Red River Ski Live Cam

Taos County is a county located in the northern part of the U.S. state of New Mexico. The county was founded in 1852 and is named after the town of Taos, which is the county seat. Taos County has a rich history that is closely tied to the Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures that have inhabited the region for centuries.

The Taos Pueblo, located in Taos County, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. The pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been inhabited by the Taos people for over 1,000 years. The Taos Pueblo was also the site of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, in which the Native American people of the region rose up against the Spanish colonizers.

In the 1800s, Taos County was part of the Spanish Empire and then became part of Mexico after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. The region was then annexed by the United States in 1848 as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War.

During the 20th century, Taos County became a popular destination for artists and writers, including Georgia O'Keeffe, D.H. Lawrence, and Willa Cather, who were drawn to the area's natural beauty and vibrant cultural traditions.

Today, Taos County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. The county is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Rio Grande Gorge and the Taos Mountains, as well as its rich history and cultural heritage.

Top Tourist Attractions

There are many top tourist attractions in Taos County, New Mexico that visitors should definitely consider checking out:

• Taos Pueblo: This historic Native American community is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Visitors can take guided tours of the pueblo, learn about the culture and history of the Taos people, and purchase traditional arts and crafts.
• Taos Ski Valley: This ski resort is located in the Taos Mountains and offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
• Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: This stunning bridge spans the Rio Grande Gorge and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can walk across the bridge or take a guided tour of the area.
• Kit Carson Home and Museum: This museum is located in the historic home of legendary frontiersman Kit Carson and features exhibits on Carson's life and the history of Taos County.
• Harwood Museum of Art: This museum features a collection of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on the art and culture of the Southwest.
• Taos Plaza: This historic town square is surrounded by shops, galleries, and restaurants, and is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
• Taos Art Museum at Fechin House: This museum is housed in the former home of Russian artist Nicolai Fechin and features a collection of art and artifacts from the Taos Art Colony.
• San Francisco de Asis Mission Church: This historic church is located in the village of Ranchos de Taos and is one of the most photographed and painted churches in the United States.
• Earthships: These unique, sustainable homes are located just outside of Taos and are made from recycled materials such as tires, bottles, and cans.
• Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway: This 83-mile scenic drive takes visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in northern New Mexico, including the Taos Mountains, the Moreno Valley, and the Carson National Forest.

Climate

Taos County has a semi-arid climate, which is characterized by mild to hot summers, cold winters, and low precipitation throughout the year. The county is located in the high desert of northern New Mexico and sits at an elevation of around 7,000 feet above sea level, which can also affect the climate.

In the summer months, temperatures in Taos County can range from the mid-80s to the low 90s Fahrenheit (around 29-35°C), with low humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Nighttime temperatures are usually cooler, dropping to the 50s or 60s Fahrenheit (around 10-20°C). The summer is also the monsoon season in the region, which means that there is a chance of heavy rain and flash flooding in some areas.

In the winter months, temperatures in Taos County can drop to below freezing, with average daytime highs in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit (around 0-5°C) and nighttime lows in the teens or single digits Fahrenheit (around -10 to -20°C). Snowfall is common in the winter, and the county's ski resorts typically receive several feet of snow each season.

Overall, Taos County's climate is characterized by a wide range of temperatures and low precipitation, which can make for pleasant outdoor activities in the summer and excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Visitors should be prepared for temperature fluctuations and varying weather conditions depending on the season.

Geography

Taos County is located in northern New Mexico and is bordered by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande to the west. The county has a total area of 2,204 square miles (5,703 square kilometers), making it the third-largest county in New Mexico by land area.

The county's terrain is diverse and includes high desert plateaus, rugged mountains, and deep river valleys. The highest point in Taos County is Wheeler Peak, which stands at 13,161 feet (4,011 meters) and is the highest point in New Mexico. The Rio Grande Gorge, a deep canyon carved by the Rio Grande river, also runs through the county and is a popular destination for hiking and rafting.

The county is home to several national forests, including the Carson National Forest, which covers much of the county's eastern half. The forest is home to several mountain ranges, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which offer hiking, camping, and skiing opportunities.

Taos County is also home to several important rivers and streams, including the Rio Grande, the Red River, and the Rio Hondo, which provide important water resources for the region's agricultural and tourism industries. Overall, Taos County's geography is marked by its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, which make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and tourism.