The areas of and near Taos of most interest to the traveler generally have little crime, although the potential for petty theft from unlocked cars always exists, particularly in remote areas e.g. at trailheads in the national forest. The main concerns are weather and road hazards. Winters can be harsh, particularly at higher elevations, and the wise motorist uses snow tires and has chains or 4 wheel drive available from November through March. Keeping warm clothing and an emergency kit in the car during this time is a good idea. Heavy snow creates hazards for outdoor recreation as well; use extreme caution in the mountains, as avalanche conditions are frequent. During the summer a different hazard appears: lightning. The Sangre de Cristos generate thunderstorms that produce frequent cloud-to-ground strikes. If you go hiking in the high country during summer, make sure you're off the high summits by 1 p.m. at the latest, and keep an eye out for earlier-than-normal electrical activity.
Another contributor to safety concerns on the roadways is the unfortunate but undeniable fact that northern New Mexico has severe problems with drunk driving. Taos has less problems itself with this than some nearby areas, but vigilance on the highways is still a good idea, particularly after dark and on the highways into and outside the town.
contact
There is free Internet access at some sites around town, but most supplied by laplaza.org are nominally for town residents. Public wireless access for travelers is reported to exist at Taos Municipal Airport. Most major hotels offer wide-band services.
Sustaining Cultures, 110 & 114 Doña Luz, (http://www.sustainingcult...), which includes a metaphysical bookstore and a "natural" not vegetarian cafe, offers free Internet access on 2 in-house Mac PCs as well as free wireless in the store.
cope
Spirits of Beauty Salon
223 Paseo del Pueblo, +1 575 758-1178. Haircut, $32.Aveda Salon Marjorie, 237 Ledoux Street, +1 575 751-7246. hair, manicures, pedicures, massage. (http://salonmarjorie.com).]