Road Trip of Northern New Mexico: The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is an iconic 83-mile loop drive that circles Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico (13,161 feet). Located in the Carson National Forest in Northern New Mexico, this route connects several distinct towns and communities, starting and often ending in Taos. The drive itself follows NM 522, NM 38, and US 64. While the stunning landscape has always drawn people, its designation as a National Forest Scenic Byway officially recognized its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities. It traverses landscapes shaped by ancient geology, Native American history, Spanish colonization, and the Wild West's mining booms.

Why It's a Must-See/Do

The Enchanted Circle is a must-experience drive for anyone visiting Northern New Mexico for several compelling reasons:

1. Breathtaking Scenery: The route offers continuous, jaw-dropping mountain vistas, deep forests, vast valleys, and sparkling lakes (like Eagle Nest Lake). Every season brings a different kind of beauty, from snow-covered peaks in winter and lush green forests in summer to the spectacular golden aspens in the fall.
2. Charming Mountain Towns: Each town along the circle has its own unique character:
   • Taos: A world-renowned art colony with historic adobe architecture, galleries, museums, and the famous Taos Pueblo nearby.
   • Angel Fire: A family-friendly resort town known for skiing, mountain biking, and the poignant Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park.
   • Eagle Nest: Situated beside Eagle Nest Lake, it's a hub for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, with a preserved late-19th-century feel.
   • Red River: A former mining camp turned year-round mountain playground offering skiing, hiking, fishing, ATV trails, and a lively, rustic atmosphere.
   • Questa: A quieter village known for its traditional Hispanic culture, artist studios, and access to the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
3. Year-Round Recreation: Whether you're into skiing and snowboarding in winter (at Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, or Red River Ski Area), hiking and mountain biking in summer, fishing and boating on Eagle Nest Lake, or simply enjoying a scenic drive any time of year, the Enchanted Circle provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventure.
4. Cultural Immersion: From the ancient history of Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage site just off the main loop) to the Hispanic heritage in Questa and the artistic vibe of Taos, the circle offers glimpses into the rich cultural tapestry of Northern New Mexico.

Driving the loop itself takes about 2-3 hours without stops, but you could easily spend several days exploring the towns, trails, and attractions along the way. It's a perfect route for a leisurely road trip. (Self-promotion suggestion: You could mention checking Expedia for lodging options in Taos, Angel Fire, or Red River, or Viator for potential tours originating from Taos.)

5 Things Most People Don't Know About the Enchanted Circle

1. It Skirts a Supervolcano: Much of the region, including parts of the Enchanted Circle, lies within the footprint of the Questa Caldera, an ancient supervolcano that collapsed millions of years ago, shaping the dramatic landscape seen today.
2. Highest Point on the Byway: While it circles New Mexico's highest peak (Wheeler Peak), the highest point you actually drive on the paved Byway itself is Bobcat Pass on NM 38, reaching an elevation of 9,820 feet between Red River and Eagle Nest.
3. Literary Connection: Just north of Taos, near San Cristobal (a short detour off the main loop), lies the D.H. Lawrence Ranch and Memorial. The famed author of "Lady Chatterley's Lover" spent time here in the 1920s and is buried at the memorial site.
4. The Ghost of Elizabethtown: Near Angel Fire, you can find remnants and the cemetery of Elizabethtown (or "E-Town"). Once the territorial capital and a booming gold rush town in the 1860s-70s with thousands of residents, it's now essentially a ghost town, a stark reminder of the area's mining past.
5. Not Just Aspens: While famous for fall colors, the forests within the circle contain five different species of spruce and fir trees, contributing to the diverse ecosystems and providing varied habitats for wildlife like elk, mule deer, black bears, and bighorn sheep (especially near the Rio Grande Gorge).

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