Guide to Fred Baca Park and Taos Land Trust Trails - Enchanted Circle Trails Association

Fred Baca Park

Did you know that Fred Baca Park was named for Fernando F. Baca? Baca operated and owned the Coronado Pharmacy that was located in the Taos Plaza back in 1967.¹ The pharmacy is long since gone, but Baca’s legacy still lives on through the park.

Fred Baca Park contains two trails: the paved Fred Baca Park Loop and the Fred Baca Park Nature Trail. If walking or running on trails isn’t your thing, the Park offers many different ways for folks to still get outside and enjoy nature. The Park boasts newly renovated tennis and basketball courts, ample picnic tables, outdoor grills for family gatherings, a robust playground for the kids, and acres of grass for lounging and soaking up that springtime warmth.

Need to Know:

Fred Baca Park is located at 301 Camino del Medio in Taos and has a large, paved parking lot
Hours: Summer 8 AM – 8 PM, Winter: 8 AM – 5 PM (forewarning: they lock the gate to the parking lot each evening)
Amenities: two pit toilets, trash cans, grills, benches and picnic tables, *water fountains are not working, be sure to bring plenty of water

Fred Baca Park Loop:

Distance: 0.25 miles (x4 = 1 mile)

Accessibility: Fully Accessible: paved and ADA accessible but watch for cracks in the pavement

Description: The loop can be accessed from the eastern side of the basketball courts and circumvents a grassy field. Enjoy stunning views of the Sangre de Cristos from the entire loop and listen to the musical, spring songs of the American Robin.

Fred Baca Park Nature Trail:

Distance: 0.2 miles one-way

Accessibility: Mostly Accessible: Can be accessed by a wheelchair, but planks in the boardwalk may be uneven and trail is uneven, packed dirt in places

Description: If you’re looking for a quiet escape and to really immerse yourself in nature, the Fred Baca Nature Trail is for you. The trail is a raised boardwalk that starts by following along the Rio Fernando River. If you’re lucky and time it right, you may catch a glimpse of the family of beaver that call the Rio Fernando home.⁶ The trail soon turns to packed dirt and for a short distance follows along a latilla fence that serves as a blind for bird enthusiasts. The trail then meanders along the edge of the cattail filled wetlands and ends at a viewing platform with 360-degree views of the wetlands and Sangre de Cristo mountains in the distance.

Informational signs are interspersed along the trail

Taos Land Trust

The Taos Land Trust is in the process of revitalizing 20-acres of wetland and agricultural land adjacent to Fred Baca Park. The Land Trust is open to the community and boasts a small network of trails that can be accessed via Fred Baca Park. In addition to providing a green space for the community, the Land Trust also offers educational and community events throughout the year. You can check out their website to learn how to get involved: taoslandtrust.org

Need to Know:

The Taos Land Trust is located at 410 La Posta Road.
Park Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (if the gate is locked, you can also park at Fred Baca Park and walk over)
Amenities: water and a restroom are available in the Taos Land Trust office during business hours, benches throughout the property, trash cans, Fred Baca Park amenities can also be accessed and used via the Taos Land Trust

Rio Fernando Park Loop:

Distance: 0.25 miles (x4 = 1 mile)

Accessibility: Mostly Accessible: can be accessed by a wheelchair, but trail is uneven and packed dirt

Description: The Rio Fernando Park Loop takes hikers on a tour of one of the most impactful conservation and revitalization efforts happening in Taos. Along the loop, hikers can view a diverse landscape being successfully managed for conservation and agriculture. There are also other loop options and connector trails amongst the 20-acre property.

Fred Baca Park

Need to Know:

Fred Baca Park Loop:

Fred Baca Park Nature Trail:

Taos Land Trust

Need to Know:

Rio Fernando Park Loop:

Additional Resources:

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