Hiking to the Top of the Mountain
Taos Ski Valley, NM
Hiking to the top of the mountain at Taos Ski Valley is unquestionably one of our favorite places to be. We have made this trek every year for four years. Sometimes it's just the two of us; one time another couple went with us; and, another time we took family. Starting at the base of the mountain at
Taos Ski Valley,
we ride the ski lift up to its end (about an altitude of 11,000 feet), hop off and begin our ascent to about 12,000+ feet. Doesn't sound like much of a hike, distance-wise, but a lot of it is quite steep. The air is thin up there, so you should be in pretty good physical condition and, it certainly helps if you are used to high altitudes. High altitude sickness is always a possibility. If you do get high altitude sickness, the only cure is to go down to a lower altitude, although the town of Taos is about 7,000 feet, which is still fairly high for those used to sea level living. We have learned from experience that we need to go prepared. If it's quite warm in the Valley, it might be quite cool up on top. So we usually don't wear shorts. And, fair weather in the valley does not guarantee the same weather up on top. Three out of four years, it rained. Always beware of lightning. My advice in case of lightning: leave the mountain - immediately. Here's a list of necessities: jacket or sweatshirt, rain poncho, long pants, sturdy boots, hat, sun screen lotion, water, sun glasses, snacks (that won't melt). This is a list of nice-to-take items: blanket to sit on at the top to watch the sun go by; bottle of wine, corkscrew and plastic glasses. (I know - wine in plastic glasses is gauche - but safer than glass.)
Yup! We made it to the top.
And here's the gorgeous view from the top - and the town of Taos in the valley way below.
This is definitely a outdoor experience you must do! Enjoy!
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