LOCATION & INFO

LOCATION

Northside is located in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico and directly across the valley from the ski slopes.

 

The Village of Taos Ski Valley was incorporated in 1996 with a base elevation of 9,200 feet. The Village limits reach elevations of 12,581 feet with the highest residential dwelling being at 10,350 feet, making Taos Ski Valley the highest municipality in the US!

 

DIRECTIONS

The first goal is to arrive at the intersection of New Mexico State Highways 64, 522, and 150. This intersection is located on the north end of Taos and can be approached from any direction. From here travel North and NE on Highway 150, also known as the “Ski Valley Road”, for 15 miles and will take you through the village of Arroyo Seco on your way up to the ski valley.

 

PARKING

When you arrive in Taos Ski Valley, please park at the Bull Of The Woods Trailhead which is the uppermost level of the paved ski area  parking lot (Coyote Parking). You'll see picnic tables and some tent camping spots (Twining Campground), with USFS restroom facilities just up the hill. There is also a public restroom located on Thunderbird Road between LeSki Mastery and the Pizza Shack.

 

Absolutely NO parking at the Northside property gate or anywhere along the roadways. If you do, you'll most likely be ticketed.

 

NOTE in Winter - You will have to park where instructed by the ski resort parking attendants.

 

 

GETTING TO NORTHSIDE & OBTAINING A PERMIT

 

Riding to the Northside property gate:

From the Bull Of The Woods Trailhead, ride either up Twining Road (which comes out near the trailhead) or take Thunderbird Road past the Alpine Village Suites then up Ernie Blake Road to Twining Road. Proceed up Twining Rd. to Phoenix Switchback. Hang a left and climb up and straight through the next intersection. The road will turn into Bull Of The Woods Road. Stay on this road to the property gate. From the upper level parking lot, you will ride approximately one mile to the gate.

 

There will be Northside signs posted at the intersections leading up to the property gate.

 

Hiking to the Northside property gate or kiosk:

Depending on where you start in the village, you can either choose to follow the same route on the village roads as if you were bicycling, or you can park in the upper level parking lot (Coyote Parking) and hike up the Bull Of The Woods Trail to the intersection of the Long Canyon Trail. Cross the Hondo creek at that intersection and follow the trail to the Northside hut and trailhead kiosk.

 

NOTE in Winter - You will have to park where instructed by the ski resort parking attendants. We do not keep our kiosk open in the winter, so please obtain your permit before snowshoeing.

 

Obtaining a permit:

Obtain a permit and map before heading up to Northside or at the Northside trailhead kiosk. If you don't know how to get to Northside, we suggest getting your permit and map first or download the map so you'll know how to get to the Northside trailhead. Click here for more about access permits.

 

NOTE in Winter - The trailhead kiosk is not open in winter. Please obtain your permit first.

 

 

MAPS, MAPS, and more MAPS

 

Our Northside Trail Map with directions from the parking lot.

 

Click here for maps of the Village of Taos Ski Valley, regional map, Taos ski trail map, Town of Taos Map.

 

Click here for other maps, driving times, other transportation services and car rentals.

 

GOOD EATS AND DRINKS

Restaurants open in the summer:

Stray Dog Cantina - New Mexican, burgers, margaritas. Outdoor deck

Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant - Authentic German food and beer. Outdoor deck

Black Diamond Espresso - Exceptional coffee, tea and goodies

Pizza Shack - Pizza, pasta, and more! Beer & wine.

Cafe Naranja - Located in the Edelweiss Lodge

192 - Located in the new Blake hotel
Molly's Crepe Escape - Homemade crepes

 

Some of the best New Mexican and German food in the region is right here in Taos Ski Valley!

 

Click here for a complete list of all Taos Ski Valley dining options, or call the Taos Ski Valley Chamber at 1-800-517-9816 or 575-776-1413.