Tucked inconspicuously below the High Road, just west of the junction of Hwy 76 and Hwy 75, Picuris Pueblo was once among the largest and most powerful pueblos in New Mexico. The Picuris built adobe constructions at least seven stories tall and boasted a population approaching 3000. After the Pueblo Revolt and Reconquista, when many retreated to Kansas rather than face De Vargas' wrath, only 500 returned. Stop by the visitor office or administration office for a self-guided tour brochure ($5).
Picuris Pueblo
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
18.79 MILES
The Pueblo is centered on twin five-story adobe complexes, set on either side of the Río Pueblo de Taos, against the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de…
19.16 MILES
Often called the Lourdes of America, the chapel was built in 1816, over a spot of earth said to have miraculous healing properties. The faithful come to…
17.94 MILES
Rooted in the private collection of model and oil heiress Millicent Rogers, who moved to Taos in 1947, this superb museum, 4 miles northwest of the Plaza,…
20.43 MILES
Numbering 70 Earthships, with capacity for 60 more, Taos’ pioneering community was the brainchild of architect Michael Reynolds. Built with recycled…
19.04 MILES
Constructed in 1965, this vertigo-inducing steel bridge carries Hwy 64 across the Rio Grande about 12 miles northwest of Taos. It’s the seventh-highest…
27.05 MILES
In 1924, Mabel Dodge Luhan gave DH Lawrence's wife, Frieda, this 160-acre ranch, now administered by the University of New Mexico, where the Lawrence…
27.74 MILES
Set up by the Pojoaque Pueblo’s former governor, artist George Rivera, this center features simple but powerful displays on the history and culture of the…
28.8 MILES
Several tours explore these ancient ruins, 5 miles west of the Santa Clara Pueblo at the entrance to Santa Clara Canyon. Abandoned around 1500, they’re…
Nearby attractions
1. Church of San José de Gracia
5.49 MILES
Begun in 1760 and constantly defended against Apache raids, the Church of San José de Gracia in tiny Las Trampas is considered one of the finest surviving…
10.54 MILES
Award-winning vintner, 2.5 miles east of Hwy 68 along Hwy 75, that only uses New Mexican grapes. As well as offering tastings here, it also runs a tasting…
11.15 MILES
Right where Hwy 68 meets Hwy 75, this winery is run by the genial Padberg brothers, born and raised in Dixon. The Divino and Diavolo reds are the best –…
4. San Francisco de Asís Church
12.26 MILES
Just off Hwy 68 in Ranchos de Taos, 4 miles south of Taos Plaza, this iconic church was completed in 1815. Famed for the rounded curves and stark angles…
12.63 MILES
The wooden cross marking the grave of actor Dennis Hopper is wrapped in bandannas and Mardi Gras beads. They're a simple nod to his role in Easy Rider,…
13.55 MILES
As you drive through Embudo, your eye will inevitably be caught by the array of ancient gas pumps and Route 66 paraphernalia outside Classical Gas. What’s…
14.94 MILES
Set amid the fields 2 miles southwest of the Plaza, this fortified adobe homestead was built in 1804. It served as a trading post, first for merchants…
15.95 MILES
Attractively displayed in a gorgeous and very spacious mid-19th-century adobe compound, the paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and photographs here…