New Mexico
Taos, NM, Bike Park Report: Spice Up Your Summer With a Visit to New Mexico – SnowBrains
Known for its gnarly terrain and rich ski history, Taos Ski Valley is nestled in the shadow of New Mexico’s tallest point: Wheeler Peak. With a past dating back to the 1950s , Taos has been a world-class ski destination for many. But, it’s so much more than just a ski resort. Taos Ski Valley is a community, centered around the “pure mountain experience, where local culture and traditional European hospitality form a welcoming spirit rooted in the natural environment.” This spirit of community, hospitality, and adventure, cultivated by founder Ernie Blake, is every bit as true in the summer as it is in the winter. On a recent trip, I was lucky enough to experience the spirit of Taos in the summertime.
Taos’ bike park is situated below the resort’s infamous Kachina Peak. This is the bike park’s fourth operating year after missing last season because of the upgrade and replacement of Lift 4. The new highspeed Lift 4 was an exciting upgrade for skiers this past season. Now the downhill bikers enjoy the same benefits of a faster chair with quicker laps.
The bike park features a variety of 13, lift-accessed, trails stretched across the back side of the resort. The trails range from tight smooth berms and fun rollers, to steeper technical trails that will test your skills and get your adrenaline pumping. In classic Taos fashion, even the bike park green, “Green Chile,” is a little spicy. Green Chile, the main green from top to bottom, is flowy and fun. It’s the perfect warm-up run to find your groove, but still technical enough to ride over and over without getting bored. The more difficult trails have features like drops, jumps, and berms with rocks and roots to navigate around.
Downhill biking can be intimidating but unlike other major resort bike parks, the Taos Bike Park is extremely welcoming. Staying true to Ernie Blake’s vision of hospitality and welcoming spirit, anyone can find a trail for their level at the Taos Bike Park. If it’s your first time biking at Taos, there’s no downside to having an instructor guide you through the trails. They know the mountain like the back of their hand and offer advice on form and style—it’s a game changer. For novices, try taking a Mountain Bike 101 class. The instructors are knowledgeable and encouraging. Not only will you feel confident while descending, but you’ll finish the day feeling like you have expanded your skill set and knowledge of the mountain and sport.
At the base of Lift 4 is the Kachina Sports Shop which is stocked with everything you’ll need for a day of ripping on the mountain. It’s here where you’ll find the lift ticket office and rentals offered through the resort. They have it all, from full-suspension rental bikes, protective full-face and regular bike helmets, shin and elbow pads, and even sternum protectors and GoPro mounts. There’s even a tech shop if you need to catch up on regular maintenance or have a gear malfunction while out on the trails.
Aprés shredding the mountain, take a pit stop at the Bavarian, a picturesque European restaurant located at the base of Lift 4. The Bavarian embodies the essence of Ernie Blake’s vision of bringing European culture to Taos Ski Valley. Here you can enjoy a German beer and pretzel with your riding pals while soaking in the rays with a view of Kachina Peak. With plans to build bocce ball and volleyball courts out front, the Bavarian is the ultimate hang-out spot.
Biking is a great way to experience the mountain, but downhill biking may not be for everyone. Taos Sports Shop rents E-bikes and is a fun alternative to downhill biking. It’s a great way to zip around the base area and enjoy the mountain. Taos Sports Shop is conveniently located on the front side of the resort, on the plaza level of The Blake Hotel.
Back on the front side of the mountain, at the base of Taos Ski Resort, you’ll find a variety of accommodations, including The Blake hotel. When staying at The Blake – named after founder Ernie Blake and the Blake family – you’re right in the heart of it all. Everything you’ll need is conveniently within walking distance, which means you won’t need your car. The Blake offers complimentary valet parking for its guests. Restaurants like the Taos Ale House, The Blonde Bear, 192 at the Blake, and Rhoda’s, are just steps from the hotel. The Black Diamond Coffee Cart offers a quick breakfast option with burritos, quiches, yogurt with granola, and an assortment of coffees. It’s easy to grab and go before you head out on your next adventure.
