Taos: Private Walking Tour with Artist & Storyteller Sam Richardson

Summary

Walk Taos history with a local artist, hear frontier tales, art legends, wild west streets and more

You’ll walk through Taos with artist Sam Richardson, hearing stories of Kit Carson and Mabel Dodge Lujan while exploring historic streets where legends lived—and sometimes died. Expect spontaneous moments, glimpses into the art world, and real conversations you won’t get from any guidebook.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Taos history and art walking tour

• Walk and hear Taos history
• Learn about Kit Carson and Padre Martinez
• Discover R.C. Gorman's art legacy
• See Mike Vargas' New Mexico saints paintings
• Pass by the Red Light district
• Visit historic street of Governor Bent's assassination
• Explore outlaw John Dunn's saloons and gambling hall
• View memorial statues of Taos veterans

Top questions

Is this Taos walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this private walking tour are wheelchair accessible.

Who leads the private walking tour in Taos?

The tour is led by Sam Richardson—a well-known Taos artist, writer, guide, and storyteller.

Does the tour include stories about famous Taos figures?

Yes, you'll hear stories about Kit Carson, Padre Martinez, R.C. Gorman, Mabel Dodge Lujan, and others.

How long does the private walking tour last?

The exact duration isn't specified but covers several key locations in central Taos within walking distance.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the entire route.

Is lunch or food included in the Taos private walking tour?

No meals are included; however your guide may offer spontaneous treats or recommendations along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes a private narrative walk through Taos led by artist Sam Richardson—covering local history, culture, art galleries like R.C. Gorman’s, stories of frontier legends and wild west days—all along an accessible route suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

What’s the experience like?

Sam met us outside a little adobe café—he was already chatting with someone about the color of the sky that morning. I liked him right away. He handed me a coffee (not included, but he just did it) and we set off down Bent Street. The air smelled faintly of piñon smoke, which I didn’t expect in May. Sam started talking about Kit Carson before we’d even crossed the street—something about how he wasn’t exactly the hero everyone thinks. I remember thinking, wow, this is going to be different from those usual walking tours where you just get dates and names.

We wandered past old storefronts and Sam pointed out where Governor Bent was assassinated during the 1847 revolt. There’s this odd silence on that corner—even though cars go by, it feels heavy somehow. He told us about Padre Martinez too (the Ben Franklin of New Mexico, apparently), and then suddenly veered into a story about Taos’s old red light district. He laughed describing John Dunn’s four saloons on one street—“It was wilder than you’d think,” he said. You could almost picture it if you squint past all the jewelry shops now.

I’m not really an art person but hearing about R.C. Gorman—the first Native American with his own gallery here—made me want to peek inside every window we passed. We even saw some Mike Vargas saints: thick paint, bright colors, no two alike. Sam knew everyone; he’d wave or nod at shopkeepers or artists as we walked by. At one point he stopped mid-story to pet a dog wearing a bandana (the dog seemed to know him too). I still think about that feeling—like being let in on something most people miss when they visit Taos.