California Girl In Taos: 2015

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Italianos Trail Hike in Taos Ski Valley

Jasper & Peter

Italianos Trail is one of my favorite hikes in Taos. Located on State Highway 150 on the way to the Taos Ski Valley, this trail is one of the most beautiful in Taos County. It is, in my opinion, one of the least difficult although there are numerous water crossings. The streams have water trails made with large rocks and logs and, providing you wear waterproof shoes and the snow melt is not too high (rarely happens), the crossings are pretty easy.

This hike is 3.6 miles long and increases in elevation from 8,704 to 11,387 feet. Click here for a map of Italianos Trail.

We have had a ton of rain in Taos this year which has resulted in lush green foliage and the most wildflowers I have ever seen on the trail. We hiked last week and I found myself snapping photo after photo of the beauty. A series of flowers, each with a bee, were some of my favorites.

This is a perfect hike for families, dogs (on leash) and less than expert hikers because the elevation changes gradually. Just please prepare properly with appropriate footwear, water, snacks,sunscreen, rain gear and snowshoes & jackets in winter. But, right now in summer, the trail is breathtaking. Just remember, if you are not used to our elevation, take it easy. You are starting at 8700 feet. It may take a while to catch your breath.

Photo bomb from Jasper!

For additional information and photos, check out this in-depth article about hiking Italianos Trail from the Taos News.

My best,
diane
July 29th, 2015

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Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Taos Parade of Homes

This Saturday (July 11, 2015) is the first annual Taos Parade of Homes benefitting Habitat for Humanity of Taos. Explore Taos homes of distinction as you help build Taos!

The event is sponsored by TCAR (Taos County Association of Realtors) and The Taos News Enchanted Homes and features ten beautiful homes around Taos County. It also includes the 29th Habitat-built home in Taos along with delicious food, beautiful architecture, and a chance to win raffle prizes.

Tickets are just $15 and are available at the HHFT Office, the HFHT ReStore, Taos News offices, and from most realtors. Call the HFHT office at 575.758.7827 for more info.

Click here and preview all the Homes!

Click here for printable map!

Click here for interactive Google Map!

I'll be there to support Habitat as well as view some beautiful Taos homes. Will you join me?

Information is as follows:

map to the homes

For additional information and a listing (with photos) of the homes on the tour, please visit the Taos County Association of Realtors (TCAR) website. And thank you in advance for supporting Habitat for Humanity of Taos

My best,
diane
July 8th, 2015

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MoseyLove!
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Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Taos New Mexico- On your bucket list?

I always love seeing the national and international news post stories about the wonder and beauty that is Taos. If you have been here, you know. If you haven't...what are you waiting for? The Taos mention is an excerpt from The Huffington Post's article, Bucket List Places You Need To See In The Next Decade. Click on the link for the other nine places to visit.

Taos, New Mexico

PETER PTSCHELINZEW/GETTY IMAGES

Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico is so much more than just a ski mountain. Rugged and remote, Taos is famous for its breathtaking scenery and the "legendary light" that has inspired artists like Georgia O'Keeffe. Taos has always had a sort of mystique about it. In 2013, billionaire Louis Bacon bought the mountain from its founders the Blake family, promising this lovably weathered mountain would get a "much-needed shot in the arm," as The New York Times put it. This year, a chair lift opened to Kachina Peak, which had previously only been accessible by a hike. Thirty-five acres of new tree skiing opened, too, and the village's ski lodge also got an upgrade. Ski Taos in the next 10 years to take advantage of these new developments, and also to experience the unique charm of the place while it lasts.