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Taos Ski Valley Road, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico
Photo: Bradford Fults · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives New Mexico Santa Fe, Taos and Northern New Mexico

Taos Ski Valley Road

NM 150 · El Prado → Taos Ski Valley

Sweeping14.5 mi25 min2,500 ft climbHigh point ≈ 9,400 ftOne way
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The drive

NM 150 is a 14.5-mile state highway from US 64 at El Prado, locally the old blinking light, to the end of state maintenance at the Taos Ski Valley main entrance. It passes through El Prado and Arroyo Seco, then enters Carson National Forest and climbs, following the Rio Hondo.

Three national forest campgrounds and four trailheads lie along the road. The posted speed limit on the southern section between El Prado and Arroyo Seco was lowered to 45 mph in 2016.

Along the way

  1. El Prado (US-64)
  2. Arroyo Seco
  3. Taos Ski Valley
Elevation
2,500 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 9,400 ft
El PradoTaos Ski Valley
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
El PradoTaos Ski Valley
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • After heavy snow, chains or 4WD/AWD may be required, according to Taos Ski Valley.
  • Snow, ice, changing weather and heavy visitation can affect NM 150; parking demand is especially high on weekends, holidays and powder days.
  • Taos Ski Valley calls the road scenic but winding.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NMRoads (NMDOT road conditions).

Questions about this drive

How long does the drive to Taos Ski Valley take?

NM 150 from El Prado to Taos Ski Valley is 14.5 miles and takes about 25 min.

Do I need chains on the road to Taos Ski Valley?

Taos Ski Valley says chains or 4WD/AWD may be required after heavy snowfall. Check road conditions before heading up.

Where does Taos Ski Valley Road start and end?

This drive starts at El Prado (US-64) and ends at Taos Ski Valley, 14.5 miles in all.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Taos Ski Valley Road, from El Prado to Taos Ski Valley