From its source in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains it flows about 33 miles (53 km),[1] generally south and west, to join the Rio Grande in the Rio Grande Gorge.

[5] The Rio Pueblo de Taos originates at Blue Lake, about 2 miles (3.2 km) southeast of Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico.

The river flows south for about 5 miles (8.0 km), then turns west.

After flowing west for about 5 miles (8.0 km), and just downstream from the mouths of Frijoles Canyon on the north and Palo Encebado Canyon on the south, the Rio Pueblo de Taos abruptly leaves the mountains.

The river's entire upper course in the mountains is within the Pueblo de Taos Indian Reservation.