The "High Road" between Santa Fe and Taos.

As temperatures retreat from blistering summer highs in the Southwest desert, autumn weather splashes glorious hues of yellow and orange over the aspens, cottonwoods and other deciduous trees at the higher elevations.

When to Go

Leaves normally begin to change color in northern New Mexico around the end of September, with spectacular displays spreading down from the higher elevations through the month of October. For updates, call the National Forest Service Fall Color Hot Line, 800-354-4595 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/.

Accommodations

For more local flavor, avoid the brand-name motels and bed down at one of the area's small inns or bed and breakfasts. See listings and booking services at www.taoschamber.com.

For adobe-style accommodations reflective of Taos-style, consider the award-winning Don Fernando de Taos (800) 759-2736). Or treat yourself to the inviting luxury of the Fechin Inn (800-811-2933)

Dining

While in Taos, eat at Joe's -- Joseph's Table, that is. Chef Joseph Wrede's eatery, winner of the "Best of Taos" honors since 2002, will dazzle you with original creations that capture the intricate flavors of the southwest.

Other good choices include Apple Tree Restaurant (123 Bent St., 505-758-1900), Doc Martin's (125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, 505-758-1977) and Lambert's of Taos (309 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, 505-758-1009).

For the best margaritas, try the Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn (fondly called the "Living Room of Taos") .

What to Do

• The High Road to Taos: Drive from Santa Fe to Taos on Highway 76, enjoying exquisite fall color and local art galleries along the way.

• Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway: An 84-mile drive from Taos into the 1.5-million-acre Carson National Forest, with displays of fall color in the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountains. Various lodging, dining and shopping opportunities are found in the historic towns that dot the route.

• Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: See the fall color from an authentic steam train traveling 64 miles through the San Juan Mountains between Antonito, Colo., and Chama, N.M. Departures every day except Friday through October 17. Book ahead online at www.cumbrestoltec.com or call 888-286-2737.

• Taos Mountain Film Festival: Not simply a film festival in the mountains, but a film festival about the mountains, featuring documentaries on climbing, mountain cultures and high-altitude ecology. This year's program features a special focus on Yosemite National Park. Oct. 6-8, 2006. 505-751-3658, www.mountainfilm.net.

• A Thousand Years of Tradition: Take in the (Taos Pueblo, a World Heritage site inhabited for over 1,000 years.

• Just say Spa: Luxuriate in the warmth of a spa powered by geothermal mineral springs at Ojo Caliente (reservations, 1-800-222-9162). Stay at the newly restored historic hotel, cozy cottages, private homes or suites.

Insider Tip: Look to the Sky

Dozens of colorful hot-air balloons rise over Taos during the annual Taos Mountain Balloon Rally. Watch the evening sky light up during the event's Balloomenshine. October 26-29, 2006.

If you can't make the rally, take advantage of endless sky and the mountain vistas surrounding northeast Taos by chartering your own private balloon adventure. Eske's Paradise Balloons (505-751-6098) and Pueblo Balloon Company (505-751-9877) both offer sunrise flights over the Rio Grande Gorge, followed by a champagne brunch.

Information

Taos County Chamber of Commerce, 800-732-8267, www.taoschamber.com
New Mexico Department of Tourism, 800-545-2070, www.newmexico.org

Posted September 2006.

Click below for more autumn alternatives.

Foliage by Canoe: Shenadoah Valley
California Wine Country
Fly Fishing in Michigan
Central Park in New York
Bird Watching in Texas
Apple Season in Washington
Discount Cruise Season
Cranberry Bogs in Wisconsin
Early-Bird Skiing

Photograph by Jim Orr, courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Tourism.