Understand
First things first: "Taos" rhymes with "house" or "mouse," as pronounced in American English.
The town of Taos itself is one of several places with "Taos" in their name, all part of the region and contributors to its attractiveness but differing in just what the attractions are. Ranchos de Taos is a small village south of Taos proper that is notable for a spectacularly scenic and much-photographed church. Taos Pueblo is just north of town, an ancient American Indian community and UNESCO World Heritage Site in a particularly beautiful setting. Taos Ski Valley, also known as Twining, is about 20 miles 30 km north of town in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Finally, the Taos Box is a section of the nearby Rio Grande known for its superb whitewater. Before setting out for an attraction, know exactly which Taos you're visiting; attractions outside Taos proper but in Ranchos de Taos, Taos Pueblo or Taos Ski Valley are covered below with those for the town, while more distant attractions are under Get out.
