Elite Destination Homes’ head-turning Adobe Zen House is a shining example of sophisticated simplicity and tranquility. This open-concept, 4,600-square-foot marvel features three private acres, entirely surrounded by natural beauty, including the Rio Grande to the west, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the north, and the Carson National Forest to the south. As a result, the quaint village of Taos, New Mexico, acts as a basecamp for observant outdoor enthusiasts. Regardless of the season, backpackers flock to the prettiest Taos hiking trails, many of which lie within minutes of the grand Adobe Zen House, including a steep climb up neighboring Ojitos Canyon.
A 3-Stop Taos Hiking Guide: Discover the Rio Grande
The alluring Adobe Zen House is within 30 minutes of nearly 100 well-marked Taos hiking trails, whether that’s a stroll near the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge or a full-day trek into Carson National Forest’s densely-thicketed hearth. In hopes of enhancing an already-stellar escape into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Elite Destination Homes team has compiled three pathways that are equally scenic, exigent, and pristine. Let’s start with Devisadero Peak, a trailhead that rests less than 1.5 miles from the Adobe Zen House.
Devisadero Peak Trail
Very few Taos hiking trails are “kid-friendly” as they tend to require a 1,000-plus-foot climb and at least three miles of tramping. That being said, even casual hikers will appreciate the biodiverse terrains, gradual inclines, and stop-in-your-tracks views along the Devisadero Peak Trail. Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars because the Adobe Zen House is visible from the trail, as are numerous smoky mountains and the village itself. The natural aesthetic changes with the seasons, but it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful time to visit than winter when the minimal coats of snow blanket the earth’s floor.
Elliot Barker Trail
On the other side of the mountain range near Angel Fire, hikers will discover a trifecta of Taos hiking trails that jut into Carson National Forest’s rolling woodlands, where a bevy of harmless, curious critters reside. The Elliot Barker Trail, named after the author and conservationist who brought Smokey Bear to life, is a taxing, 7.6-mile jaunt that weaves through rows of tall aspens, arid semi-arid flatlands, and rain-fed ponds. The trek is less about the destination than about the journey itself—one that’s refreshing, serene, and quiet.
Traders Trail
It wouldn’t be a Taos hiking guide without a short journey to the Rio Grande Gorge, most notably the Traders Trail, a spellbinding, out-and-back excursion that never ceases to amaze one’s optics. While most travelers gravitate toward the gorge’s bridge a handful of miles to the north, this remarkably peaceful, easy-going hike is worth revisiting time and time again, partly because it hooks up with several other outlets. This desert, complete with tumbleweeds and dwarf shrubs, is an idyllic landscape to unplug and unwind, far away from the city’s clutch.
Iconic Taos Lodging: Adobe Zen House
The perfect place for après-hike relaxation and sophistication is the aforementioned Adobe Zen House, a dazzling yet effortless architectural jewel tucked away in the village’s southeast corner. It reigns above the landscape, like a beacon. On-site luxuries include a covered, mountain-view patio, a Japanese-inspired garden, an outdoor hot tub (New Mexico is known for its stargazing), a spacious chef’s kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace, and a game room. No other vacation rental in Taos can match the Zen House’s unique opulence and undeniable charm. It’s also central to numerous ski areas—winter is fast approaching, after all.
To book a well-deserved escape to Taos, please check availability online (or call directly at 651-389-3843).