Red River vs Taos: Which New Mexico Mountain Town Is Right for Your Vacation?
Choosing between Red River and Taos for your New Mexico mountain getaway? You're not alone. These two destinations each offer stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, and authentic Southwestern charm.
Red River sits at an elevation of 8,750 feet, about an hour north of Taos. Red River is a duo summer and ski town with a compact, walkable layout. It is nestled in a narrow, picturesque valley and spans just one mile. Meanwhile, Taos is a larger arts-oriented community at 7,200 feet, designated as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark, famous for its pueblo, galleries, and cultural attractions.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll compare everything from skiing and summer activities to dining, accommodations, and family-friendliness to help you decide which destination best fits your travel style.
Size, Atmosphere & Character
Red River: Intimate Mountain Village
Red River is a rustic mining-town-turned-ski-resort with a distinctly Western feel and Spanish influences. It spanns just about one mile long and a few blocks wide. The entire town centers around Main Street, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and rental outfitters within easy walking distance.
What makes Red River unique:
Everything you need is within a 10-minute walk
You can drive OHVs through town and directly from your cabin to the trails
Authentic Western small-town atmosphere
Ski runs literally drop you back into town
Active social calendar with ongoing town hosted events and festivals
Free town bus service
Taos: Artistic & Historic Community
Taos is significantly larger with a population spread across the valley, featuring world-class art galleries, museums, historic sites, and diverse dining options. The town has long attracted artists, writers, and creative spirits seeking inspiration in the high desert landscape.
What defines Taos:
Home to Taos Pueblo, a 1,000-year-old continuously inhabited Native American community
80+ art galleries and multiple museums
Vibrant cultural scene and nightlife
Taos Ski Valley is located about 30 minutes from town
Greater variety of restaurants and bars
More resort-style accommodations
Richer historical and cultural attractions
Winter Sports & Skiing
Red River Ski Area
Red River Ski Area might surprise you with its variety—it offers terrain for all abilities, including challenging expert runs.
Skiing in Red River:
Ski-in/ski-out convenience from town
Shorter lift lines—often no wait
The backside provides great terrain for kids to explore widely-spaced trees safely
Expert terrain off Catskinner and the narrow, steep Linton trail
Beginner-friendly with gentle learning areas
Affordable lift tickets and lessons
Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley is renowned for its challenging terrain and steeper runs.
Skiing in Taos:
Taos is geared toward higher-level skiers with steeper, more narrow runs
It's an "expert mountain" that may not be ideal for complete beginners
Located 30 minutes from town (not ski-in/ski-out)
European-style village at base
Higher price point
Other Winter Activities
Both towns offer snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Red River is home to Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area at 9,800 feet—New Mexico's only dedicated cross-country ski facility.
Summer Adventures
Red River Summer Activities
Red River transforms into an outdoor recreation haven with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and off-roading.
Off-Highway Vehicles:
Drive your side-by-side from your cabin directly to trails and even into town for dinner
Extensive trail network in Carson National Forest
Jeep rentals and guided tours available
Fishing:
Trout fishing in the Red River running through town
Multiple stocked fishing ponds
Easy access for all skill levels
Hiking & Mountain Biking:
Trails ranging from the easy quarter-mile walking path to difficult 8-mile one-way hikes
Popular trails include the moderate 5-mile Middle Fork Lake Trail and scenic Goose Lake Trail
Mountain bike trails at ski area
Other Activities:
Mountain tubing on ski slopes
Horseback riding tours through Carson National Forest
Zip line at ski area
Go-karts on Main Street
Taos Summer Activities
In the summer, Taos offers fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting, plus year-round cultural attractions.
Cultural Experiences:
Tour the 1,000-year-old Taos Pueblo
Explore 80+ art galleries
Visit museums and historic sites
Outdoor Recreation:
Whitewater rafting through the Rio Grande Gorge—the state's premier whitewater run
Visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, soaring 390 meters above the river
Hike to Williams Lake or summit Wheeler Peak (13,159 feet)—New Mexico's highest point
Mountain biking at Taos Ski Valley
Soak at nearby hot springs like Ojo Caliente (45 minutes away)
Dining & Nightlife
Red River Dining
Red River surprises visitors with quality dining options serving huge portions in a casual, Western atmosphere.
