When we decided to squeeze Taos, New Mexico, into the pre-Arizona leg of our journey, we didn’t fully appreciate what it would take to get there. Spoiler: It involved climbing to 10,000 feet through winding mountain roads that felt like they were auditioning for a postcard. Half the fun of Taos was definitely the journey, though, and this leg was no exception.

The Road to Taos

Our route took us through Angel Fire and Eagle Nest, two jaw-dropping mountain communities known for their winter hunting, fishing, and skiing scenes. Since it’s summer, the towns were in a bit of hibernation mode, but the snow-capped peaks gave us just enough winter vibes to imagine their colder charm.

Climbing up was a slow, steady crawl (cue dramatic Rocky Mountain High soundtrack), but coming down was an adventure of its own. As we descended through not one but two state-protected forests, we were treated to breathtaking views—so beautiful, in fact, that we probably wouldn’t have noticed the layers of brake pads we left on the road if it weren’t for the distinct smell of hard work wafting through the air. RV life, am I right?

Once in Taos

After that epic entrance, we wasted no time diving into Taos’ rich culture. The day after arriving (despite some pesky car troubles), we visited the Taos Pueblo, a living Native American community and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Pueblo experience was unforgettable. We met some truly incredible people, including a young Indigenous man who offered us street corn made from his family recipe. He wouldn’t share the details, but after one bite, we were okay with the mystery. We also chatted with a talented photographer whose gallery-worthy shots told vivid stories of life in and around the Pueblo.

From there, we wandered through Taos’ historic downtown, which oozes charm with its adobe architecture, quirky shops, and galleries. Thanks to a hot tip from the RV park owner, we found Taos Mesa Brewing, a dog-friendly gem where we sipped craft brews while the chihuahuas charmed (or maybe judged) everyone around us.

The RV Park That Deserves a Shoutout

Usually, RV parks are just a launching pad for adventures, but this one deserves a little love. Run by a friendly young couple who love to travel themselves, they were an absolute treasure trove of local tips. The park featured a scenic on-leash walking area, perfect for our little pack, and, in a twist of serendipity, we met another couple traveling with three chihuahuas! Naturally, our pups exchanged a few barks, as chihuahuas do, and we shared travel stories.

Final Thoughts on Taos

Taos stole our hearts with its mix of mountain magic, Indigenous culture, and warm hospitality. It might have been an unplanned stop, but it quickly became one of the most memorable. If you find yourself debating whether to tackle those mountain passes, do it. Just bring some extra brake pads.