10 Mountain Towns Worth Visiting Outside of Ski Season

10. Taos, New Mexico - Artistic Heritage in High Desert Mountains

Taos represents a unique fusion of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where high desert landscapes meet alpine environments to create one of the most distinctive settings in the American Southwest. The town's artistic heritage dates back centuries to the indigenous Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains an active community where traditional pottery, weaving, and other crafts continue to be practiced using methods passed down through generations. Taos became a magnet for artists in the early 20th century when painters like Georgia O'Keeffe and writers like D.H. Lawrence discovered the area's unique light, dramatic landscapes, and multicultural atmosphere, establishing an artistic legacy that continues to attract creative individuals from around the world. The surrounding Carson National Forest provides access to some of New Mexico's most spectacular wilderness areas, including the Wheeler Peak Wilderness where hikers can climb the state's highest peak at 13,159 feet, offering views that stretch across multiple states and into Mexico on clear days. Taos's high desert location at 7,000 feet elevation creates a climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually, making outdoor activities comfortable year-round while providing the clear, dry air that artists have long praised for its exceptional quality of light. The town's plaza area maintains its historic character with adobe buildings housing galleries, restaurants, and shops that showcase local artisans and the region's multicultural heritage, while nearby attractions like the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge offer dramatic views of one of the Southwest's most spectacular natural features. Taos's spiritual atmosphere, enhanced by its history as a gathering place for diverse cultures and its stunning natural setting, continues to attract visitors seeking both outdoor adventure and cultural enrichment in a setting unlike anywhere else in North America.