Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
A self-drive loop of about 135 kilometers around Wheeler Peak, passing mountain towns such as Red River, Eagle Nest and Angel Fire.
Starting from Taos, the loop runs via US-64, NM-38 and NM-522. It passes Angel Fire, with its ski resort and Vietnam veterans memorial park, then Eagle Nest Lake State Park and the ruins of Elizabethtown, an old gold-rush town. It continues to Red River, a town with a strong Wild West character, and on through Questa before returning to Taos. Along the way you pass alpine meadows, aspen groves and lakes. Driving the whole loop without stopping takes about 2.5 hours, but allow a full day. Autumn, when the aspens turn gold, is the most popular season. In winter, some sections may be snowy or icy.
Opening hours
All day (watch road conditions in winter)
Nearby sights
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park
- Wheeler Peak
- Taos Ski Valley
- Taos Pueblo
- Taos Art Museum at Fechin House
- Kit Carson Home and Museum
- D. H. Lawrence Ranch
- Taos Plaza