Lakes & Rivers in Taos, NM

~30 miles east of Taos at Eagle Nest Lake State Park, Eagle Nest Lake delivers high-elevation lake days that feel big: wide-open water, steady breezes, and mountain backdrops that make boating, paddling, and shoreline picnics feel like a true “Enchanted Circle” outing.

In summer, it’s a go-to for kayaking/SUP, boating, and fishing. In winter, the park is known for ice fishing and snow play. With quick access off US-64—its an easy add-on to drives toward Angel Fire and Red River.

This is your classic earned alpine lake—you drive up toward Taos Ski Valley, then hike into cooler air and higher elevation for meadow pockets, spruce forest, and rocky stretches before the lake appears below the ridgelines. It’s ideal for hikers who want a half-day adventure and big-mountain vibes near Wheeler Peak Wilderness, and it’s perfectly placed if you’re already pairing the day with Taos Ski Valley sightseeing (or summer lift-area energy) before heading back to Taos Plaza for dinner. Just a 30 minute drive from Taos.

~16 miles south of Taos, the Rio Grande is the main event for dramatic scenery near the mountain town—deep canyon walls, big vistas, and the kind of river corridor that supports everything from guided whitewater rafting to fishing, riverside hiking, and camping. Orilla Verde is a favorite access zone because the road drops to river level for straightforward day use, and it’s also close to iconic viewpoints like the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge area. It’s the easiest way to turn “Taos sightseeing” into an actual river day.

For a two-rivers-in-one stop, head to Wild Rivers—~35 miles north of Taos. The Red River meets the Rio Grande in a striking canyon setting with overlooks, trails, and classic Northern NM high-desert drama. It’s a great place to mix short hikes with viewpoint payoffs, plus fishing and biking access in a landscape that feels totally different from in-town Taos—easy to combine with a scenic day toward Questa or a loop that brushes the Enchanted Circle region.

This river is the one that’s woven into Taos itself: it flows from the Taos Mountains, runs through/near Taos Pueblo, and heads toward the Rio Grande Gorge—so you’re never far from it when you’re in town. For a recreation-forward feel, the Taos Valley Overlook area is a good gateway with multi-use trails that drop toward the Rio Pueblo and loop through rolling terrain—an easy way to combine river views + short rides/walks without committing to a long drive.

The Rio Hondo is a quieter, nature-park style river experience—cool water, wildlife, and a peaceful setting that’s great for low-key fishing, walking, birding, and family-friendly exploring. The Rio Hondo Fishing Park access is straightforward from Arroyo Seco, which also makes it an easy add-on if you’re already driving the scenic corridor toward Taos Ski Valley.

For a “pull off and get right to the water” option, Taos Canyon access points along Hwy 64 give you a forested canyon feel with streamside fishing and quick nature breaks that still feel immersive. It’s a strong choice when you want river sound + shade + canyon scenery without planning a full river expedition.