Hop In Your Car And Take Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway For An Incredible 83-Mile Scenic Drive In New Mexico
Now that the temperatures are feeling a little more bearable around the state, it’s the perfect time to head out for a drive with the windows down. Not sure where to head? If you are located in northern New Mexico, one easy day trip is along the Enchanted Circle.
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The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is an approximately 83-mile route that circles around Wheeler Peak starting in Taos.
This first portion of the drive is approximately an hour long and you'll love the quiet and quaint atmosphere of these mountain towns. Nearby, you can visit Eagle Rock Lake, the confluence of Red River and the Rio Grande, and modest eateries.
From there, you'll drive to Eagle Nest and Angel Fire, which takes approximately 45 minutes to drive through.
A few sights to see on this curvy portion of the drive include Eagle Nest State Park and its accompanying lake, the striking Vietnam Veterans Memorial sitting just outside Angel Fire, and the rustic Angel Fire Resort.
The final stretch of the drive will take you back to Taos and up to Taos Ski Valley, totaling an additional hour of driving.
You can opt to stop in Taos where you can grab a bite to eat at The Love Apple or La Cueva Cafe. Or take the half-hour drive up to Taos Ski Valley for some gorgeous views from the mountaintop and a chance to ride the ski lift.
If you've driven this byway, what are your favorite sights and stops?
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
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