during the Covid pandemic, many of them have instituted extra sanitation measures and limited admissions policies in order to reopen to allow you to explore the history and art of the area. While you may need to contact the museums to determine when they are open, or to make special arrangements to visit, there are more than a dozen to explore- from the Kit Carson Museum, the Harwood to the Couse-Sharp Home. Feel free to ask us to find out what is open and available for you to visit during your stay.
Sit back and Relax at the Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast:
– If you are not interested in exploring on your visit, take the time to relax and renew in our gardens. Not only are there seating areas located amongst our flowers and trees, you will find hammocks, games, and a Fire Pit available for your use at any time. We often have guests that remain on our grounds for the entire day to have a relaxing day under the blue skies of New Mexico, while watching the numerous bird species that stop by to visit our various feeders. If you want to have a fire, we have wood, fire starter and everything you need to sit and talk during the evening. Feel free to ask for the complimentary S’Mores ingredients if you would like.
While Covid has affected what is available to do in Taos, there are still many opportunities to enjoy Taos and the surrounding areas, and you will even get to miss some of the crowds that usually are found exploring the area.
Mary Beth and Boyd
Innkeepers, Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast