Discover centuries of culture, art, and breathtaking landscapes on this iconic Northern New Mexico excursion.
Santa Fe is an incredible hub, but the magic of Northern New Mexico extends far beyond its city limits. One of the most iconic and rewarding excursions is a day trip to Taos, especially when you take the scenic "High Road." This journey is more than just a drive; it's an immersion into a rich past, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, stunning high-desert landscapes, and a world-renowned art scene.
The Town of Taos itself, formally established as a fortified plaza and trading outpost in 1795 by Nuevo México Governor Fernando Chacón, has roots reaching back much further to its namesake, the ancient Taos Pueblo. This remarkable multi-storied adobe pueblo, continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring culture of the Tiwa people. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo offers a profound glimpse into pre-Hispanic architecture and a living Native American community that predates European contact by centuries. The first Spanish explorers arrived in 1540, and the pueblo quickly became a crucial trading point in the region.
The High Road to Taos is more than just a route; it's a passage through time. This winding path takes you through breathtaking mountain scenery and connects several Hispanic villages founded in the 1600s and 1700s, as well as older Pueblo Indian settlements dating back to the 1300s. Each village boasts historic adobe churches and a palpable sense of history. One of the most significant stops along this road is Chimayo. Long before the construction of its famous Santuario, the Tewa Indians considered this area, which they called "Tsi-Mayoh" after one of four sacred hills, a place of pilgrimage and healing. Later, Spanish settlers established communities, and by the early 1800s, devotion to Our Lord of Esquipulas (a Guatemalan image of Christ crucified associated with healing earth) became prominent, leading to the construction of El Santuario de Chimayó, a beacon of faith nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
A short drive south of Taos Plaza, in the community of Ranchos de Taos, lies the iconic San Francisco de Asís Mission Church. Its construction, an endeavor of Franciscan friars, began around 1772 and was completed in 1815. This stunning example of Spanish Colonial adobe architecture, with its massive, sculpted buttresses and twin bell towers, served as the center of a fortified plaza, offering protection against Comanche attacks. It has captivated artists and photographers for generations, becoming one of the most photographed and painted churches in the world.
Why This Day Trip is a Must-See and Do
A day trip to Taos via the High Road offers an unparalleled blend of experiences:
- Cultural Immersion: Witness a living history at Taos Pueblo, engage with local artisans in the villages along the High Road, and feel the deep spiritual traditions at El Santuario de Chimayó and San Francisco de Asís Mission Church.
- Artistic Inspiration: Taos has been an art mecca for over a century. Explore world-class galleries and museums like the Harwood Museum of Art and the Millicent Rogers Museum. The dramatic landscapes and unique light have drawn artists like Georgia O'Keeffe, whose spirit feels ever-present. The High Road itself is dotted with galleries showcasing traditional and contemporary crafts.
- Breathtaking Scenery: From the rolling hills dotted with piñon and juniper to the dramatic rise of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the views are spectacular. The drive itself is a highlight, offering numerous photo opportunities. Don't miss the view from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, an awe-inspiring steel arch bridge offering dizzying views 565 feet above the river.
- Unique Shopping and Dining: Discover handcrafted jewelry, pottery, weavings, and other traditional arts. Enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine at local eateries in Taos or in the charming villages along the High Road.
- A Sense of Pilgrimage: Whether it's the spiritual draw of Chimayo or the artistic pilgrimage to sites associated with O'Keeffe and other masters, there's a profound sense of journey and discovery.
Five Things Most People Don't Know
- Taos Pueblo's Original Location: The current Taos Pueblo was established around 1400 AD. The original pueblo, now called "Cornfield Taos" and a sacred site, was located slightly to the east and dates back to around 1325 AD.
- The "Holy Dirt" of Chimayo has Pre-Christian Roots: While El Santuario de Chimayó is a deeply Catholic shrine, the site itself was considered a place of healing by the Tewa Indians long before the arrival of the Spanish, associated with healing spirits and hot springs that eventually dried up, leaving the sacred earth.
- San Francisco de Asís Church's Annual Makeover: The beautiful, soft adobe exterior of the San Francisco de Asís Mission Church isn't permanent. Each year, the community and parishioners gather for the "Enjarre," or re-plastering, of the church with a new coat of adobe mud, a tradition that helps preserve the historic structure.
- The High Road is an "Art Studio Tour" Year-Round: While there's an official High Road Art Tour on specific weekends in September, many of the artists and galleries along the route are open year-round, often operating out of their homes, offering a chance to meet the artists and see their work in an intimate setting.
- Taos is an Earthship Hub: Just across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, you'll find the Greater World Earthship Community, the largest of its kind. These radically sustainable, off-grid homes are built from recycled materials like tires and bottles. While most are private, tours of the community and visitor center are often available, showcasing a unique approach to architecture and self-sufficiency.
This day trip from Santa Fe is a journey into the heart and soul of Northern New Mexico. It's an experience that will leave you enriched, inspired, and with a deeper understanding of this unique corner of the world.
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