This is the only picture I was allowed to take while on the pueblo, and truth be told, I wasn’t really allowed to take this one. Apparently, the Taos Pueblo closes to outsiders at 4 p.m. That’s right, the entire pueblo, not just the historic part behind the “closed” signs. I stopped to take this picture in the parking lot of the historic area, and was quickly chased off by an unforgiving pueblo police officer.
I don’t want to be too unforgiving to the Taos Pueblo. Just because they were short with me, and ran me off, doesn’t mean the pueblo isn’t worth a visit. After all, the area has been inhabited by this Native American tribe for nearly 1,000 years, with some of the current buildings dating back to at least 1450 A.D. So, if you’re more than just a casual visitor, and you arrive early enough, go ahead and check it out.
Back in modern-day Taos, there wasn’t much happening. Since it was Sunday, and the sun was about to set, most stores had closed for the day (if they had opened at all). The old town square was mostly deserted, except for one panhandler from the pueblo who hit me up for $1 and some change.
If you’re a fan of adobe architecture, there’s plenty to see.
About the only place still open was the Taos Inn, which has a cool neon sign and pricey rooms. I already had a reservation back in Santa Fe, so I left town.
While the High Road to Taos receives most of the fame, the low road is a scenic treat, too. NM Rte. 68 drops down through a narrow valley, and follows the Rio Grande River for part of the drive back to US 84 & 285. Unfortunately, it was too late in the day to see much of the scenery.
Note: This trip was first published in 2006.
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