Taos Area

The town of Taos ("the place of the red willows") actually encompasses several historic settlements, San Geronimo de Taos, the Native American, and the Spanish settlement, Don Fernando de Taos. The town is surrounded on the North, South and East by the Sangre de Cristo ("Blood of Christ") Mountains. It is believed that the Spanish settlers adopted this name because the crimson color the sun bathes right before it sets.

The Taos area is rich in art, history and culture. There are more than 100 art galleries and 7 museums in the Taos area, most within walking distance of the Kachina Lodge. In fact, the Van Vechten-Lineberry Taos Art Museum, which features more than 150 paintings from the private collection of the couple who built the Kachina Lodge is just one block north of the hotel. And the historic Taos Plaza, our shopping district, is just four blocks away.

The region also provides a limitless assortment of outdoor and recreational activities including the Taos Ski Valley.

Landmarks and Museums

• The Taos Pueblo
  A world-famous adobe village built around 1100 A.D. by the Tewa. The pueblo's two main, multi-storied structures are the oldest, continuously occupied dwellings in the United States. The first inhabited site to be placed on the United Nations World Heritage list of significant places, the Pueblo offers visitors the opportunity to participate in feast days, dances and other public events to which visitors are welcome. The Kachina Lodge is the nearest hotel to the Taos Pueblo which is located approximately 2.5 miles to the north. The Pueblo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., except for periodic religious observances. It is best to call for specifics (505)758-9593.

• St. Francis Church
  The Church of Saint Francis of Assissi was built in 1772 and is one of the southwest's most photographed, painted and famous churches. Located in the Ranchos de Taos Plaza. It is located approximately 5 miles south of the Kachina Lodge. The feast of St. Francis is celebrated annually on October 4^th and the church is always open to respectful visitors.

• Museum Association of Taos
  There are seven art and historical museums in Taos:
  • Millicent Rogers
  • Van Vechten-Lineberry Taos Art Museum
  • Blumenschein House
  • Fechin
  • Kit Carson House
  • Harwood Museum
  • Martinez Hacienda
  The Museum Association offers an $18 combination ticket which can be purchased at any museum.

Recreation and Adventure

A year-round vacation destination, Northern New Mexico also offers the following limitless assortment of outdoor activities. During the summer months, the sunlight is intense (don't forget hat or sunscreen) and because of our elevation, the temperature drops as soon as the sun goes down, sweater or light jacket recommended in summer. Prices and availability vary from season to season so be sure to contact us in advance to schedule one of these irresistible adventures.

• Rafting, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Snowmobiling and White Water Rafting offered, for example, by Native Sons Adventures
• Additional outdoor activities include Fly-fishing, Horseback Riding, Hot Air Balloon Adventures, Golf, Jeep Safaris, Llama Expeditions, Sailplane Rides, Photography Workshops and Night Sky Adventures.
• Taos Ski Valley
  A small, European-style ski village 19 miles outside the Town of Taos, and a mecca for the serious skier with 72 trails, 2,612 vertical foot drop and 11 lifts. Open Thanksgiving through Easter.