Looking for a reason to get out of the house this weekend? If a day trip through New Mexico’s enchanting scenery sounds like your idea of a fantastic afternoon, then you’ll want to check out one of the state’s lovely scenic byways.

Considering it is autumn, one perfect way to enjoy the chilling temperatures is by taking in all the lovely fall foliage. For that, we suggest taking a joy ride on New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive any time of year but seeing the vivid fall foliage this time of year makes this trip even more splendid.
Mark Seymour/Flickr
The byway loops 85 miles around the Taos Mountains and will take you almost exactly two hours to complete, making it a perfect day trip.
Before you hit the road, take a moment to appreciate the fall foliage in Taos.
Rainer Hiller/Google
You’ll catch a glimpse of fall around the plaza, with tree leaves beginning to glow yellow and orange.
From here, you’ll travel north on Highway 64 to Highway 522 towards Arroyo Hondo and Questa.
jim_mckenzie/Flickr
Don’t worry about getting lost! Sign markers along the road will help lead the way.
Eventually, you’ll end up in Questa, another tiny town sitting just at the base of the Taos Mountains.
sarowen/Flickr
Here, you’ll spot Flag Mountain towering over the town along with a host of trees. If you want to stop, take a short breather by visiting St. Anthony Catholic Church, which has been lovingly restored to its 1840s glory, or grab a burger at Wildcat’s Den.
The drive starts to get more mountainous from here as you travel into Carson National Forest and Red River.
Nicholas Peña
Campgrounds and gulches are scattered along the highway which follows the Red River. Eventually, you’ll get to the resort mountain town of the same name. If you opt to stop, there are plenty of diners, cafes, and shops to spend an hour or so in the afternoon.

Our suggestion? Enjoy a hearty meal at Shotgun Willie’s, where you can enjoy a delicious down-home breakfast or lunch. Or, if you want something just a smidgen more fancy, grab a bite at Yesterday’s Diner just up the street.

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From Red River, you’ll drive through other mountain communities: Elizabethtown, Eagle Nest, and near Angel Fire.
Marla Hawkins/Google
The number of places to pull over to enjoy the views are endless!
Brian Talbot/Flickr
Eventually, you'll make it back into Taos, concluding this portion of the scenic byway.
Robert Dees/Flickr
If those views just weren't enough, however, you can extend your trip by traveling up to Taos Pueblo and into the Taos Ski Valley.
mksfca/Flickr
Google Maps

Ready to embark on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway? You can find the route on Google Maps by clicking here, which will have you begin the journey at Taos Plaza. If you’ve already had the opportunity to take a drive here, we would love to hear your experience and suggestions!

There are plenty of other fantastic places around New Mexico to see the vivid fall colors! Read about some of our favorite locations in Fall Is Here And These Are The 7 Best Places To See The Changing Leaves In New Mexico.

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North Plaza, N Plaza, Taos, NM 87571, USA