Red River restaurant highlights:
Texas Reds—a 50+ year institution serving steaks, prime rib, and elk burgers
VINE—perfect for brunch, lunch, and dinner
Casual mountain lodge atmosphere throughout
Family-friendly establishments
Low-key bars with live music
Taos Dining & Nightlife
Taos offers significantly more restaurant variety, from authentic New Mexican cuisine to upscale dining, plus breweries, wineries, and vibrant nightlife.
Taos food scene:
Multiple chocolate makers including Chokola Bean to Bar
Local breweries like Taos Mesa Brewing and Blue Heron
Diverse international cuisine options
Upscale dining experiences
Live music venues and arts scene
Accommodations
Staying in Red River
Red River accommodations primarily consist of independently-owned log cabins, condos, and local lodges.
Red River lodging advantages:
Everything within walking distance
Authentic mountain experience
Generally more affordable than Taos
Family-oriented amenities
Cozy, home-away-from-home atmosphere
Staying in Taos
Taos offers a broader range of accommodations from budget motels to luxury resorts and historic bed & breakfasts.
Taos lodging options:
Historic inns and B&Bs
Resort-style properties with spas
Unique options like staying in an Earthship
More upscale amenities
30 minute drive to ski area
Accessibility & Getting Around
Red River
Red River is approximately 3 hours from Albuquerque's international airport, accessed via scenic mountain roads.
Getting around Red River:
Drive NM-38 over Bobcat Pass (9,280 feet elevation)
Park once and walk everywhere
Free shuttle bus system (Miners Transit)
Taos
Taos is 36.7 miles (about 56 minutes) from Red River, making it easier to reach from major highways but requiring more driving within the area.
Getting around Taos:
More spread out—car necessary
30-minute drive to ski valley
Parking readily available
Better road maintenance in winter
Cost Comparison
Red River Costs
More affordable lift tickets
Lower lodging prices
Casual dining is budget-friendly
Free activities (fishing in town, hiking)
Better value for families
Taos Costs
Higher lift ticket prices
More expensive accommodations
Wider price range for dining (budget to upscale)
Museum and attraction admission fees
Premium experience commands premium pricing
Weather & Best Times to Visit
Both destinations share similar weather patterns with some key differences:
Red River at 8,750 feet is cooler day and night than Taos at 7,200 feet, and more susceptible to afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season. Red River's higher elevation may cause more altitude sensitivity for some visitors.
Winter (December-March): Prime ski season for both
Summer (June-August): Perfect weather for outdoor activities
Fall (September-October): Beautiful aspen colors, fewer crowds
Spring (April-May): Shoulder season with variable weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I visit both Red River and Taos in one trip? A: Absolutely! They're only 36.7 miles apart (about 56 56-minute drive), making it easy to stay in one location and explore the other as a day trip.
Q: Which is better for a first-time skier? A: Red River is significantly better for beginners, with gentler terrain, shorter lift lines, and a less intimidating atmosphere. Taos Ski Valley is known as an expert mountain.
Q: Is Red River or Taos better for summer vacations? A: Both are excellent, but Red River edges ahead for pure outdoor recreation and easy OHV access, while Taos wins if you want cultural activities mixed with outdoor adventures.
Q: Which town has better restaurants? A: Taos offers far more variety and upscale dining options, though Red River has solid casual Western fare with generous portions.
Q: Which destination is more affordable? A: Red River is generally more budget-friendly across lodging, dining, and activities.
Plan Your Perfect Red River Vacation
After comparing Red River vs Taos, you can see why so many families and outdoor enthusiasts choose Red River for their New Mexico mountain getaway. The combination of walkable convenience, family-friendly activities, stunning scenery, and affordable adventure makes it a hidden gem that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Ready to experience Red River for yourself? Our perfectly located vacation rental puts you right in the heart of this mountain paradise, with easy access to skiing, hiking, fishing, and all the outdoor activities that make Red River special. Wake up to mountain views, enjoy modern amenities in a cozy cabin setting, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
