Spring fun in the Land of Enchantment
Part of the magic of springtime in the Land of Enchantment is the wide variety of outdoor recreational activities available. From skiing and snowshoeing at high altitudes to rafting and hiking at lower elevations, there’s so much to do in and around town during March, which happens to be Spring Break time. Taos is also full of culture, history and art that can be experienced indoors if winter weather lingers longer than expected, which has been known to happen here in Northern New Mexico.
Spring Break for both Taos Municipal Schools and the University of New Mexico-Taos is March 13-17. Here are just a few examples of outdoor recreation and indoor fun for locals and visitors to experience during the month of March, including free events for kids.
Life zones
One reason for the diversity of outdoor experiences in Northern New Mexico is the wide range of life zones at different altitudes.
The Desert/Grassland/Woodland zone below 7,000 feet can be found around the Rio Grande and other rivers. The lower part of this zone is often rocky and covered with low growing shrubs. Higher up, it includes piñon and juniper trees, in addition to sage and cactus. Rafting on the Rio Grande and the Rio Chama takes place at the lower elevations, where it is typically much warmer than higher up.
The highest altitude zones around Taos are the Subalpine zone at 9,500 feet and the Alpine zone at 11,500 feet, where skiing continues into April and snowshoeing is possible sometimes into early summer.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding
March can still be a snowy month in the high elevation zones, creating perfect conditions for spring skiing. The four downhill ski areas have special events planned to celebrate the close of the season. Visit their websites to find out more.
At Taos Ski Valley, there are discounts on day tickets when purchased more than three days in advance. Also this year, there is childcare for kids up to 3 years old and pre-K lessons for 3 to 6 year olds. There’s also a new moving carpet that accesses a course with snow features to help beginners control their speed. Taos Ski Valley also has an ice skating rink. Season end is scheduled for April 9. Find out more at skitaos.com.
At Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, the Cardboard Derby is scheduled for March 25. Tentative close date is April 2; for more, visit sipapu.ski.
At Red River, there are torchlight and kids glow stock parades scheduled, along with fireworks and college days, with discounted lift tickets, rentals and lessons. Close date is March 19; for more, visit redriverskiarea.com.
Angel Fire Resort has tubing, sledding, music and night skiing planned, along with après ski and other events. Close date is March 19; website angelfireresort.com
Snowshoeing and cross country skiing
Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area offers snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and a special area to do both with dogs. There are yurts for overnight stays. Enchanted Forest is scheduled to be open until March 19. Find out more enchantedforestxc.com.
There is cross country skiing and snowshoeing offered at the Angel Fire Nordic Center, as well. For guided tours, take a look at Heritage Inspirations heritageinspirations. com or Mountain Skills Rock Climbing Adventures climbtaos.com.
On your own, visit Amole Canyon. The trailhead (CNF #10) is less than 20 miles south of downtown Taos on NM 518. This area is popular among snowshoers and cross country skiers.
Rock climbing
Mountain Skills Rock Climbing Adventures offers guided trips for people of all ages and all abilities. “March is an incredible time of year in Taos because of its proximity to both high altitude mountains and lower altitude desert terrain all within 10 miles,” owner Jay Foley said. ”Because of this it is actually possible to be in the cool powder snow in the mountains and then climbing in T-shirts in the sun on the very same day.” Call 575-7762222 or visit climbtaos.com for more information.
Fly fishing
Guided fly fishing tours happen year round, but the possibilities really open up in the spring, said Chaz Kerger at Taos Fly Shop. “Spring is so cool because we can move back up into the mountains and the bugs start hatching,” Kerger said. “The fish have been resting and relaxing all winter so they are voracious, and the rainbow trout spawn in late winter and early spring so they become aggressive.”
To find out more, call or stop by the shop at 338 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Unit B, call 575-751-1312 or visit taosflyshop.com. Other fly fishing companies include Solitary Angler at 575-758-5653, thesolitaryangler. com; and Ziafly at ziafly.com or call 575-779-3000.
Rafting
Several rafting companies offer trips on the Rio Grande and Rio Chama. Spring is a great time to be on the river because it is not as busy as the summer months. There are half-day, full-day and overnight trips that include more mellow floats like the Racecourse and challenging trips like the Taos Box. Some companies also offer kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and combination tours with fly fishing, gourmet meals, rock climbing, music, introductions to cultural history, and more.
Rafting companies include:
Los Rios River Runners; losriosriverrunners.com. New Mexico River Adventures (NMRA); newmexicoriveradventures.com. New Wave Rafting; newwaverafting.com.
Big River Raft Trips; bigriverrafts.com.
Far Flung Adventures; farflung.com
Hiking
At lower elevations, the snow is melting and trails near the Rio Grande offer ways to get down to the river or view it from the edge of the Gorge. Local favorites include the Wild Rivers area north of town and Orilla Verde south of town. You may see bighorn sheep on the hillsides or bald eagles cruising above the river before they depart to the north for the summer. To find out more, contact the visitors centers: Wild Rivers at 575-586-1150 and Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center at Pilar 575-751-4899.
Horseback riding
As the weather warms, horseback tours get started near Taos. Take a look at the websites to see schedules and book a tour.
Cieneguilla Stables in Pilar 575-751-2815.Road Runner tours, nancyburch.com. Red River Stables, redriverstables.com.Rio Grande Stables; riograndestables.net.Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures; bobcatpass.wordpress.com. Fun and free things for kids
The Millicent Rogers Museum will offer free admission for students and their families during spring break. Come see the collage and santos created by Vista Grande High School. Visit millicentrogers.org to find out more.
The Harwood Museum is planning a Spring Community Day, March 19, that will include free admission for all Taos County residents, along with music, art projects, story time and teen-led tours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details at harwoodmuseum.org. Storycorps, a national nonprofit will be in town to record the stories of Taos residents, in partnership with the Harwood. For more information or to reserve a spot visit storycorps.org or call 800-850-4406.
Twirl is celebrating Women’s History Month and will offer special events like Science Saturday, March 11 from noon-2 p.m. and Saturday Art Studio, March 25 from noon-2 p.m. Twirl is located at 225 Camino de la Placita; phone 575-751-1402; website twirltaos.org. These events are free.