Arroyos del Norte Trails | Taos

Arroyos del Norte Trails – Taos County’s Hidden High-Desert Paths

Set just north of El Prado, near Taos, the Arroyos del Norte Trails form a quiet network of footpaths weaving through the open sagebrush country of northern New Mexico. This lesser-known trail system, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, offers a genuine encounter with the Taos Plateau’s rugged landscape, where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rise in the distance and the sky seems endlessly wide.

Landscape and Setting

The trails stretch across the Taos Valley’s western edge, a high-desert plateau of volcanic soil, juniper clusters, and low arroyos carved by seasonal rain. The terrain feels wild yet gentle - rolling hills with faint traces of lava rock and wild grasses that shift with the wind. From many points along the route, visitors can glimpse the snow-capped Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s tallest mountain, standing sentinel over the horizon.

The air here is crisp and often scented with sage, especially after a summer thunderstorm. Silence dominates the landscape, broken only by the call of ravens or the distant sound of a breeze pushing through dry brush.

Trail Experience

The Arroyos del Norte Trail System features several interconnecting loops of easy to moderate difficulty, suited for both hiking and mountain biking. The main trailhead, located off U.S. Highway 64, provides access to gently graded dirt paths that meander through open desert.

Hikers often favor the Overlook Loop, which climbs slightly to reveal panoramic views of the Rio Grande Gorge, while the Sage Loop offers a more secluded experience through thick sagebrush stands and small washes. Trail markers are simple and infrequent, giving the experience a more natural, exploratory feel.

The footing is sandy and uneven in places, and the high elevation - around 7,000 feet - adds a subtle challenge, especially in summer heat. Early morning or late afternoon walks are ideal for comfort and for catching the best light across the plateau.

Flora and Fauna

This section of the plateau supports a surprising range of wildlife. Cottontail rabbits, lizards, and prairie dogs dart across the trail, while hawks, ravens, and occasionally golden eagles glide overhead. The plant life shifts with the seasons - from the soft bloom of Indian paintbrush and purple asters in late spring to the muted gold of rabbitbrush in autumn.

The solitude and unspoiled character of the area make it an excellent spot for birdwatching or quiet reflection, especially for those seeking a more peaceful alternative to the busier Rio Grande Gorge Bridge area nearby.

Access and Visitor Information

The trails are located roughly 10 miles north of Taos, with the main trailhead accessible by a short gravel road west of Highway 64 near the small community of Arroyo Hondo. Parking is free and open year-round, though facilities are minimal - there are no restrooms or water sources, so visitors should come prepared.

During winter, snow sometimes dusts the plateau, creating a stark, quiet beauty, while summer brings intense sun and occasional monsoon storms. Lightweight layers, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water are essential no matter the season.

Character and Atmosphere

Walking the Arroyos del Norte Trails feels like stepping into a still, ancient world - where the horizon stretches in every direction and the sound of your footsteps mingles with the hum of the desert wind. It’s the kind of place where time seems to pause, the light constantly shifting across the sage and stone.

For travelers seeking a moment of quiet connection to northern New Mexico’s landscape, these trails offer exactly that: simple paths, wide skies, and the endless hum of open country beneath the blue Taos sky.