LOCATION
Northside is located in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico and directly across
the valley from the ski slopes.
The Village of Taos Ski Valley was incorporated in 1996 with a base elevation of 9,200 feet. The Village limits reach elevations of 12,581 feet with the highest residential dwelling being at 10,350 feet, making Taos Ski Valley the highest municipality in the US!
DIRECTIONS
The first goal is to arrive at the “Old Blinking Light”, which is
officially the intersection of New Mexico State Highways 64, 522, and 150. This
intersection is located on the north end of Taos, New Mexico and can be approached
from any direction. From here travel North and NE on Highway 150, also known
as the “Ski Valley Road”, for 15 miles.
PARKING
When you arrive in Taos Ski Valley, if you have not arranged for lodging, we
suggest parking at the Bull Of The Woods Trailhead which is the furthermost
end of the upper parking lot. You'll see picnic tables and some camping spots
and there are bathroom facilities just up the hill. Absolutely NO parking
at the Northside property gate or anywhere along the roadways. If you do,
you'll most likely be ticketed.
NOTE in Winter - You will have to park where instructed by the ski resort parking attendants.
GETTING TO NORTHSIDE & PURCHASING A PERMIT
Riding to the Northside property gate:
From the Bull Of The Woods Trailhead, ride either up Twining Road (which comes
out near the trailhead) or take Thunderbird Road past the Alpine Village
Suites
and
make
a left at
the stop sign, then ride up Ernie Blake Road to Twining Road. Proceed up
Twining Rd. to Phoenix Switchback. Hang a left and climb up and straight
through the next intersection. The road will turn into Bull Of The Woods
Road. Stay on that till you get to the property gate. From the upper level
paved parking lot, you will ride approximately one mile to the gate.
There will be Northside signs posted at the intersections leading up to the property gate.
Hiking to the Northside property gate or kiosk:
Depending on where you start in the village, you can either choose to follow
the same route on the village roads as if you were bicycling, or you can park
in the upper level parking lot and hike up the Bull Of The Woods Trail to the
intersection of the Long Canyon Trail. Cross the Hondo creek at that intersection
and follow the trail to the Northside hut and trailhead
kiosk.
NOTE in Winter - You will have to park where instructed by the ski resort parking attendants. We do not keep our kiosk up in the winter, so please purchase your permit before snowshoeing.
Purchasing a permit:
Purchase a permit and map before heading up to Northside or at the Northside
trailhead kiosk. If you don't know how to get to Northside, we suggest
getting your permit and map first or download the map so you'll know
how to get to Northside. Click here for more about access permits.
NOTE in Winter - The trailhead kiosk is not open in winter. Please purchase your permit first.
MAPS, MAPS, and more MAPSNorthside Trail Map:
Our Northside Trail Map with directions
from the parking lot.
Click here for maps of the Village of Taos Ski Valley, regional map, Taos ski trail map, Town of Taos Map.
Click here for other maps, driving times, other transportation services and car rentals.
Click here to join our Northside email list!
