Spring Road Trip: Taos, Rio Grande Canyons, and Great Sand Dunes

It was late March when we hit the interstate heading south toward Taos, New Mexico. I’d heard so many great things about this little gem in northern New Mexico—the quaint town, rustic western views, unique ski resort experience, and the majesty of the Rio Grande. Along the way, we also planned to stop at Great Sand Dunes National Park and explore a few hidden spots in southern Colorado.

A Canyon Sunrise to Start the Trip

We rolled into our first campsite about 30 minutes outside of Taos, and to our surprise, it was absolutely perfect. Just one other Sprinter van nearby—and there we were, camped right on the rim of a canyon overlooking the Rio Grande. After popping up the GEO 2.5 rooftop tent, we threw together a quick dinner of Trader Joe’s Indian dal and rice and tucked in for the night, excited for the days ahead.

The next morning, the sunrise over the New Mexico mountains did not disappoint. Warm rays spilled over the canyon walls as we laced up our trail runners and jogged down the rim trail toward the river. We explored Small and Big Arsenic Springs and took our time soaking in the sun by the riverside. The water was still too cold for a swim, but the quiet was everything we needed.

We returned to camp, cooked a well-earned breakfast, and hit the road—next stop: Taos proper.

A Town Full of Charm (and Coffee)

Exploring Taos was something we’d both been looking forward to. We wandered the adobe-lined streets, poked around in shops, and grabbed coffee at a couple of local spots. The slower pace and creative vibe of the town made it a standout part of the trip.

Next on the list was Black Rock Hot Springs, located just outside town near the Rio Grande. But when we pulled in, the parking lot was completely packed. Rather than deal with the crowds, we opted for a scenic detour—up the canyon on the opposite side to find a quieter place to camp.

Once again, we struck gold: another epic campsite with uninterrupted views of the Rio Grande and the snowy peaks of northern New Mexico. No one else in sight.

Hot Springs & High Deserts

Early the next morning, we made a second attempt at the hot springs. We weren’t the first ones there, but still managed to snag a peaceful soak in the steamy waters to start the day. From there, it was time for one of the main reasons we made this trip—Taos Ski Valley.

I’d been eager to visit for years. The mountain has a reputation for steep terrain and great powder, but this season was an exception. We arrived during one of the lowest snow years in recent memory, and late March looked and felt more like May. We still managed to have a fun day on the slopes, but ultimately decided to cut our two-day plan in half.

Plan B Pays Off: Great Sand Dunes

With extra time on our hands, we rerouted north to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Our reward? One of the best campsites we’ve ever had—perched above the dunes with a view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains lighting up at sunset.

Dinner was simple but satisfying—Greek salad and soup—before we crawled into the tent to escape the cold. Early-season camping is no joke, but it was our first chance to test out the insulated liner for the GEO 2.5, and it made a world of difference. We woke up warm and rested every morning.

Sand Sprints & a Stop in Salida

On the final day, we hit the dunes early and hiked as far up as we could go. Standing on High Dune, we took in the sweeping views before sprinting back down through the soft sand, laughing the whole way like kids.

Heading home, we made one final detour to Salida, Colorado—a charming small town we'd always passed by but never stopped in. This time, we made the time. A quick stroll, some window shopping, and of course, one last round of coffee.

Final Thoughts

This short spring road trip had everything: rugged canyons, riverside trails, charming towns, snowy peaks, natural hot springs, and desert dunes. While the skiing at Taos didn’t quite deliver this time, everything else absolutely did—and we’ll definitely be back, especially when the snow does too.