Taos Ski Valley is well known for its many hiking trails on forest service land and wilderness. Having an Access Permit to hike the Northside offers expanded areas to explore and a great loop system of trails. See the trail map here.

Northside at Taos Ski Valley is:

• 1,300 acres
• 2,800 ft. vertical gain
• Highest point is 12,163 ft. Frazer Mountain
• Approximately 25 miles of old roads and trails
• Area is covered with Aspen, Englemann and Blue Spruce, Western White Fir and rarely seen Red Fir, and Bristlecone Pine.
• Home to herds of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Elk, and Mule Deer.
• Covered with thousands of varieties of wildflowers, plants and animal life.

Guided Nature Walks
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Join us at Northside for an exclusive and professionally guided natural history walk. Spend an incredible three hours exploring, and learning to identify the native, wild and edible plants, flowers, and birds. In season, you will learn to recognize the many different species of mushrooms. You can experience and learn about the fascinating geology of the area and be able to participate in discussions about forest ecology and management. $20 per person. See the Events page for details.

Some FAQ's:

What should my level of fitness be for hiking?
Anyone with the desire can hike the trails. If you get out of breath, that is not unusual. Give yourself plenty of time, have personal hydration, take extra clothes for changing weather, and have some snacks.

Can I take my pet?
Only if it is a dog, and only if your dog is under complete control. If this means your dog needs a leash to keep from chasing someone on a bicycle, or to keep from fighting with other dogs, they better be on a leash. If any incident occurs where your dog causes damage or injury to anything or anyone, you will be strictly liable for any such damage or injury.

Will I see horseback riders?
You might. The trails are shared by all users, which includes the mountain bikes and the horseback tours. Horse traffic will only be on designated tour routes however, so please familiarize yourself with the trail map.

Can I camp?
No. We have no camping facilities, and no fires are allowed on the property at all. No smoking is allowed on the property either. Anyone violating this rule will be evicted.

For more FAQ's, click here.