Hiking For Everyone! Hundreds of Miles of National Forest Trails.

If you've already visited us in Taos this year, we hope you found your way back home safe and sound.  New Mexico certainly made news headlines for a few weeks while the horrific fires burned far to our south.  Although the fires were far, far away, the Forest Service closed them as far north as Taos as a safety precaution.  Our relatively wet Spring had given us some moisture compared to those places around Los Alamos and Santa Fe that are still closed because of both fire damage and continuing fire danger.

But for those of you who are yet to come to Taos, we wanted to let you know that much still awaits anyone wanting to come. 

The dry weather pattern that seemed to have persisted across the State of New Mexico for so many months has finally broken and the seasonal "monsoons" have arrived.  Daily showers can be seen building above town in the mountains and they might occasionally drift this way or that, so we're never really sure whether we'll get rain in town.  You can be assured, however, that if you're above 10,000 feet anywhere in the Southern Rockies these days, you're most likely going to get very wet and cold.

The National Forests in and around the immediate vicinity of Taos have been reopened, meaning that all the best hiking and biking trails are ready for you to visit.  Additionally, all of the Taos Ski Valley venues are wide open as well, including the most popular Williams Lake Trail.  Some of our guests reported a light dosing of "gropel" the other day -- very light snow that resembles styro-foam.  They enjoyed the experience.

If you're coming to hike during monsoon season, leave right after breakfast, pack lots of water, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, food and (did I mention?) water.  More water, in fact, than you think you'll need.  Altitude can quickly dehydrate anyone.

A View of Taos Mountain from La Posada de Taos

Schedule your return to your car for no later than 3:30 PM each day.  That's about the time that locally heavy rain or snow might visit the higher trails.  The more intense any particular thunderstorm may become, the colder the temperatures it will deliver to any section of the higher mountain terrain.  So, don't risk ruining a great day -- come on back down to Taos where it might be sunny and warm or we might be having a brief shower.

La Posada has also had a Day Hikes for Guests of La Posada de Taos book printed that features some of the finest choices for hiking if you're just here for a couple or three days.  If you have time, review it once you've arrived.  It's terrific.

Northern New Mexico Sky Early Afternoon July 21, 2011

 August is a joyous time in Taos when the monsoons can keep things cool for everyone while so much of the country bakes in 100+ degree temperatures.   That kind of heat is virtually unheard of in Taos, so plan on coming to the mountains for a cool time.

Hiking, horseback riding, and llama trekking await you!

July in Taos: The Taos Pueblo Pow Wow

We've been busy here at La Posada de Taos for the last several weeks with wonderful guests from all over the world.  A recent announcement from the Town of Taos detailed the events we can expect in July, so I'd like to fill in some details for those of you coming in the upcoming weeks starting with the Pow Wow.

Regalia from "Southern" Tribe

The Taos Pueblo Pow Wow is scheduled for July 8, 9 and 10.  Beginning that Friday night at 7 pm with the Grand Entry, Native peoples from across the Western Hemisphere will entertain us wearing the regalia of their Nations and honoring their friendships with one another that date back centuries before Europeans arrived in North America.  I've been told in the past the incredible clothes you'll see are NOT costumes -- they are regalia.

Preparing for the Grand Entry, July 2010

Unlike many other ceremonies and observances at the Taos Pueblo, the Pow Wow isn't considered a religious event.  It is a social gathering and celebration of Native peoples and cultures honoring traditions and the proud histories of the many tribes participating.

Pow Wow's are a time for old friends to reunite.

 If you attend, be prepared with hats, sunscreen and sunglasses.  Cameras are allowed, but be advised that you may not take anyone's picture without their explicit consent.  I can say without a doubt, however, that a camera is highly advised.  Be courteous, patient and observant.  Ask questions.  Meet people.  Spend time doing nothing but being a spectator and then begin thinking about the camera.  Not once were we denied the opportunity to photograph, but we also felt that it was a privilege and not a right to do so.  You should know that some folks make their living working at Pow Wows.  That means that they may charge you for permission to take their photograph.  It's their job, after all.

Be Polite, Posing for Photographs is Work!

 I encourage you to visit the link to the descriptions of various dances to be held, including the Gourd Dance, Grass Dance, Men's Fancy Dance, Northern and Southern Traditionals and the Women's Dances to be held during the festivities.   

Finally, although I've been holding a room for the weekend, if you're interested in seeing this amazing display of a rich history, heritage and tradition, you'll need to call soon.  (800) 645-4803.