Scenic Drives | Enchanted Circle
85 mile circular route starting in Taos, NM. 2–3 hours
This drive begins in Taos, NM, perhaps after you have already taken the High Road to Taos scenic drive up. If you are not already in Taos then taking US 84/285 up from Santa Fe then SR 68 from Española will get you there quicker, about 1.5 hours.
From the Taos plaza head north on State Route 68/ US 64. About 4 miles out of town you'll come to the blinking light intersection. However, there is no longer a blinking traffic light here but the locals rember there used to be one so they have no problem telling people that they need to head to the blinking light interesection. Oy! Fortunately, there isn't anything else in the area except this well marked intersection and its modern traffic light. The Enchanted Circle drive continues straight through this intersection, now on State Route 522. But this is a good place to turn left and follow US 64 7 miles to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The bridge passes over the Rio Grande gorge and will give you some amazing views of the river as well as sweeping vistas of the northern Colorado plateau and the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Back to the Enchanted Circle dirve: Continue north along SR 522 for about 20 miles until you come to the village of Questa. The Enchanted Cirlce drive continues east along State Route 38 in Questa, so turn right onto SR 38. After 12 miles you will be in Red River, a ski and summer resort town. SR 38 continues in a southeasterly direction for another 17 miles to Eagle Nest, another popular ski town. The lake here is also popular fishing spot. From Eagle Nest turn west (right) onto US 64 and head back to Taos, about 32 miles from this point.
Points of Interest
Millicent Rogers Museum
This museum features a fantastic representation of northern New Mexiccan art. It opened in 1956 with the core of the museum’s collection coming from the estate of Millicent Rogers, a prodigious collector who did much to foster the art and crafts of the region. She collected most of her works during the 1940s. Displays include Native American textiles, basketry, jewelry, and paintings.
Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
Just north of the village of Questa, State Route 378 leads west, through the village of Cerro, to the Rio Grande Wild River Recreation Area — 8 miles west of SR 522. The recreation area includes the Rio Grande Gorge. This area has fine scenery and striking geological features, in addition to ancient petroglyphs. The recreation sites managed by the B.L.M., include a visitor center, campground, and picnic area. You can look into the gorge from viewpoints or hike down to the river level.
Red River Resort
Red River is a popular ski town and summer recreation area. They run the ski lifts in summer to allow visitors easy access to the moutain peaks for hiking, picnicing and for the fantastic views.
Eagle Nest Lake
Constructed in 1918 by ranchers Charles and Frank Springer for irrigation, Eagle Nest Lake offers anglers excellent oppertunities for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon fishing. In the winter this is also a popular ski destination. Elk, bear, mule deer and the occassional bald eagle are regularly seen in the area.
Angel Fire
Another ski resort town that serves a dual role as summer recreation spot. River rafting is popular here in the summer months as well as horseback riding, camping and fishing.