The beauty of Taos Ski Valley is there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re an avid outdoor adventurist, or just looking for a peaceful escape in the beautiful Rocky Mountains it can be found here. In addition to the endless outdoor activities, Taos Ski Valley puts on a variety of weekend events throughout the summer. Events range from local art markets, yoga classes, fly fishing gear demos, outdoor movies, and even games for the kiddos on the Eis Haus lawn. There’s even a pickleball court where you can challenge your friends and family.
Taos is a B-certified corporation and has the well-being of the environment at the forefront of everything they do – including the Chili Cook-off. Taos is committed to using eco-friendly and sustainable materials for its events, such as the recyclable paper cups used throughout the Chili Cook-off. This was a welcome change as opposed to single-use styrofoam cups that were previously used.
After exploring the mountain, chasing adrenaline, and enjoying the festivities around the base, the perfect way to unwind is at the Spa and Wellness Center at The Blake. It’s the best way to relax and recover after an adventure. There’s a variety of treatments to choose from: massages, facials, and aromatherapy. Before, (and even after) your treatments consider relaxing in the steam room, hot tub, or by the pool. Surrounded by historical paraphernalia from local tribes as well as the rich history of Ernie Blake’s past with the mountain, the Spa at The Blake is a great way to embrace the culture and relaxation as your trip begins to wind down.
Taos Ski Valley offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re navigating the exhilarating trails, indulging in local cuisine, or relaxing at The Blake Spa, the spirit of Taos—rooted in hospitality and natural beauty—shines through. Give yourself the chance to reconnect with the mountains and even your own spirit. Pack your bags and experience the magic of Taos, where every moment promises discovery and delight.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Tanya Tucker will perform at the 2026 New Mexico State Fair, officials announced Tuesday.
Tucker will take to the stage Friday, Sept. 18, after the Chevron PRCA rodeo. The Grammy Award-winning icon has racked up 10 No. 1 country hits since her first hit, “Delta Dawn,” at age 13.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring the legendary Tanya Tucker to the New Mexico State Fair,” said Dan Mourning, general manager of the New Mexico State Fair. “Tanya is one of the greatest icons in country music history and is the perfect fit for the Fair.”
Tucker has 23 Top-40 albums and 56 Top 40 singles on the Billboard country music charts. She has won two Country Music Association awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, three CMT Awards and two Grammys for Best Country Album and Best Country Song.
Tickets are set to go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m.
Here is the full 2026 New Mexico State Fair rodeo-concert lineup:
Friday, Sept. 11
Turnpike Troubadours with Chevron PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Saturday, Sept. 12
Ian Munsick with Chevron PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Wednesday, Sept. 16
Chevron PRCA Standalone Rodeo
Thursday, Sept. 17
Everclear with Chevron PRCA Rodeo
Friday, Sept. 18
Tanya Tucker with Chevron PRCA Rodeo
Saturday, Sept. 19
The Warning with Chevron PRCA Rodeo
Sunday, Sept. 20
Chevron PRCA Rodeo – Matinee
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State investigators began searching a secluded ranch in New Mexico on Monday where financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein once entertained guests amid allegations that the property may have been used for sexual abuse and sex trafficking of young women.
The office of state Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced that the search was being done with the cooperation of the current ranch owners.
Torrez last month reopened an investigation of the ranch. New Mexico’s initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, and state prosecutors say now that “revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination.”
Epstein purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch in Stanley, New Mexico, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Santa Fe, in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King and built a hilltop mansion with a private runway.
The property was sold by Epstein’s estate in 2023 — with proceeds going toward creditors — to the family of Don Huffines, a candidate in Texas for state comptroller who won the Republican primary last week.
“The New Mexico Department of Justice appreciates the cooperation of the current property owners,” the agency said in a statement. Prosecutors “will continue to keep the public appropriately informed, support the survivors, and follow the facts wherever they lead.”
Additionally, New Mexico state legislators have established a new commission to look into past activities at the ranch.
Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges that he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls.
Epstein never faced charges in New Mexico, but the state attorney general’s office in 2019 confirmed that it had interviewed possible victims who visited Epstein’s ranch.
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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