The Mountain Song of Taos, New Mexico – or, The Taos Hum

Nestled deep within the embrace of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range lies Taos, New Mexico, a place steeped in history, culture, and an undeniable sense of mystique. Home to the Tiwa Indians and the ancient Taos Pueblo, a living testament to centuries of tradition, Taos stands as one of the longest continually inhabited communities in the United States. Beyond its rich heritage and vibrant artistic scene, Taos harbors a unique enigma, a phenomenon that has captivated and puzzled residents and visitors alike: the Taos Hum.

This elusive sound, often described as a low-frequency humming or rumbling, has been a subject of intrigue and speculation for decades. The Taos Hum isn’t a readily apparent auditory experience; rather, it’s a subtle, pervasive presence, noticeable to only a small percentage of the population, estimated to be around two percent. For those who can perceive it, the Taos Hum can range from a barely perceptible background drone to a maddening, intrusive noise.

Theories surrounding the origin of the Taos Hum are as varied and imaginative as the landscape itself. Some attribute it to clandestine activities, whispering of secret experiments conducted at the nearby Los Alamos National Laboratory. Others point to top-secret military flight operations or speculate about electromagnetic vibrations emanating from the very heart of Taos Mountain. More fanciful explanations even suggest the possibility of low-flying alien spacecraft traversing the night skies above Taos.

However, the lore surrounding the Taos Hum stretches back far beyond the realm of modern technology and speculation. Ancient stories of the area speak of "Nature holding counsel," a time when the earth itself "sings" to restore its harmonic balance. This primordial connection to the land offers a more spiritual interpretation of the phenomenon, suggesting that the Taos Hum is not a product of human activity, but rather an inherent characteristic of the natural world.

Adding to the allure of the region is El Salto Mountain, a prominent peak within the Sangre de Cristo range. Its name, "The Leap," hints at its dramatic presence. The mountain earned the name "Sangre de Cristo," meaning "Blood of Christ," when the valley’s earliest settlers witnessed the setting sun painting its slopes in vivid scarlet hues. During the warmer months, seven waterfalls cascade down El Salto’s slopes, their waters nourishing the valley below. In the winter, these waterfalls transform into breathtaking sculptures of ice, adding to the mountain’s majestic allure.

For generations, the people of the area have regarded El Salto as a sacred mountain, believing that its "singing waters" bestow blessings upon the valley. Behind the cascading waterfalls lie a network of caves, carved into the mountain at various elevations. These natural formations act as resonators, amplifying the sounds of the waterfalls and echoing them across the valley.

In the mid-1800s, Giovanni Maria Agostini Justiniani, a renowned healer, holy man, and hermit, journeyed through the region and ascended to the summit of El Salto. In his journal, he documented his experience of hearing the "singing waters" of the sacred mountain. He specifically described discerning seven distinct notes of the musical scale, as if nature herself were playing a melody upon the mountain. Even today, mountain climbers report hearing a continuous musical tone, its character subtly changing as they ascend higher.

Could these "singing waters" of El Salto be the source of the enigmatic Taos Hum? For some, the low-frequency sound brings a sense of peace and comfort, a feeling of being blessed by the earth’s subtle vibrations. Others, however, experience a far different reaction. They describe the Taos Hum as a low rumble, a persistent buzz, or the distant drone of a diesel engine. For these individuals, the sound can be maddening, disrupting their sleep and interfering with their daily lives. Some even report more severe symptoms, including pressure in the ears, headaches, and nosebleeds.

Those who find the Taos Hum distressing often note that it doesn’t sound like a natural phenomenon. They report that it frequently begins abruptly, and is more pronounced after sunset and during the night. This adds to the suspicion that the sound is not a natural occurrence.

Driven to seek answers, a group of affected residents formed a coalition in 1993 and petitioned the United States Congress to investigate the Taos Hum. Four years later, in 1997, their efforts led to the formation of a team of a dozen investigators and scientists from prestigious research institutions across the nation. The team included experts from the University of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories, Phillips Air Force Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Despite their combined knowledge and access to advanced technology, the team was unable to pinpoint the source of the Taos Hum. Microphones and VLF antennae failed to detect the sound, leading many to believe that it was not a man-made phenomenon. Some researchers proposed that shifting wind patterns within the Rio Grande Canyon might be responsible. Others suggested that electromagnetic background buildup or military communication systems could be the cause.

It’s worth noting that Taos is not unique in experiencing this auditory phenomenon. Similar "hums" have been reported in various locations around the world, including Bristol, England; Bondi, New South Wales, Australia; and the Big Island of Hawaii. Other examples include the Auckland Hum in New Zealand and the Kokomo Hum in Indiana.

For those curious to experience the Taos Hum for themselves, it is recommended to venture outside the town of Taos and into the surrounding desert or forests. The early morning or nighttime hours are often cited as the best times to listen. Some who have heard the hum suggest that it is most audible near Tres Orejas, located west of Taos.

Those seeking the beauty of the El Salto waterfalls should note that they are located approximately seven miles north of Taos on private land. Access requires a permit, ensuring the preservation of this natural wonder.

The mystery of the Taos Hum endures, a testament to the power of the unknown and the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world. Whether it’s the echo of ancient energies, the whisper of modern technology, or simply a trick of the ear, the Taos Hum remains an intriguing part of the landscape of Taos, New Mexico, a mountain song that continues to resonate with those who are attuned to its subtle frequencies.