Now that the temperatures are feeling a little more bearable around the state, it’s the perfect time to head out for a drive with the windows down. Not sure where to head? If you are located in northern New Mexico, one easy day trip is along the Enchanted Circle.
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is an approximately 83-mile route that circles around Wheeler Peak starting in Taos.
Dustin Askins/Flickr This will take you on a scenic journey through some of New Mexico’s most stunning mountain views.
Plus, right now is the perfect time of year to head out on the road since the leaves are just starting to give a hint of changing colors.
Shafi/Flickr In a matter of weeks, the roads will be lined with warm tones like this.
Starting in Taos, you’ll drive along the winding State Route 522 up to Questa and Red River.
Doug/Flickr This first portion of the drive is approximately an hour long and you’ll love the quiet and quaint atmosphere of these mountain towns. Nearby, you can visit Eagle Rock Lake, the confluence of Red River and the Rio Grande, and modest eateries.
From there, you’ll drive to Eagle Nest and Angel Fire, which takes approximately 45 minutes to drive through.
Diann Bayes/Flickr A few sights to see on this curvy portion of the drive include Eagle Nest State Park and its accompanying lake, the striking Vietnam Veterans Memorial sitting just outside Angel Fire, and the rustic Angel Fire Resort.
The final stretch of the drive will take you back to Taos and up to Taos Ski Valley, totaling an additional hour of driving.
Dave Hensley/Flickr You can opt to stop in Taos where you can grab a bite to eat at The Love Apple or La Cueva Cafe. Or take the half-hour drive up to Taos Ski Valley for some gorgeous views from the mountaintop and a chance to ride the ski lift.
If you’ve driven this byway, what are your favorite sights and stops?
Sarah Richter/Flickr
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is located in northern New Mexico and measures approximately 83 miles.
Google Maps
You can find additional information about the byway, its sights, and events by visiting the Enchanted Circle website or Facebook page.
Dustin Askins/Flickr
This will take you on a scenic journey through some of New Mexico’s most stunning mountain views.
Shafi/Flickr
In a matter of weeks, the roads will be lined with warm tones like this.
Doug/Flickr
This first portion of the drive is approximately an hour long and you’ll love the quiet and quaint atmosphere of these mountain towns. Nearby, you can visit Eagle Rock Lake, the confluence of Red River and the Rio Grande, and modest eateries.
Diann Bayes/Flickr
A few sights to see on this curvy portion of the drive include Eagle Nest State Park and its accompanying lake, the striking Vietnam Veterans Memorial sitting just outside Angel Fire, and the rustic Angel Fire Resort.
Dave Hensley/Flickr
You can opt to stop in Taos where you can grab a bite to eat at The Love Apple or La Cueva Cafe. Or take the half-hour drive up to Taos Ski Valley for some gorgeous views from the mountaintop and a chance to ride the ski lift.
Sarah Richter/Flickr
Google Maps
Website: enchantedcircle.org Facebook: Enchanted Circle
Prefer to get your views on foot? New Mexico is filled with some incredible hiking trails and one fascinating trek is through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to Lake Katherine. Read about this scenic 15-mile hike in Nestled In The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Lake Katherine Has Some Of The Clearest Water In New Mexico.
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Address: Taos, NM 87571, USA
