Elevation
Taos elevation
Taos, New Mexico is 6,969 feet (2,124 meters) above sea level — more than a mile high.
What 6,969 feet means in Taos
Among the 200 cities on this site, Taos is one of the highest. At 6,969 ft the air holds noticeably less oxygen per breath than at the coast. Most people adapt within a few days; exercise feels harder at first.
Air pressure. Air pressure falls as you climb, about 1 inHg for every 1,000 ft near the ground. In Taos a barometer that is not corrected to sea level reads around 23.12 inHg on an average day, while the weather forecast still quotes a sea-level number near 29.92 inHg.
Cooking. Water boils at about 199 °F (92.8 °C) here, so boiled foods cook more slowly and baking recipes often need small high-altitude adjustments. Boiling point at altitude
Where the number comes from. The elevation is for the city center point in the GeoNames gazetteer, taken from a digital elevation model. To check the exact elevation where you are standing, use What is my elevation?
Elevation of places near Taos
| Place | Elevation (ft) | Elevation (m) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | 6,995 | 2,132 | 54 mi |
| Albuquerque, NM | 4,957 | 1,511 | 110 mi |
| Durango, CO | 6,532 | 1,991 | 141 mi |
| Telluride, CO | 8,793 | 2,680 | 162 mi |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 6,010 | 1,832 | 173 mi |
| Leadville, CO | 10,161 | 3,097 | 200 mi |
| Aspen, CO | 7,890 | 2,405 | 204 mi |
| Breckenridge, CO | 9,728 | 2,965 | 214 mi |
Frequently asked questions
What is the elevation of Taos?
Taos, New Mexico is about 6,969 feet (2,124 meters) above sea level, measured at the city center. Neighborhoods higher or lower in the city can differ by a few hundred feet.
What is the air pressure in Taos because of its elevation?
On a standard day the air pressure at 6,969 ft is about 23.12 inHg (783 hPa), 77% of sea-level pressure. Each breath holds about 77% as much oxygen as at sea level.
At what temperature does water boil in Taos?
About 199 °F (92.8 °C), compared with 212 °F (100 °C) at sea level, so pasta, eggs and beans take a little longer to cook.