- NNML 2026 Day 21, July 8, Wednesday
- Start S7 mile 24.3 on West Rim Trail
- End S7 mile 39.0 Ranchos de Taos
- Miles walked: 14.7
Continuing south along the West Rim Trail, the gorge becomes wide and irregular, not so vertical.
The West Rim Trail ends, and I take the Orilla Verde Trail down, and spot a bighorn sheep.
The Taos Junction Bridge brings me back to the east side of the river.
I take Picurus and Slider Trails up to the east rim.
A series of 2-track and paved roads transport me to Ranchos de Taos, full of history. I just happen to arrive at their plaza while villagers are re-mudding the historic church.
A restaurant on the plaza has patio dining, perfect for a smelly hiker who cannot check into his room until 4PM.
Some quirks around the plaza stir my interest.
I am able to take the free Blue Bus to a lange grocery store in Taos, and then a return bus to my motel just at check-in time. What joy is the shower. The bathroom sink serves as a substitute for a washing machine, and the fan on the cooling/heating unit stands in for a dryer.