The most popular tour in northern New Mexico is the Enchanted Circle. This Scenic Byway circles Wheeler Peak, the tallest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet. Throughout the drive, you will see some of the oldest rocks in the Southwest, including quartz and feldspar. Some of these date back as far as two billion years. Look for the special Enchanted Circle markers on the road to help guide you. As you travel through, stop and have a bite to eat or enjoy the views from each little enchanting town.
Red River, NM
Staying at a Reservation Unlimited property gives you a great starting point for driving the Enchanted Circle. Stop by Yesterday’s Diner for breakfast before you start your journey through the Enchanted Circle scenic byway. Order the Yosemite Sam Huevos Rancheros or the breakfast burrito with red or green chilis. One of the best ways to enjoy your time in Red River is through horseback riding. At Red River Stables you can ride a horse through the Sangre De Cristo mountains of Northern New Mexico just like it was done over one hundred years ago. As you begin your drive around and through the Enchanted Circle, be on the lookout for wildlife such as elk, deer, and even turkey, depending on the time of year you visit.
Eagle Nest, NM
As you drive into Eagle Nest, you will see Eagle Nest Lake State Park. At 8,200 feet elevation, this state park offers a cool retreat from the summer heat for fishermen, boaters, and hikers alike. The lake is regularly stocked with trout and salmon but is also a good spot for Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. Ice fishing is also allowed during the winter months! Originally named Therma, Eagle Nest is a great place to pan for gold if you have time during your day trip! The Eagle Nest Lake is also where the polar plunge takes place every year in January, as well as an ice fishing tournament!
Angel Fire, NM
This area of the Enchanted Forest has an interesting history as it is the youngest of the villages. Driving over the Palo Flechado Pass is the highlight of Angel Fire. As you travel over the 9,101-foot Palo Flechado Pass and down into the Canyon of the Rio Fernando de Taos, enjoy the enchanting scenery. You may even want to stop for a picnic or explore one of the many trails in that area. Pack your golf clubs and book a tee time at Angel Fire Resort Golf Course. Tee off at 8,600 feet on the par 72, 18-hole mountain golf course. Hole #6 places the golfer 200 vertical feet above the green! We promise that you have never seen anything like this in your past golfing tee times!
Taos, NM
You must visit Taos Pueblo to really experience this town. This area is the only living Native American community designated to both a Heritage Site UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The buildings you see here have been inhabited for over 1,000 years. If you are planning to visit this area be sure to check their website for tour days and times! There is so much to Taos and it will take you more than a day to tour this city, so be sure to plan other days here.
Questa, NM
Rio Grande del Norte National Museum is a must-see and explore in our neighboring city of Questa. Thanks to the input from the local community, ranchers, small business owners, and people across Northern New Mexico, this area is now part of the National Conservation Lands. Making it a national monument protects the heritage of this region’s diverse Hispanic and Native American communities. Another stop you can make, especially if you have kids, is The Red River Fish Hatchery, which offers free self-guided tours of the show pond and several trout raceways.
Start your adventure today by booking a property with Reservations Unlimited. Begin planning your trip and be sure to include a day to drive the Enchanted Circle It’s something you don’t want to miss out on! If you really want to dive into our little mountain towns, consider geocaching in the area. There is really no telling where you will go and what you will find.
