Taos Wild: Nature, Wildlife & Geology Half-Day Tour
Journey through the Taos High Country
Half-Day Tour Available in Taos, NM:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
March 1 - November 30: Regular Season
December 1 - December 31: Winter Season
2 GUEST MIN / 8 GUEST MAX
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FLY DIRECT to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Taos Learn More ›
MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - El Monte Sagrado Resort
RETURN TO: H.I. Travel Hub - El Monte Sagrado Resort
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Comfortable shoes
Hat and/or sunglasses
Sunscreen
Layered, weather-appropriate clothing
Water
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This Tour Supports Our Partners:
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
EARTHSHIP BIOTECTURE
AMIGOS BRAVOS
Our partners at AMIGOS BRAVOS will receive 5% of proceeds to help support their projects, such as Support an Otter.
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Gratuity for your inspired guide.
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At high elevations and in a dry climate, proper hydration, warm breathable layers, and sun protection is a necessity. New Mexico weather can also change without much notice.
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1 = Easy | 3 = Moderate | 5 = Difficult
Easy – Leisurely-paced walking tours with minimal physical exertion. Includes cultural explorations such as gallery visits, shopping tours, or cooking experiences. Suitable for all fitness levels.
Mild – Slightly more active than Level 1, these tours may include some walking on uneven terrain or short, easy hikes. Includes beginner-friendly outdoor activities and luxury glamping experiences with minimal hiking.
Moderate – Involves a mix of walking, hiking, or light physical activities such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Also includes the luxury stargazing glamping tour, which involves moderate exploration. Suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level who enjoy being active.
Challenging – Requires a higher level of fitness and stamina. May include longer hikes, paddling for extended periods, or multi-hour activities in rugged terrain. Some glamping experiences that involve more intensive exploration also fit here.
Difficult – Physically demanding adventures designed for experienced and fit participants. These could involve full-day strenuous hikes, technical outdoor activities, or rugged backcountry experiences.
Contact us to Book your Private Tour
Our Private Tours are not part of our regular Regional Tour Schedule, please fill out our inquiry form or reach our via email to tours@heritageinspirations.com directly to inquire about availability and include the Tour Title in your subject and we will get back with you within 24-48 hours upon your request.
“This tour was a treasure for the senses: the pungent scent of fresh sage rubbed between our hands; the gin-like taste of juniper berries picked right off a bush; the heart-stopping sight of the river hundreds of feet below the rocky edge of the gorge overlook; the laughing call of a new bird species who’s name I already forget; the sharp spine of the narrow-leaved yucca plant. And those thousands-of-years-old petroglyphs? Surreal! Back in the present, we were extraordinarily lucky to encounter eight Bighorn sheep coming down to their watering hole, and we watched them feeding in amazement only yards away. But the best part of this tour was our extraordinary guide: whip-smart, funny, loquacious, gracious, fascinating, accommodating. Such a wealth of knowledge about the land, history, culture and lore of her Land of Enchantment, and she fondly shared stories of her multi-generational family chronicle with us – what a treat! After the tour she gave us some trip suggestions and her phone number in case we had questions while in town, and then texted us later with more ideas for our next day – service above and beyond! We have traveled extensively, and Heritage is an upscale and first-class operation all the way! Thanks Angelisa!”
- Mark & Sue Holliday
What to Expect: Taos Wild: Nature, Wildlife & Geology Half Day Tour
Taos Wild is great for families as it includes frequent stops, a short hike, and many opportunities to witness the wildlife of the region.
Our Taos Inspired Guides share their knowledge about the plants, animals, and geology that you will see along the way. Taos Wild is an exploration of the land, it’s wildlife, plants, and people, as well as sustainability and conservation.
Our first stop is to explore the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, established by President Barack Obama in 2013. Named after the mighty river which originates from Southern Colorado and extends out to the Gulf of Mexico. The Rio Grande was added to the list of Wild and Scenic Rivers in 1968, making it one of the first eight US rivers to be protected.
Next we traverse ancient lava flows, learning more about the dynamic geologic forces that created this enchanting landscape. Explore and learn about the diverse plants, including wildflowers, sage, and piñon, along our moderate 2.4 mile hike. Try rolling sage into your hands and inhale for a cleansing breath as we connect to the land. Along the trail you will learn about the habitat and behaviors of local wildlife, while exploring ancient rock art called petroglyphs. These are ancient symbols and stories pecked into stone by ancestral Puebloans.
Following our hike we will travel parallel to the West Rim trail stopping at the 50 year old steel arch deck bridge that rises over 600 feet above the Rio Grande Gorge. This is the 7th tallest bridge in the United States. This geological phenomenon known as the rift zone exposes ancient ingenious basalt. The overlook provides breathtaking views of this iconic landscape on the Taos Plateau and is a great place for that perfect vacation photo.
Next we head to the World Headquarters of the Earthship Biotecture to learn about the development of fully sustainable prototype homes that have a zero carbon footprint. You will experience an Earthship that combines passive solar architecture, thermal mass construction, renewable energy, integrated water systems that include indoor food growing, and the use of natural and recycled materials. These stylish homes give you an insight into a new way of living, sustainable and off-the grid.
The Taos Wild tour explores the wide open spaces of the region with spectacular views and unique perspectives that ensure that you will fall in love with the area.
We can’t wait to share this adventure with you. This tour is perfect for the curious-minded, natural explorers, families with kids, and even kids at heart. There is something for everyone on this engaging educational tour.
