Timeline
16:00
Stop at El Taoseño Cafe and Lounge for a local hangout vibe. Order some acceptable New Mexican fare to fuel up before the walk. It is well south of the center of town but easy to reach.
16:30
Church of San Francisco de Asis
Walk over to the Church of San Francisco de Asis. This photogenic Spanish mission church is a short drive from Downtown Taos. Settle in early to find a spot among the other aspiring artists and photographers.
17:10
Church of San Francisco de Asis
Watch the sun set toward the WSW. The golden light starting around 16:32 will have already washed over the adobe, but the final moments before sunset offer the best contrast against the sky.
17:40
Head back to El Taoseño Cafe and Lounge to wind down. The evening light fades quickly, and this spot stays open until 21:00 on weekdays or 22:00 on weekends, making it a perfect place to reflect on the view.
Local tip
The church is in Ranchos de Taos, south of town. If you want a quick visit, you won't have to spend more than 15 minutes getting to and from it. For serious photography, expect to join a crowd of other artists.
Check before you go
- El Taoseño Cafe and Lounge is open Mo-Th 06:30-21:00 and Fr-Sa 06:30-22:00. Check the time for your specific day of visit.
Worth knowing
- El Taoseño Cafe and Lounge is open at 16:00 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
- El Taoseño Cafe and Lounge is open at 17:40 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Taos (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).