Classes are small and engaging. Enrollment in each class is from 3 to 12 participants depending on the course. Class size, typically 7-10 students, encourages personal interaction between students and instructors.  Most classes include hands-on activities and field trips within the region.  The class descriptions provide insight into the types of activity that may be included. Full descriptions of this year’s classes are available on the website. Instructors will provide participants with a detailed schedule of specific activities three to four weeks before the course begins. 

 

Note: The elevation of Taos and the surrounding region is 7,000 feet above sea level. Some field trips will include walking trails and climbing moderate inclines at this altitude or higher. Since the altitude in and around Taos may be significantly higher than individuals traveling from outside the area are regularly accustomed it is important to pay close attention to health concerns. Learn more about the climate and altitude precautions here.

Course fees are inclusive. All required course materials are provided. In most instances individuals are on their own for meals though groups often decide to lunch together.  Special lunch arrangements are offered for classes participating in field activities that are not in convenient proximity to restaurants.

Cancellations 30 days prior to the beginning of the session will be assessed a $50 administrative fee. The remaining fee balance will be returned to the participant. Cancellations beyond the 30-day point cannot be accommodated.

The week begins with an opening reception on the grounds of the OSU Doel Reed Center for the Arts on Sunday evening from 5 – 7 p.m.  This gathering provides participants an opportunity to meet the course instructors and other students; and to receive materials and more specific course instructions. However, you may want to arrive in Taos a day earlier to enjoy some of the sights and get acclimated. 

Daily schedules are course-specific, but most classes begin between 9:00 and 10:00 am and end around 4:00 pm with a break for lunch. In some courses, travel associated with field activities may require these times to be adjusted.  

Classes meet Monday and Tuesday, take a break for leisure activities on Wednesday, and resume on Thursday and Friday. Participants are free to explore Taos and the surrounding area in the evenings. 

To end the week, participants gather for an opportunity to reminisce and say goodbye to friends, old and new.

Meeting locations are specific to the class.  At the opening reception on Sunday evening, held at the OSU Doel Reed Center for the Arts, instructors will provide the initial meeting times and locations for classes.  If you miss this information at that meeting, schedules can be found on the OSU Doel Reed Center in Taos website - Leisure Learning Courses. 

Transportation to and from classes can generally be arranged with another participant in the course. Ask your instructor for assistance with transportation arrangements.

Taos has a semi-arid climate, so days may seem quite warm, but evenings will be pleasantly cool. In late July Taos temperatures range between low 80 and low 90 during the day with temperatures dropping to mid-50s overnight.  Possibility of afternoon and evening showers exists.  Because of the high altitude in Taos the sun may seem hotter than the actual temperature suggests.  Participants are encouraged to use sunscreen liberally.

Dress is dictated by the activities of the course. In general, the attire of participants and locals alike, is casual. Be particularly attentive to footwear if your course includes hiking or other field activities.  Everywhere in the city and surrounding areas you may encounter uneven surfaces.  Even walking on the grounds of the OSU Doel Reed Center requires some walking or standing on gravel and stone surfaces.  

Although there is no direct commercial air service to Taos, Taos Air is contemplating extending their schedule to include summer flights.  Both Santa Fe and Albuquerque provide options if you want to fly.  Santa Fe as recently opened its airport to regional jet service and is being serviced by American and United Airlines.  The Santa Fe airport is only an hour and 15 minutes away from Taos.  Albuquerque International Sunport Airport, (about 2 hours 30 minute drive to Taos) is served by all major airlines. 

Various ground transportation options including rental car and shuttle service are available from both the Santa Fe and Albuquerque airports.

Driving distances from some major points of origin into Taos:  Albuquerque 135 m. (2 1/2 hrs); Denver 300 m. (4 1/2 hrs); Santa Fe 72 m. (1 1/2 hrs); Dallas 682 m. (11 1/2 hrs) Oklahoma City 523 m. (8 ½ hrs) Tulsa 594 m. (10 hrs)

Attendees will be responsible for providing their own housing. Part of the fun of visiting Taos is deciding where to stay. Taos has many unique accommodations including resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals to choose from.  You’ll enjoy choosing the one that is right for you. Past participants recommend these places.

Dining opportunities in Taos are plentiful, providing a variety of fare acceptable to most anyone’s palate. Instructors, previous attendees and locals will be glad to make recommendations specific to your taste. 

Taos offers a wide array of activities ranging from museums and historical sites reflecting the early settlement of Taos and the Taos Artist Colony, galleries representing artistic traditions of the multicultural population of the area, shopping, dining and festivals.  Short drives afford participants vast opportunities for exploration.  The Taos Pueblo, mineral springs of Ojo Caliente, famous churches of Rancho de Taos and Chimayo, Earthship, and a number of small mountain towns with their own unique charm are within an hour.  Those looking for outdoor activities will find opportunities for biking, hiking, fishing, white water rafting, and climbing in abundance.   

Taos is proud of the diverse opportunities it affords its visitors.  Publications such as the Taos Magazine and  Discover Taos and websites like New Mexico True show specific activities by date and location.

You’ll find the Center located in the small community of Talpa, southwest of the town of Taos.  Driving south from the Plaza on HWY 68, the main street though town, travel to the intersection of HWY 68 and HWY 518.  There is a stoplight at this intersection where you will turn left on HWY 518.  Approximately 1.4 miles the Center will be on your right. 

The address of the Center that can be used for GPS is 7158 Road 518 Rancho de Taos, New Mexico Location map