There is no time like now to drive the Enchanted Circle in New Mexico. So if you’re in the area, get out of the house, dust off your favorite transportation, and go for a Sunday drive.
Sure, you could take the High Road, or the Low Road, both lovely drives, but those are about going places. The Enchanted Circle National Forest Scenic Byway is about driving for nothing but the love of the road and beautiful mountain views.
How you get to the Enchanted Circle in New Mexico
The Enchanted Circle is an 84-mile loop circling the highest mountain in northern New Mexico – Wheeler Peak. At 13,161 feet tall, it’s easier to go around than over. And going around is oh so much fun.
The loop can start anywhere in Taos, Red River, Angel Fire, Questa, or Eagle Nest. Enchanted Circle signs help guide your way, but from Taos Plaza, you take Highway 64 north to Highway 522 north to Questa. You can take Highway 38 east to Red River, then south to Eagle Nest and Angel Fire, and Highway 64 west back to Taos.
Honestly, once you begin the Enchanted Circle loop, it’s nearly impossible to get lost; follow the signs in a circle.
What you’ll see on the Enchanted Circle
Throughout the drive, you’ll see beautiful mountain vistas through the verdant Hondo Valley. English author D.H. Lawrence spent several years in the area, and you’ll see a memorial along the path.
You’ll pass the Red River Fish Hatchery, which encourages visitors – if you have kids, this might be a good stop. You’ll pass several art shops and roadside diners along the road in Questa.
Once you make it up the mountain to Red River, you’ll enter the city on Main Street. You might want to stop at the Red River Brewery, an old western saloon, or one of many trinket shops. I bought a bag of roasted pecans at the local candy shop, and they were gone before my Enchanted Circle drive ended.
These idyllic little mountain roads, running alongside the river, are narrow, winding, and teeming with wildlife. I saw several groups of Long-horn Sheep, Prairie Dogs, and deer. (Not including the llama farm in Eagle Nest). Many signs also warn of Elk, but I didn’t see any.
In Eagle Nest, you’ll find another Main Street with little shops and diners and a mountain lake perfect for taking pictures. You can also stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Just 15 minutes down the road, you’ll come to Angel Fire. It’s a ski resort town with several amenities, shops, and restaurants.
Beyond Angel Fire, you’re heading back down the mountain through a twisting canyon road toward Taos Plaza. It’s the perfect place to stop for serious shopping, eating, and art admiration.
Here are some additional activities that visitors can enjoy on the Enchanted Circle:
- Visit the Carson Forest Visitor Center in Questa to learn more about the area’s history and natural features.
- Hike to Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico.
- Visit the Taos Ski Valley, a world-class ski resort.
- Go fishing in one of the many lakes and rivers in the area or stop by the Red River fish hatchery.
- Visit the D.H. Lawrence Ranch, where the famous author lived and wrote for many years.
How Long It Takes to Drive the Enchanted Circle
The Enchanted Circle is a popular destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a scenic and unforgettable road trip experience.
Because of the curving mountain roads and elevation gains, the Enchanted Circle loop will take about 4 hours to drive if you don’t stop. But you’ll stop. It’s the perfect scenic drive. Learn more here.
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